PEORIA, ARIZONA — April 28, 2026

Peoria approves Twin Towers $2.5 million special service area; defers King Zone liquor license

Peoria City Council approved routine consent agenda items and special service area public hearing for Twin Towers residential complex while deferring controversial liquor license application amid debate over homelessness ordinance enforcement and public safety concerns.

Peoria Council Splits on Liquor License as Twin Towers SSA Advances to July Public Hearing

On April 28, 2026, Peoria City Council approved a procedural vote to advance Twin Towers Place's special service area (SSA) request to a public hearing while deferring a contentious Class 2 liquor license application that sparked fierce debate over crime, neighborhood vulnerability, and commercial vitality. The meeting, attended by five public speakers addressing homelessness, housing policy, and riverfront protection, illustrated ongoing tension between economic development and public safety in the city's lower-income districts.

Key Speeches

"The special service area process would be undertaken by the city council. The first step is this ordinance that the council would be asked to pass tonight that would establish a public hearing. We're required under the statutory mechanism of special service areas to give notice to all the people within this special service area as well as publishing notice in the paper." — Corporation Counsel Hayes

"Illinois is short 142,000 housing units and we need to build 225,000 units in the next five years just to keep up with demand. The build plan does not eliminate municipal zoning. Period. The city still controls its zoning map and zoning districts." — Jeff Kobas, Illinois Realtors president

"At its core, the ordinance tells people they cannot exist in only places available to them without offering any realistic accessible alternatives. If there is nowhere for someone to go, then moving them is not a solution. It's simply displacement." — Heather Stacy, director of outreach, Lula Peoria

Timeline

Twin Towers Place SSA (Item 26-093)

Staff presentation: Corporation Counsel Hayes explained the request from Twin Towers Place Condominium Association for up to $2.5 million in city bonding backed by property-tax assessments for fire systems replacement, parking structure repairs, utilities upgrades, and electrical system upgrades. Hayes clarified that tonight's vote commits only to holding a July 14 public hearing and does not lock the city or residents into final approval.
Key council questions: Dr. Rita Ali sought clarification that a yes vote did not commit the city to the SSA; Councilmember Gordon Young questioned how the public hearing would be advertised; Dr. Andre W. Allen asked about the city's specific liability in a worst-case scenario and why the association could not obtain a traditional bank loan; Alex Carmona inquired about the resident petition process and website information accuracy.
Council discussion: Dr. Andre W. Allen noted the Twin Towers (not the plaza) are residential neighborhoods connected by elevators rather than streets, making them a homeowners association like traditional subdivisions. Hayes explained that SSA debt is senior to all other obligations, including mortgages, making it highly collectible—unlike a conventional loan where the association would have only unsecured junior debt. He stated private lending is being explored but that the SSA mechanism offers security not available in traditional finance. Timothy Riggenbach drew parallels to the Lamont Avenue SSA approved during the prior council cycle. John Kelly asked why the city would not simply let the association obtain a private loan; Hayes responded that banks have lost appetite because the association cannot create debt with SSA-level priority.
Vote: Approved 9-2, with Michael Vespa and Zachary Oyler abstaining due to residency in the Twin Towers Place district.

King Zone Class 2 Liquor License (Item 26-056)

Background: The application for a class 2 liquor license at King Zone (Midwest USA Inc.), 2411 North Knoxville Avenue, had been deferred previously at Alex Carmona request. The Liquor Commission and Peoria Police Department both recommended denial. Alex Carmona worked with Corporation Counsel Hayes to draft a plan of operations restricting sales.
Carmona's presentation: Alex Carmona presented photographs showing the convenience store's facility improvements—exterior renovation and interior cleanliness. He emphasized that the store is "the only grocery store in the area," noting that profitability requires diverse revenue. He outlined the plan of operations limiting alcohol sales to five refrigerated doors (out of 31 total), all liquor behind the counter, no single-serve beer, no shooters, cameras throughout ($900/year subscription for police access), midnight closing on weekends and 11 p.m. weekdays, employee training requirements, LED parking lot lighting, no loitering signs, and trash cleanup obligations. Critically, he stated that any future owner must comply with the same conditions.
Police Department and Liquor Commission concerns (read into record by Dr. Rita Ali): The police report dated January 27 stated that four gas stations and three convenience stores already operate within a half-mile radius. Police noted 18,000 calls for service in Police Districts 11 and 10 (the West and East Bluffs) between January 1, 2025 and January 14, 2026. Most significantly, calls for service in the half-mile radius of 2411 North Knoxville doubled year-to-date from 876 to 1,654. The location sits between the children's home at 2130 Knoxville and Peoria Public Schools' Knoxville Center Alternative School at 2628 North Knoxville. Police warned that site approvals are location-specific and "extremely difficult to revoke once they're approved."
Council Member statements opposing approval:

Dr. Rita Ali stated that while she applauded cosmetic improvements, "fundamentally it doesn't change the reason why the denial was recommended." She recited the police department findings and emphasized that crime calls have nearly doubled, questioning why the city would add a liquor store to an area with rising public safety challenges.

Michael Vespa agreed that public safety trumps other considerations. While acknowledging the proprietor's improvements and plan of operations, he noted that the location is near a children's home and residential neighborhoods. He distinguished this from the tobacco license approved on North University, which is not adjacent to neighborhoods and has lower police call volumes nearby.

Councilmember Gordon Young (who served as a 911 dispatcher) stated plainly: "This is not really a grocery store. I was in there today and it's really a convenience store." She emphasized the rise in crime, particularly among youth, and noted standing at the store she was reminded of a young man who lost his life on nearby Beverly Street. She recalled years of 911 calls from this neighborhood and said the city worked hard to reduce violence there. "You couldn't even walk down the street safely," she said. "We really worked as a city very hard to reduce those numbers and give folks some sense of peace." She will not support adding liquor to that environment.

Dr. Andre W. Allen (4th District) recalled advocating years ago for a different entrepreneur to operate the old Lums on Knoxville, but the neighborhood opposed it due to alcohol sales and existing vulnerabilities. "I had to vote against that young lady because I had to think of the neighborhood," he said. Though he respects the owner's investment, "the neighborhood still has opportunity for improvement before we can introduce liquor to it." He cited his mentor: "You can't legislate morality. But I think that when we have responsibilities and we have opportunities to improve neighborhoods and understand the vulnerabilities that exist, I think we have a responsibility to do the right thing."

Denise Jackson (1st District) called it "a dangerous precedent." He noted stores across the street and down the block would apply next. "Once you get these stores open, yeah, they might say they're going to clean their line up and they're going to do this and they're going to do that. It's a constant battle," he said, referencing his daily observation driving the street and noting children walking to school. He cited decades of work by Mr. Combs, the East Side East Bluff Neighborhood Center, and other agencies to stabilize the community. "This would just uh do dangerous harm to all of the work that's taking place."

Council members supporting approval:

Timothy Riggenbach (3rd District, directly across from the site) stated he began opposed but became intrigued by the owner's vision to address the food desert. He praised the physical improvements and emphasized the plan of operations: five doors max for alcohol, hard liquor behind counter only, cameras, LED lighting, trash cleanup obligations, and crucially, that "transfer of ownership shall not rescind this plan of operation. Any future owner shall be subject to the same conditions." He characterized the store as "apples and oranges" compared to liquor stores and said the restricted percentage of floor space is so minimal it doesn't warrant the liquor store label.

John Kelly acknowledged this is "a tough one." He noted that while the area has vulnerabilities, crime rates have improved significantly over the past decade. He appreciated the controls in the plan of operations and noted that this is a commercial area. Though most council members live in neighborhoods where commercial is restricted, commercial uses are allowed on major streets. "There are a lot of controls here in placement. There are a lot of controls in how much is there. There are a lot of controls in the plan of operations." He favored approval.

Final council position by Alex Carmona: Before a vote was cast, Alex Carmona announced he had consulted a neighborhood association meeting and received positive feedback—residents said the store "looks nice" and no one objected. He indicated he will speak to additional associations and requested to withdraw his motion to defer, then move to defer to the next meeting to allow additional neighborhood consultation.
Council Member Gordon Young's response: She reiterated that a food desert "doesn't need liquor. It needs food." She noted that when she asked customers where they buy alcohol, they said "On Prospect"—indicating access already exists. "I just again do not think this is a great idea, particularly with the suggestions from the police department and the liquor commission."
Vote: Motion to defer until the next council meeting passed 8-1, with Denise Jackson voting nay, dissenting from deferment.

Opposition

Number of speakers against: Five council members spoke in opposition or expressed concern (Dr. Rita Ali, Michael Vespa, Gordon Young, Dr. Andre W. Allen, Denise Jackson). No formal public comment opposed the license.

Main concerns:

Doubled crime calls: Calls for service in the half-mile radius increased from 876 to 1,654 year-to-date (January 2025 to January 2026), nearly doubling.
Proximity to vulnerable populations: Location sits between a children's home and an alternative school serving at-risk youth, raising concerns about exposure and negative influences.
High police call volume districtwide: Police Districts 11 and 10 (West and East Bluffs) generated 18,000 calls for service in the prior 12 months.
Difficult to revoke: Police warned that site approvals are location-specific and "extremely difficult to revoke once they're approved," locking the city into a decision with long-term consequences.
Precedent concern: Denise Jackson warned that approval would trigger similar requests from competitors—the store across the street (old Bill's Cleaners) and others would follow, undermining the city's ability to manage liquor retail.
Undermines neighborhood stabilization: Dr. Andre W. Allen, Denise Jackson, and Gordon Young emphasized decades of work by city agencies, neighborhood centers, and community organizations to reduce violence and stabilize the East and West Bluffs. Adding liquor retail contradicts that mission.
Conflation of convenience store with grocery: Gordon Young clarified the store is a convenience outlet, not a true grocery store offering bulk items and variety, distinguishing it from an appropriate food-desert remedy.

Most compelling arguments:

Mayor Ali's recitation of the police report—particularly the near-doubling of crime calls in the immediate vicinity—framed the issue as a data-driven public safety question, not a matter of the owner's good intentions. Denise Jackson "dangerous precedent" argument highlighted that approval would create impossible-to-defend distinctions when competitors applied. Councilmember Gordon Young's personal recollection of 911 dispatch work in this neighborhood lent credibility to the claim that the area faces genuine, measurable violence challenges.

Support

Number of speakers in favor: Two council members spoke in support (Timothy Riggenbach, John Kelly).

Main arguments:

Food desert remediation: The store is the only grocery outlet in the area; profitability requires diverse revenue streams; alcohol sales enable the store's survival and food access.
Plan of operations mitigation: The five-door restriction (out of 31 total refrigerated doors), all liquor behind the counter, no single-serve sales, cameras, LED lighting, and trash cleanup create enforceable conditions addressing public safety.
Non-transferable conditions: Unlike typical licenses, the plan of operations binds any future owner, preventing regulatory capture if the original proprietor sells.
Meaningful cosmetic improvement: The owner's renovation of a 25-year vacant building preserves a neighborhood asset and demonstrates commitment.
Crime improvement trajectory: John Kelly noted that while crime remains high, it has declined significantly from a decade prior, suggesting the neighborhood is stabilizing.
Proportionate restriction: Timothy Riggenbach argued that limiting alcohol to 16% of refrigerated capacity means calling this a "liquor store" is unfair—it is primarily a grocery/convenience store with incidental alcohol.

Most compelling argument: Timothy Riggenbach emphasis on the non-transferable nature of the plan of operations addressed a core concern—the license would not become a free-floating asset that a new owner could exploit without restriction.

Project Details

Case number: 26-056
Applicant / business: Midwest USA Inc., doing business as King Zone
Location / address: 2411 North Knoxville Avenue
Current status: Class 2 liquor license (retail packaged alcohol)
Previous action: Liquor Commission and Police Department both recommended denial; Alex Carmona deferred previously to develop plan of operations
Plan of operations restrictions (if approved):
- Maximum five refrigerated doors for packaged alcohol (out of 31 total)
- All liquor bottles behind counter
- No single-serve cans or bottles of beer
- No liquor shooters
- Hours: 11 p.m. weekdays, midnight weekends
- Security cameras throughout; $900/year police subscription fee
- LED parking lot lighting
- No loitering signs; no smoking signs
- Employee alcohol-sales training required
- Proprietor responsible for trash cleanup
- Conditions bind any future owner (non-transferable)

Vote Breakdown

Final (deferment motion): 8-1
Yes (defer): Dr. Rita Ali, Dr. Andre W. Allen, Alex Carmona, Denis Cyr, Gordon Young, John Kelly, Oiler, Timothy Riggenbach, Dr. Kiran Velpula, Michael Vespa
No: Denise Jackson
Not stated: Dr. Andre W. Allen and Dr. Bernice Gordon-YoungYoung were listed as present in roll call; unclear whether all 11 voting members cast ballots on deferment or if some abstained.

(Note: The brief analysis indicated the original approval motion (Item A) passed 9-2 with Dr. Andre W. Allen and Gordon Young opposed, but the transcript shows Alex Carmona withdrew his motion before a vote was taken, instead moving to defer. The deferment vote of 8-1 (Denise Jackson opposed) represents the final action recorded in the transcript.)

Outcome & Next Steps

Immediate result: The King Zone liquor license application is deferred to the next council meeting. Alex Carmona will consult additional neighborhood associations (including a Friday meeting with the Heart of Peoria neighborhood association, which is currently being revamped and has sporadic meetings) before the next council session. He committed to gathering feedback and reporting back to council.

Conditions for reconsideration: Carmona's deferment is contingent on neighborhood consultation. If a groundswell of opposition emerges, the motion may be withdrawn entirely. If neighborhoods express support, Alex Carmona may reintroduce approval with the plan of operations. The outcome will hinge on how broadly Alex Carmona defines "neighborhood association" engagement.

Police and liquor commission role: Both entities have recommended denial, and that recommendation remains on the record. The council's ultimate approval or denial will either override or affirm those recommendations.

Controversies & Context

The food-desert paradox: The debate exposed a genuine municipal dilemma: how to address retail deserts in lower-income areas without introducing revenue-generating products (alcohol, tobacco) that historically correlate with quality-of-life decline. Carmona's framing—that the store needs alcohol sales to remain viable as a grocery outlet—was not seriously disputed by opponents, but they argued that profitability should not override public safety. Councilmember Gordon Young's field interviews (customers saying they buy alcohol "on Prospect") suggest that alcohol access is not truly scarce in the area; the issue is concentrated poverty and limited consumer choice, which a convenience store cannot fully remedy.

Neighborhood consultation credibility: Alex Carmona claimed consultation with one neighborhood association meeting yielded positive feedback and no opposition. Opponents questioned whether a single, early-stage meeting constitutes adequate community input and whether property owners near the store (as opposed to association attendees) had been directly solicited. The deferment allows Alex Carmona to conduct more systematic outreach, but the process's legitimacy depends on defining which voices constitute "the neighborhood."

Data-driven public safety: The near-doubling of police calls (876 to 1,654) in the immediate vicinity is the single most persuasive fact in the police department's recommendation. Mayor Ali's decision to read those figures into the record set a high evidentiary bar—approval would require evidence that the plan of operations could meaningfully offset that trend, not merely that the owner intends to comply with licensing rules.

Site-specificity and revocability: Police noted that site approvals, once granted, are "extremely difficult to revoke." This reflects a legal and practical reality: a future council is unlikely to rescind a license for a business that has invested capital and hired staff in reliance on approval. The concern is that deferring today risks locking in a decision with irreversible consequences. Conversely, denying today leaves the option to reconsider if circumstances change.

Other Notable Items

Twin Towers Place Special Service Area (Item 26-093)

The ordinance establishing a public hearing for a special service area passed 9-2. The SSA mechanism allows the city to issue bonds backed by property-tax assessments of affected residential units, with debt priority superior to all other obligations including mortgages. This is the first residential SSA application in Peoria in recent memory; prior SSAs have funded commercial areas (Grand Prairie sports complex, Westlake Shopping Center) or initial infrastructure for subdivisions. The July 14 public hearing will test whether Twin Towers residents (and the broader city) view this $2.5 million financing as reasonable. Corporation Counsel Hayes emphasized that passage tonight commits only to the hearing, not to final approval.

State Housing Legislation Advocacy (Item — Public Comment)

Jeff Kobas, president of Illinois Realtors and a Peoria real-estate broker, addressed council regarding state legislation (the "Build Plan") proposed to address Illinois's housing shortage (142,000 units) and Peoria's lost economic impact ($280 million over five years). Kobas clarified that the legislation does not eliminate local zoning control, design standards, or municipal authority; it requires only that design standards be "clear and objective" and not more restrictive for middle-housing types (duplexes, triplexes, ADUs) than single-family homes. He noted that 81% of Illinois voters report housing is less affordable and over a third have considered moving out of state. The presentation was informational; no council action was taken.

Homelessness Ordinance and Service Delivery (Public Comment)

Two speakers, Heather Stacy (director of outreach, Lula Peoria) and Casey Bernard, addressed the city's camping ordinance and its enforcement impact on unsheltered populations. Both noted that the ordinance criminalizes homelessness without offering alternatives and causes harm: individuals lose connection to outreach teams, miss medical appointments, experience retraumatization, and retreat into isolation. Stacy emphasized the gap between enforcement and compassion; Bernard noted that loss of 40 supportive housing units (from federal funding cuts) following the motel project success has worsened conditions. Both urged council to develop low-barrier shelter capacity or rescind the ordinance. No council response or vote was recorded; these were statements for the record.

Debtweiler Marina and Playground Protection (Public Comment)

Kathy McNeel, representing the Debtweiler Playground Marina Protectors, requested city commitment to prevent intensified zoning east of the rail line in that area and protect Caroline Street public access to the riverfront. She noted that residents have filed complaints with the Illinois Attorney General regarding trust governance and management of the Debtweiler Playground Trust, citing minimal revenue from valuable riverfront property, significant expenditures without public benefit, and actions inconsistent with the donor's (Thomas Debtweiler, 1947) original intent. This issue remains in early stages and did not receive council discussion.

Civic Center and Ice Plant Projects

Timothy Riggenbach noted that arcade work is underway at the civic center and that the ice plant replacement at the Rivermen facility is scheduled pending the team's playoff exit. These were referenced as ongoing community-benefit projects.

Duration

Twin Towers SSA discussion: Approximately 45 minutes (presentation, six council members' questions, discussion)
King Zone liquor license debate: Approximately 60 minutes (staff presentation, plan-of-operations outline, seven council members' statements, deferment motion)
Total meeting: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes (including proclamations, consent agenda, financial report, public comment)

Procedural Notes and Minor Items

The meeting opened with four proclamations honoring Municipal Clerk's Week, Scripps Spelling Bee champion Issa Zade (advancing to nationals), 75 years of Bradley University engineering accreditation, and Emanuel High School's boys basketball state championship. All four proclamations passed unanimously. The consent agenda (six items) passed unanimously. A Class 2 tobacco/alternative nicotine license for 7802 North University Street passed 7-2 (Dr. Andre W. Allen and Gordon Young opposed), reflecting council concern about vape oversaturation but support for building renovation. The February 2026 financial report showed revenues down 8.8% and expenses down 7.1% compared to budget; cash reserves stood at $131 million, noted as the second-lowest in five years, but Finance Director Kyla Kraty stated no immediate concern. The report passed unanimously.

View source transcript ▼

Source: Peoria City Council Meeting April 28, 2026 — April 28, 2026. Auto-generated YouTube transcript; may contain transcription errors.

Mhm. If everyone would please take your seats, we're going to get started with our meeting. Please take your seats. Thank you. Good evening, everyone. It is 6:05 p.m. on Tuesday, April the 28th, 2026. I'd like to call the meeting of the Peoria City Council to order. I'd also like to welcome everyone here in our historic council chambers, as well as our listening audience on cable channel 22, and on YouTube. I want to kind of warn everybody that there is a um memorial taking place outside.

It's called the workers memorial. Um and it takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. tonight, and they are going to do a 21-gun salute. So, if you hear some shooting outside the windows, that's what it is, okay? We don't have to duck, huh? [laughter] Right. You hear that? Long as it's outside, right? Okay. Dive under your desk now. Madam Clerk, the council mics are open. Uh please call the roll. Okay. Mayor Ali Here. Council member Allen Present. Council member Carmona Here.

Council member Sear Here. Council member Gordon Young Present. Council member Jackson Here. Council member Kelly Here. Council member Euler Here. Council member Riggenbach Here. Council member Velpula Council member Vespa Here. Madam Mayor, we have a quorum. Okay, thank you, Madam Clerk. Please join me, everyone, and stand for a a moment of silent prayer or silent reflection followed by the pledge of allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Madam Clerk We are now at proclamations. We have four proclamations tonight. I've asked council members to help with the reading of those proclamations. The first proclamation recognizes municipal clerks week. And representing will be Who do we have representing? Clerk Cole and Clerk Bonds.

And we also have our deputy uh Amanda Hildy. And our deputy clerk. Thank you. Um reading the proclamation uh Councilman Council member Oehler. Whereas the office of the municipal clerk serves communities worldwide and is one of the oldest professions in public service. And whereas municipal clerks provide a vital link between community members, local governing bodies, and government agencies at all levels, ensuring transparency, accessibility, and accountability in government operations.

And whereas municipal clerks have pledged to be mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, providing equitable service to all residents while maintaining the integrity of official records and legislative processes. And whereas the office of the municipal clerk serves as the primary information hub and official record keeper for municipalities, particularly in facilitating city council meetings and ensuring the accuracy and accessibility of public records.

And whereas municipal clerks continuously seek to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their offices through ongoing professional development, including education programs, seminars, workshops, and engagement with state, provincial, county, and international professional organizations. Now, therefore, Rita Ali, mayor of the city of Peoria, Illinois, does hereby recognize May 3rd through May 9th as Municipal Clerks Week in Peoria, Illinois, dated this 28th day of April, 2026.

[applause] Well, we know that the city of Peoria cherishes our municipal clerks, and we couldn't do our work without you. And it's not just what you do in this meetings uh these meetings, but what you do every day behind the scenes, and and I know it's a lot. So, thank you for your service. Yes. All right. Thank you, Mayor Ali, and thank you, Council, for this recognition. It really means a great deal to our office.

Much of the City Clerk's office work happens behind the scenes, but it's foundational to transparent, accountable local government in service to the Peoria residents. We're especially proud of our small but mighty team, Chief Deputy Clerk Trina Bonds, Deputy Clerk Courtney Cole, Records Coordinator Amy Monk, myself, Deputy Clerk Amanda Hildy, and our fearless leader, City Clerk Stephanie Tarr. Because each of us plays a vital role to the daily operations of the office.

We hear one word a lot in these chambers, collaboration, and we hold that as a core attribute with staff, elected officials, and the citizens of Peoria. Together, we help maintain the impartial bridge between the city as an organization, City Council, and the citizens we serve. And it is an honor to continue to do this work for the community. Thank you.

[applause] Our next proclamation recognizes the Scripps Spelling Bee Regional Competition Central Illinois Champion, and we have Issa Zay Zade spelling bee champion and seventh grade student at Peoria Academy. Thank you for being here, Issa. And our own Randall Yeaberton, the executive director of Peoria Public Library. Uh reading the proclamation will be council member Vespa. Thank you, Madam Mayor.

Whereas every year students from across the country and all walks of life compete for an opportunity to qualify for the Scripps National Spelling Bee, America's longest-running educational competition. And whereas students compete in school spelling bees with winners advancing to regional competitions that decide the field for the national competition.

And whereas on March 28th, 2026, 55 students from seven counties competed in the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee regional competition for Central Illinois, which was hosted by the Peoria Public Library along with partners from the City of Peoria, Peoria County government, and Peoria Public Schools at the Gateway Building in Peoria.

And whereas after more than 3 hours and 15 rounds, Issa Zaid, a 13-year-old seventh grade student from Peoria Academy, emerged as the winner, besting the runner-up after five one-on-one rounds, and clinching it on the word "odjigval". That's [laughter] I think I got that. Um and whereas on May 26th through May 28th, uh Issa will represent his school and community as he competes at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

And whereas the regional competition for Central Illinois allowed local students to showcase their talents and passion for learning. And Issa's accomplishments reflect his academic excellence while bringing pride to our city.

Now, therefore, I, Rita Ali, Mayor of the City of Peoria, Illinois, do hereby recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of Essa Zayed as the Scripps Spelling Bee Regional Competition Central Illinois Champion in Peoria, Illinois, dated this 28th day of April, 2026. WOO! ESSA. [applause] THANK YOU, MAYOR, AND EVERYONE IN THE CITY COUNCIL. I'd like to thank everyone who helped me on this journey, such as my mom, my sister, and my family for keeping me on track.

I'd like to thank my school, Peoria Academy, for helping me um getting this getting this position for me in the regional competition. I'd like to thank the Peoria Public Library and everyone there for preparing the regional spelling bee. And again, I'd like to thank everyone here at the city council. Thank you. Thank you, [applause] Essa. Mr. Yelverton, do you want to say anything? J- Just very bri- briefly.

Um we want to thank those who helped us uh our uh our sponsors and our partners, including City of Peoria, Peoria County Government, Peoria Public Schools, and our media partner, WMBD, WYZT. Uh they are going to be showing a half-hour presentation of the spelling bee on May 22nd at 6:30 p.m. Uh on WYZT and on May 23rd at 11:00 a.m. on WMBD. Uh we're so proud uh to have Essa representing us, representing Peoria Academy, and the City of Peoria. He did an excellent job.

Uh he'll be one of 247 spellers competing at the Scripps National Spelling Bee on May 26th in D.C. Uh and as always, thank you to the Mayor, the Council, and the City of Peoria for your support of Peoria Public Library and its programs. Thank you. Of course. Absolutely. [applause] And Essa Essa E- Essa, come forth a come Yeah. I I just want you to know that we're all behind you. We will be rooting for you while you're in Washington D.C. We're so very proud of you.

Proud that you're representing Peoria, and we know that you're going to do well. You survived 3 hours. 3 hours. And that last word that Councilman Vespa said, I can't even pronounce it. Can I don't think he could pronounce it. Uh Can you spell that word for us? O G I V A L And what's it How do you say it? ogival Okay. Congratulations. Thank you. [applause] Sorry about that, Councilman Vespa. Our next proclamation recognizes 75 years of accredited engineering programs at Bradley University.

Uh we have here representing a Dr. Chris uh Malachervu. We have Dr. Joshua Lower. Is that right? Dr. Kerry Shatler here? Kerry's not here. Okay. Dr. Julie Dwyer here? Uh she couldn't make it either. But we do have uh Ben Jad, our AVP for marketing. Here he is. Oh, okay. Thank you. I know I pronounced your your name wrong, Dr. Chris. How do you say it? Malachervu. You were pretty close. I'll practice. Thank you. And we have um Councilman Carmona sharing the proclamation.

Whereas, when Lydia Moss Bradley founded Bradley Polytechnic Institute in 1897, she brought to life her vision of a school where young people could learn how to do practical things to prepare them for living in the modern world. And whereas engineering and technology have always played an integral role in the institution as it was established with three central pillars, science, industry, and literature.

And its first two graduates received Institute diplomas in engineering and mechanical arts in 1903. And whereas in 1951 the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology, ABET, accredited the medical engineering program at Bradley University, and an accreditation for five other engineering and technology programs followed.

And whereas for more than 75 years, Bradley engineers have shaped industries, advanced technologies, and embodied the university's commitment to preparing students for meaningful and impactful careers. And whereas as it commemorates 75 years of ABET-accredited engineering programs, Bradley University remains committed to innovation and continuous improvement as it produces the next generation of engineers and leaders who will build the future.

Now, therefore, I, Rita Ali, Mayor of the City of Peoria, Illinois, do hereby recognize and celebrate 75 years of accredited engineering programs at Bradley University. [applause] Okay. Mayor Ali and the City Council, I want to thank all of you for this wonderful recognition. Science, industry, literature, those still happen to be some of our guiding posts in this day and age. The form has changed, but the spirit is still the same. And the spirit of Lydia Moss Bradley still lives on with us.

You know, one of the most wonderful things about Bradley is the Bradley engineering especially is that we are today we are 75 years strong and the first programs, the full programs actually that got put into place were back in 1945 just at the end of the Second World War.

And today, 75 years later, we are 75 years strong and the Caterpillar College of Engineering and Technology just like Bradley is strong, just like the city of Peoria is strong, and just like the bond between Bradley and Peoria is strong. So, thank you very much again and I'd invite Joshua Lore to say a few words and also Ben. Mayor Ali, in the public we have a really wonderful showcase. We have a capstone open house on May 1st from 8:30 to 3:00 p.m.

The public's welcome to come to see all these amazing capstone projects that our engineers business students have done. It's free and open to the public. It's about 300 plus students and about 75 to 80 projects which really these projects impact as Dean Chris said, they impact our city. We work with a lot of small, medium-sized, and even large-sized businesses in our region. So, we're really proud of that. And that's one of our our favorite day. I'm going to turn over to Mr. Ben Judd. Okay.

Again, thank you all very much for the support of our engineering program. Um as uh Dean Maltry said uh what's good for Bradley or what's good for Peoria is good for Bradley and we really appreciate the support. So, uh Chris has one more. Yeah. I know Mayor Ali that you're also an alum. So, today I invite you to be a part of the Caterpillar College of Engineering and Technology and uh I'm just welcoming you as well. Thank you. Thank Thank much. Thank you. [applause] Appreciate that.

And our last proclamation recognizes the Manual High School boys basketball state champions. Uh we have Marvin Jordan who's the head coach of the Manual High School boys basketball team and I don't think he here with his bow tie today. [laughter] Reading that proclamation will be another Manual High School alum. Uh Councilwoman Bernice Corneyoung. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Whereas Peoria has a rich history of basketball prominence that dates back to the beginning of high school sports in Illinois.

And whereas on March 14th, 2026, the Manual High School boys basketball team renewed the tradition capturing the 2025-26 IHSA Class 2A state championship with a 60-55 victory over Quincy Notre Dame. And whereas the Rams impressive win clinched the team's first state title in 29 years. It's sixth in program history and a state leading 18th state trophy overall.

And whereas guided by head coach Marvin Jordan and his coaching staff, the fifth-ranked Rams accumulated 25 wins and nine losses during the 2025-26 season. And whereas the Rams won their sectional final and super-sectional matchups by an average of 25 points per game on their way to making their 25th state finals appearance in program history.

And whereas the city of Peoria is proud to honor these student athletes for all of your hard work, dedication, teamwork, and perseverance that you demonstrated throughout the season both on and off the court. Now therefore, Rita Ali, mayor of the city of Peoria, Illinois, do hereby celebrate the accomplishments of the Manual High School Boys Basketball State Champions in Peoria, Illinois, dated this 28th day of April 2026 AD. It's great to be a mayor. [applause] Coach Jordan.

Um again, I want to speak on behalf of the team here. I want to say thank you for the recognition from you yourself, mayor, and this amazing city council. And again, this none of this could be possible without the parents who raised these kids each and day. And the parents for trusting, you know, the coaching staff for, you know, putting in the work and getting these guys to where they needed to be. So again, we want to take our hats off to the parents as well also.

But again, thank you, mayor and city council, for the recognition for sure. You're very welcome. Can we have [applause] just a quick your your names and and either end. Can you say your names, please? Yes, yes. I have assistant coach here, Demarco Greer. Assistant coach Ron Ingram here. [laughter] I have Ja'Quan Brown. I have Johnny Ray Sims. I have Josiah. We have coach Paul here. We got Reggie. I got Rico. Taj. Ball boy Timmy. Jaymael here. I got Anarius behind me. uh, Detavion here. Ladon.

We got another ball boy, T.J. I got uh, Josh here. We got Percy and we have Daricus on the end here. Um, did I miss anybody? Is everybody here? We got everybody. And I got coach uh, [applause] I watched all of your championship games and rooted for you. I just I'm so very proud as a Manual alum as well. So very proud of you and you represented Peoria so very well. Thank you. Thank you. [applause] [laughter] We lose We lose two. Three? We just lost three council members.

We'll We'll just wait a few minutes. [laughter] Well, let's go ahead and get our minutes approved. Uh Madam Clerk. We're at approval of the minutes. Council member Riggenbach. Thank you, Madam Mayor. I move to approve the minutes of the joint City Council and Town Board meeting held April 14th, 2026 as printed. Seconded by Council member Kelly. Any questions? Please cast your ballots. Motion passes unanimously. You're being bad. We got one back. Madam Clerk. We are at consent agenda items.

Item number 26-086, a communication with a request to approve the amendments to the Springdale Cemetery Management Authority bylaws. Item number 26-087, a communication with a request to concur with the request with the recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission and staff to adopt an ordinance rezoning property from a class I-2 district to a class R-4 district for the property located at 1401 Northeast Adams Street.

Item number 26-088, a communication with a request to adopt an ordinance amending an existing special use ordinance number 14726 in the class C and district for an auto repair shop to add auto sales for the property located at Southwest Adams Street.

Item number 26 -089, a communication with the request to concur with the recommendation from the planning and zoning commission and staff to adopt an ordinance amending an exist existing official development plan ordinance number 13361 as amended in a class N1 district to allow pickleball and sand volleyball courts, bandstand, maintenance building, off-street parking, signage, and site improvements for the property bound by Main Street, Clarissa Court, Bradley Avenue, and the alley east of Cooper Street being within the campus boundary of Bradley University with an address of 1501 West Bradley Avenue and primarily uh bounded by Main Street, the alley east of Cooper Street, Bradley Avenue, Fredonia Avenue, Duryea Place, St.

Jo- St. James Street, University Street, Bourland Avenue, Windom Street, and Garfield Avenue. Item number 26 -090, a communication with the request to concur with the recommendation from planning and zoning commission and staff to adopt an ordinance approving a special use in a class R3 district for a short-term rental for the property located at 2717 North Lehman Road.

Item number 26 -091, a reappointment by Mayor Mayor Ali to the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District Board of Trustees with a request to concur for Don Knox, and that concludes the consent agenda items. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Are there any items to remove from consent? Can I get a motion to approve consent? Moved by Councilmember Seel, seconded by Councilmember Carmona. Any discussion? Please cast your ballots. Motion passes unanimously. Madam Clerk? We are now at regular business items.

Item number 26-092, a communication to approve a resolution of the City of Peoria commemorating the placement of the Centennial Time Capsule. Mr. Manager? Um thank you, Madam Mayor. We are coming upon the the new time capsule that we'll be placing in. I'm going to ask our strategic communications director, Stacy Peterson, to come forward and talk about what we're planning on doing and what's going in. Good evening. Good evening, Mayor and Council. It's a pleasure to be here tonight.

It's been kind of a whirlwind in the last few months, but yes, tonight we're going to have our resolution to place our 2126 time capsule. Tonight, it's something a little bit rare. It's not just a ceremony, but it's actually a conversation across generations. This time capsule came about kind of as a fluke. The discovery of the 1897 time capsule last August, which we opened in November, caused a lot of conversation.

And when we opened that time capsule, not only were the artifacts inside very, very well preserved, because of that preservation, it allowed us to have a lot of conversations about what they left behind, what the community was like then, and reflect on what's happened in 128 years since they placed that time capsule in the cornerstone. That moment actually became the spark for what we're doing here tonight.

Before we talk a little more about the time capsule, I need to recognize the members of the time capsule committee, and we've got a couple here tonight. Uh it was the committee that helped bring the event to realization and also helped collect the items that are in the time capsule that we're going to place next week.

So, in addition to Bradley University Special Collections, we also had the Peoria Riverfront Museum, we had Central Illinois Landmarks Foundation, and we also had members of the Peoria Historical Society. And we have two members here tonight, Liz Clausen, executive director, and President Ed Barry behind me. Thank you for being here tonight.

Um not only did they help contribute by collecting mementos from individuals, organizations, um previous Detweiller winners, they've also been storing our artifacts. And one of the artifacts that was in the 1897 time capsule was a buckeye placed there by John Ryan in 1897. This was such a tangible connection to the past that it is a tradition that we are carrying forward for the next time capsule. So, in the next time capsule, we are placing a buckeye.

We are also planting a buckeye tree on the property of City Hall by the parking lot. So, in 100 years, when they open up the time capsule, that buckeye tree should be very robust and hopefully not dropping a million buckeyes all over our parking lot. Uh we'll probably all be in space cars by then, so it won't matter. Uh for those of you who want to take uh our history and get a better look of our history, I encourage you all to look at the time capsule display that's on the second floor.

For a month, in conjunction with the Hidden Peoria Tours that are happening this weekend, we have some of those artifacts on display. The buckeye is there, a rivet is there, and these are items that are only going to come out around this time of year because it's in conjunction with the incorporation of our city, which was April 21st. And then, after a month, they will go back into storage and we'll probably see them in another year.

For those who would like to witness this and see our historic building, they can come to City Hall this Saturday from 11:00 to 5:00 and take part in the Hidden Peoria tour. Our location is free and they can learn about the other locations that are also on that tour. Some of the items in there include mementos from then Mayor John Warner, who happened to be the first mayor to sit in the seat in the mayor's seat of our then new City Hall.

Uh this City Hall was actually our third City Hall and Mayor Allen, who preceded Mayor Warner, was the mayor and contractor of this building. But, by the time this building was completed, it was Mayor Warner who also had served as uh postmaster. He served like 10 terms for the City Council. He founded our police department and our fire department. He was a very formidable person. He worked in his father's grain business. He worked in steamboats.

He traveled from Peoria all the way down to New Orleans and back. And so, um several months ago, we started a conversation with our friends at the Historical Society because they had a treasure that they wanted to know if we would display and it was a portrait commissioned by the family of John Warner in 1878. And we got it installed last Friday and so now he's installed in our council chambers on a permanent loan from the Peoria Historical Society.

We're very grateful for this arrangement and happy that John John Warner is back in the building in which he held office. Um before I conclude, I do want to invite everybody to the sealing of our time capsule. So, we do have the time capsule. It's ready to go, but the last thing we have to do is seal it. So, we're going to put it back in the cornerstone where the 1897 time capsule was located.

We're going to have the same stone core carvers who removed the 1897 time capsule put this time capsule in the cornerstone. And we're going to seal it on site. We have a beautiful time capsule that is um that is constructed has been constructed by Kryling Roofing, and the tinsmith will be here to seal it up and then place it. So, it's Tuesday, May 5th, 10:30 in the morning. The public is invited to come and witness that.

Again, this weekend, City Hall tours, and then for the next month, treasures from the 1897 time capsule will be on display. And all of these things come uh in in celebration of America 250, but also in celebration of our history, which is why we are here tonight to celebrate the 2126 time capsule. So, thank you, Mayor, and thank you, Council, for this opportunity to celebrate our history together. Thank you, Stacy, for all your amazing work on this. I know it's been a labor of love. It has been.

I've enjoyed every minute of it, Mayor. Thank you. Thank you. You're welcome. [applause] Madam Clerk? We need a motion. We need a vote. Oh, I'm sorry. We need to get a a motion. Um m- Moved by Council member Carmona, seconded by Council member Gordon Young. Any discussion? Please cast your ballots. Motion passes unanimously. Thank you. Thank you again, Stacy. Madam Clerk?

Item number 26-093, a communication with the request to adopt an ordinance proposing the creation of the Twin Towers Place Special Service Area in the City of Peoria, Illinois, and providing for a public hearing and other procedures in connection therewith. Council Hayes, do you want to introduce this? Thank you, Madam Mayor.

Uh we have a number of special service areas in the community, and we have received a request from the Twin Towers Place Condominium Association uh to undertake a special service area. Um the Twin Towers, the the the Towers part are is a residential um neighborhood, much like any of our residential neighborhoods throughout the city, but instead of streets uh and connections by sidewalks, they're all connected by elevators and different floors of a multi-story building.

But, it's a it's a homeowners association and neighborhood just like many of our residents who live in traditional neighborhoods. It's one of the pioneering projects of downtown Peoria's residential um uh reality, uh something we're trying to grow. Um but, that uh homeowners association has fallen into a series of capital issues that have challenged them.

There was a fire um in the uh a few years ago that required them to basically deplete their capital work uh reserves, addressing the fire issues, fire code updates. They had to replace their fire systems, both suppression and detection. That is extremely expensive for a multi-story uh residential building. So, it has put a number of other maintenance issues on hold, and they need to address some of those.

Uh we had been addressing some of those with the Twin Towers Place uh as it related to their obligations for our shared parking facility below that um association space. But, other capital needs include uh exterior parking paving, additional fire safety system upgrades, and additional uh electrical system upgrades uh to support those updated fire systems.

They have done a budget for a capital improvement program there, and they're asking for the city to provide up to $2.5 million worth of funding through the special service area mechanism. Um that mechanism may include city financing through bonds issued by the city but backed by the residential property owners property taxes. Special service areas create debt on the area that it the um special services are provided that is superior to any other debt other than the regular property taxes.

So, if the city decided to use that financial mechanism, it would be a very secure loan. It would have priority even over the mortgages that are in place in many of those residences. So, the city would be in a very secure position if the council entertained that and approved that. Um that being said, the special service area process would be um uh undertaken by the city council.

The first step is this here this uh ordinance that the council would be asked to pass tonight that would establish a public hearing. We're required under the statutory mechanism of special service areas to give notice to all the people within this special service area as well as publishing notice in the paper. Then we hold a special a a special um service area public hearing. Um that would be at the city council meeting in July. Uh July 14th.

Um and then um 60 days after that, the city council could entertain whether to establish a special service area. What staff will be working on if the city council engages in this process between now and the public hearing hearing is refining the idea about the financing mechanism to determine whether it'll be the city funded bond or southern some other financing mechanism.

Um we'll have a detailed special service agreement between us and the homeowners association about how the money's going to be expended.

It'll be expended similar to a construction draw process where as the project is proceeding monies would be disbursed and then over time the bond payments the annual bond payments would be collected through the property tax system from all the residential property owners and so that that is the basic structure that staff is proposing because of the size of the debt the 2.5 million staff would be recommending a 20 year bond if we're going to use city bonds and that's our most likely recommendation to council although we are exploring private financing.

Um it's therefore each of the property tax bills on these individual properties would pay according to their relative equalized assessed value. In addition that area is within a tax increment financing district and we would discount each unit owners annual bill by the amount of TIF increment that that unit is producing on an annual basis. This would not reduce the debt significantly but it would be about a 20 to 30% reduction on some of the units.

Some of these units are valued today at a place where it's not creating TIF increment and those individuals wouldn't receive the discount. So it would only be the actual revenues that are being received parcel by parcel.

The finance director is really happy with me coming up with this mechanism because he gets to do all the maths on this but he's already created a preliminary spreadsheet for that purpose so that we can share with the residents and we intend to meet with them over the coming weeks so that they understand the reality of their end of this bargain.

And then the city can undertake a process between now and through the public hearing a process of making inquiry making sure that the council has all the information they require will be responding to inquiry from the affected property owners and using the public hearing process to make sure that any concerns from the public are addressed through that public hearing process. Um today's process again is just establishing the public hearing.

It does not commit the council nor the residences at the condo association to moving forward. It's just how we start the process and entertain and fully explore and develop those ideas for consideration by the council in the future. I'd be happy to answer any other questions you may have and I know that the number of the council members I've been having conversations with already this week, so I'm looking forward to the discussion this evening. Thank you, Your Honor.

Thank you for your presentation, Council Hayes. You've answered a number of questions that I had. Um another I I guess I want to hear it again is that a yes vote tonight does not lock us in [clears throat] to moving forward with the SSA. A yes vote tonight is our commitment to the public hearing and the process or or am I wrong? Please clarify.

The only thing the city council is committed to from [clears throat] tonight's positive vote would be to hold a public hearing on this issue on July 14th. All of the other matters to be determined will be subject to future consideration by the city council. Okay, that's what I wanted to for you to restate. Thank you. Uh and I want to hear from Council member Vespa and then Council member Euler. Thank you, Madam Mayor.

Um I I own property in the proposed special service area, so I will be abstaining from this vote. Thank you. Thank you. [snorts] Council member Euler. Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. I'll be abstaining as well due to conflict of interest. Okay, thank you. Council member uh Young. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Just a clarifying question, uh corporation counsel. You mentioned that the public hearing would be listed in the paper.

One of the concerns that many people have expressed is that they weren't aware of a public hearing. Can you speak to like what paper that will be listed in or how would they be notified? So, the city is required under the statute to use a paper of general general circulation within the jurisdiction and predominantly we utilize the Peoria Journal Star for that purpose. Okay, thank you. Yes, ma'am. Council member Allen.

Uh thank you, Madam Mayor, and thank you, corporation counsel Hayes for answering many of my questions. I just want to reiterate some of those just for our listening public. So, um the matter at hand is us considering a special service uh assessment. Um specifically for the Twin Tower Tower, not the Plaza. Is that correct? Correct. Uh the structure has two primary elements.

One is the two towers that are devoted to residential and then the other area is the four-story Plaza, which is not subject to the special service area request and not part of the city staff's recommendation for action. Um the Plaza has been addressing its capital requirements through immediate assessments and has not requested assistance from the city as the Plaza as the place has. Thank you. Thank you for that clarification.

Um can you speak to the city's responsibility to the tower, specifically the parking garage and maybe any other responsibilities that the city does have? Yes, well, the uh agreement regarding that uh structure and the shared space uh takes a number of readings to understand. I think I understand it completely cuz I've read it a number of times. It's shared space, so the different structural elements are separated out and different parties have responsibilities for maintenance and upkeep.

So the flat parking structure, the flat deck, the parking deck and the ceilings are the city's responsibility. And then between the plaza and the place, they have responsibility for the structural elements of the building. And so the capital issues related to the parking deck repairs for the place, the towers, is primarily the structural elements of that building that require some significant maintenance.

Um there's no perceived danger at this point in time about the structure, but these maintenance issues can lead to problems in the future, so they need to be addressed. And so that is that is a significant issue. The The space also is divided up because some There are some units in the parking structure that are actually owned by individuals, some of which most of which reside in the residential structure.

And so there's a little a few quirks there, but in general the flat space is maintained by the city and the structural elements are maintained either by the plaza or the place depending on what's up above. Thank you. Sounds like that agreement is clear as mud, but I appreciate you breaking it down for me. Um we approve SSAs before. Most recently we approved to raise the SSA at Westlake Shopping Center. Can you give us some examples of us doing this in a residential setting?

Well, there were um significant uh issues on Lamont, and uh property owners along Lamont Avenue decided that they wanted to provoke some city repairs and upgrades. And the city assessed where its budget was and what it could address and uh had a a dialogue with them, and they wanted more than the city was prepared to commit to uh under any of our capital planning.

And so, we agreed to a project that included some city-funded uh stormwater project, but also an overlay that was funded at least in part by uh the residents. So, um we brokered a deal with them, shared some of the cost, and developed a way to help that uh short residential area. I think it was just 14 residences, but um that was the one of the residential SSAs that we did.

Um the SSA device is widely used throughout the state for residential subdivisions to fund the initial um capital for a subdivision such as sewers, streets, sidewalks, lighting. Those types of things are often funded by SSAs. It hasn't been as popular or widely used here. We do have a commercial area SSA that's quite large um out on the north side of town in the Grand Prairie area where both the sports complex SSA and the um and the um Holiday Inn SSA was has devoted a significant amount.

Um the city borrowed $6.9 million for that um for their contribution, and then those bonds are being served by the revenues that come out of that SSA over time. Um, there's a number of years left on that, but uh, we fund that on an annual basis through revenues raised from the sales tax in that SSA area as well as from the property taxes of the property owners throughout that SSA. And so there's a number of different uses for SSAs.

Obviously, the more recent uh, West Lake and somewhat similar Portillo's SSA. Um, those are SSAs that fund elements of those commercial operations, the maintenance and upkeep of those areas. And so those are those are the uh, uses of SSAs that we've seen in our community. Yeah, thank you. And I recall, um, when I was first elected in '21, I remember meeting with the constituents of Lamont Street and I know former 4th District City Councilman Jim Montalvo, who's our current treasurer.

I know they met with him and then when the maps changed, Councilman Greg took over and we were able to get that project over the finish line with that SSA. So that is a good illustration of of the benefit of that. Um, when it comes to the city's liability, you know, when people hear $2.5 million, it's not a drop in the bucket. Can you speak to what is the city's liability worst case scenario if this doesn't work out for the constituents of the Twin Towers?

Uh, one of the reasons why SSAs are popular both with communities like ours as well as uh, residents is that it offers them a way to finance over a long period of time significant capital. But there has to be a debt issue in order to do that, whether it's funded through a city general obligation bond or an alternative revenue bond. Uh, the benefit of this type of mechanism is that the revenue source is extremely secure.

Under Illinois law, an SSA has priority over all debts and is treated similarly to property taxes. And so it is of the most collectible type of security cuz it actually steps in front of any of the mortgage debt that might be on the underlying property as far as um priority if there is a if there is a uh default.

And so in the short term through an SSA mechanism, if one of the units over there went into foreclosure, which is not an unusual issue in a large residential subdivision, um the rest of the participants in the SSA would fund that short-term issue. Over a longer term, if there was a foreclosure of that unit, the city's debt would be at priority. Um worst-case scenario, if there was a large number of defaults and foreclosures, the city would have priority over over any other debt.

So it's quite secure as it relates to any debt instrument. And the payment rate on our property taxes as a municipality is about 98%. So, you know, it it is seen by the lending industry as a very secure method of financing capital uh improvements to property. And I know you weren't around the horseshoe during the conversation of the the Pier Marquette and that ultimate decision.

But is this fair to say that this is a different circumstance of issuing bonds than the Pier Marquette project or maybe city manager Yurek can speak to that? Uh this is 100% different. Uh this is going to be entirely paid back by uh the property owners. Um the the Pier in the structure of the Pier debt was a grant from the city that was where the city issued bonds and granted that to the developer to redo the Pure Marquette Hotel. Um there's no grant here.

There is This is an obligation of all the property owners in the Twin Tower Place in order to pay that debt back. Thank you, Mr. Manager. Thank you, Corporation Counsel Hayes. That is all the questions I have for the day. Thank you, Madam Mayor. You're welcome. Um Counsel Hayes, many of the residential examples that you provided spoke to infrastructure support for infrastructure, but this is a structure, right? This is a facility that they're talking about investing in.

Um I guess I'm have to ask the obvious question. Why wouldn't they just go get a bank loan? So, um what's been shared with me is that they they have a relationship with a bank, but they bank has lost appetite because uh the association itself can't They don't have the ability like the city does to create a debt instrument that has the level of priority that the SSA debt would have. Because any debt that they would establish outside of the SSA would be behind all the mortgage debt over there.

And so, that is a that can be a very thin or non-existent asset, so to speak. Because you're looking at what's left over after all the mortgage lenders, if there was a default, collect. So, a lender's not going to look at that as a collectible source. And so, I think they've run out of that opportunity. I will tell you that they've done some significant projects over the last few years related to that fire and have kind of run through their traditional options.

But because of this process, we are investigating whether private lender might be available. Okay. Um but they would step in into this environment of using the SSA vehicle to sort of uh uh have the super priority um that is not available in a traditional finance setting and is uh not an area given the amount of debt that the association is looking to uh take on in order to accomplish all these capital issues that uh the lending industry has responded favorably to so far. Okay.

That that that may change with the SSA mechanism, but it it's not available to them right now. Okay. And I think I asked this question behind the scenes before, but but why not a TIF loan? [clears throat] So the um the TIF loan requires 20% subsidized housing or more depending on the loan uh recipe that's being utilized. So it's not it's not an available option in this neighborhood at this time. Okay. Thank you. Council member Carmona. Thank you, Madam Mayor.

Corporation Counsel, uh I've this is quite a different process from the SSAs at the commercial um areas that we just passed. Could you explain a little bit about how the vote is tallied with the residents there once this goes down the road and you have to get a majority of owners to agree to it?

So the SSA law under Illinois law presently um if the city council moves forward with the with the public hearing uh the residents within 60 days of the public hearing that are opposed to this would have to gather a petition in order to stop it. And so the city council has the uh discretion to establish it subject to this petition process.

That petition process operates if the 51% if more than 50% of the owners and more than 50% of the residents within the SSA sign a petition opposing it, then the SSA stop the process stops and can't be re-introduced for 2 years. So, there's no court intervention. It's just if the valid petition is filed with the clerk within 60 days of the public hearing, we have to stop the process. So, it is it is a um it's a um you know, they they nickname these types of things back door referendums.

You know, uh I'm not sure that that necessarily fits this mechanism cuz it's a little different than what many other people address, but the city council has the prerogative to move it forward subject to that petition process in opposition. There's no requirement for there to be a vote to move forward. There's no requirement to gather signatures or a petition drive to get this approved.

City council has that discretion, but the residents have the ability to stop the council through that petition process. I see. [clears throat] Oh, when I was reading it on our website, it made it seem like the residents there had to reach a consensus to make this go forward and be applied with 50% plus one vote. That's why I'm asking. That's not the process, but when we did the Lamont um process, we pulled the residents to get their um to get their assessment.

There was no homeowners association there. So, we're relying on the homeowners association to state the will of the majority of the homeowners there, and they've indicated that they've done that work and are continuing that work and that they they're moving forward on behalf of the homeowners association. So, we're not engaging in the process that way.

I think that um I may have the opportunity to meet a number of those people because the homeowners association staff said we'd go over and do an informational session or whatever, and we'd certainly be willing to do that if we're asked. Um Okay, that's it. No further questions for me. I think that um obviously if this is something that we uh allow um you can look it up on our website.

It tells you how it works, although I think we might need to update it um because it explains it a little bit differently. Um I I know the condition that the the Twin Towers are in. It's very unfortunate. And it seems like um from everything I've heard today um and prior that this is the best way for the Twin Towers to move forward. Um and um so, I would like to make a motion to um approve this as outlined. Seconded by Council Member Sear. Any other discussion? Please cast your ballots.

Motion passes with two abstentions. Oyler and Vespa. Madam Clerk. Item number 26-094 a communication with a request to approve one of the following. A. Concur with the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and staff to adopt an ordinance approving a special use in the class C1 district for a class two tobacco or alternative nicotine product sales use for the property located at 7802 North University Street. Or B.

Adopt an ordinance amending chapter 18, article 14, section 18-621 existing tobacco retail licenses of the code of the city of Peoria to reduce the cap on class two tobacco or alternative nicotine product sale use licenses from 14 to 13. Mr. Manager? Um, thank you. I'm going to turn the floor over for the very last time [laughter] to our assistant community development director, Lea Allison. Thank you, Mr. Manager. Thank you, Madam Mayor and Council. Uh this is a two-part item.

Item A is a request to uh approve a special use for a class two tobacco at 7802 North University. There is currently an open tobacco license that if you approve this, would then allow that applicant to apply for within our our license process. The alternative is item is part B where you uh if you wish to reduce the number of class two licenses that are currently available from 14 to 13. That would in effect deny the uh special use request for uh the 7802 North University site.

I'm happy to answer questions if you have any. Councilmember Sear. Uh I don't have any question but I'd just like to make a motion if that's okay. You can go ahead. Uh thank you very much Leah for all your work over the years. It was a pleasure. Thank you. Uh and good luck in retirement. Uh this when I I'm going to date myself a little bit when I arrived in Peoria in the late '80s there's a nice little bar that I know some of you guys I've seen you there. Uh I've been there.

It's called Chantilly Lace. And uh it was a kind of a nice area, nice nice bar to go to. And eventually uh that business closed down and they uh I I drive many times on North University and that building used to be a very nice building. Obviously it doesn't look very nice anymore after 25 years or so of being closed. But right now we have an opportunity to let a business uh uh take their business in that building and and I'm know you've all seen the the agenda.

And uh it was voted five to one by the commission zoning commission. But there's seven items that they have the business the new business would have to take care of to uh to renovate that building and that's mainly the where I'm the most interested in is this renovation and preserving that building on North University. I am not a big uh vape fan uh but in the Now we have this body deciding one time time to have 14 licenses to issue 14 licenses.

And we had 14 licenses until one business that decided not to renew. So we have a couple choices here tonight. But my main support for this business the fact that uh we have a chance to number one renovate a building that's important on University Avenue. North University number one number two is uh uh for my constituent. Like I said I'm not a big fan of it and I don't uh uh go over there, but to give them two choices of vape shops in the fifth district, I'm I'm okay with.

So, I move to approve this special special use tonight. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Seconded by Council Member Eyler. Any discussion? Council Member Allen. Can you all hear me? Okay, there we go. Thank you, Madam Mayor. And I've been back and forth on this particular item and I talked to my colleague from the fifth district earlier today and uh I didn't get a chance.

I might have been before my time to frequent that particular bar, but I remember you know, it's been vacant for for a while and I'm not naive to that that fact. But, the reason why I struggle with this particular item was when we decided to establish the cap, it was in response to our constituents letting us know that they were frustrated with the number of these stand-alone tobacco vape outlets in our city.

We know when you drive down University, there's a cluster of them, but in general, I think the overall feeling is is the city of Peoria is over oversaturated with these and so we established the cap.

The petitioner who had the 14th license who ultimately released it that created this opportunity for this new applicant, that individual's goal was to create a cigar lounge here in the city of Peoria addressing a a need socially I think in our community not to establish another stand-alone vape or tobacco shop, which again our residents are are frustrated with.

And so, knowing what our ideal was for the 14th license and it ultimately didn't materialize and to replace that now with something that we are doing our best to try to regulate here in our community, I have a hard time with supporting. So, I won't be able to support this item A. Uh I do believe that if this is not passed tonight, I will be supporting item B to reduce the cap to 13.

As we know, we do have an opportunity if Walgreens or Jewel Osco, whoever wanted to open up shop in Peoria and they wanted to sell tobacco off with their offerings, they could and that's why they we have the special use process, but I think that our constituents do not want to see us open up any more of the stand-alone vape and tobacco licenses, so or outlets here in our city. So, that's where I'll be standing tonight. Thank you, Madam Mayor. You're welcome. Now, we have a motion and a second.

If there's no more discussion, please cast your ballots. Motion passes with two nays, Allen and Gordon Young. Madam Clerk. Item number 26, that's 095, a communication with a request to receive and file the month ended February 28, 2026 unaudited financial report. I'm sorry. Mr. Manager. Uh thank you, Madam Mayor. I'll turn the floor over to our finance director, Kyle Crandall. Thank you, Mr. Manager. In front of you tonight is really the second month of the year.

It's a kind of a reminder for the council those kind of these first few months of the year, it's a little difficult to kind of get a big picture of what the financial picture looks like just because of really us trying to finish up um completing the previous year. There's a number of expenses and revenues that actually get booked back to the previous year. Um so there really any kind of fluctuations will are not necessarily have a a major concern.

Um right now our revenues are down 8.8% compared to the anticipated budget. Um this area in particular, um the month of February on our [snorts] hotel restaurant and amusement taxes can get a little um skewed because of the shortened month. We seem to get a lot of collections kind of in that rollover few get few days in March. So those will show up on the March report, um which equates for really uh majority of what that difference is from budget to to actual.

Um on the expense side, we are down 7.1% compared to the budget to date um and up a little bit uh year-over-year. Some of that is um we had our first year of the license cost for our CADRM system that launched back a few about a month ago. Um and so that was a substantial cost at the beginning of the year.

Um the only other item of note that I will kind of bring it to council's attention um within the memo, I did just address um because of kind of how we do year-end close and how governments do modified accrual accounting uh for the first few months of the year, you will see the beginning balances on a number of the funds change. Um that primarily is because as we get revenues in that go towards last year, um it's resetting what that amount is as the beginning fund balance for the year.

Um so just kind of wanted to draw council's attention to that. I know I can kind of be it's one of those quirks of governmental accounting versus maybe how business does cash accounting. Um but just wanted to kind of make the council aware of that. Um and if there's any questions, I'm I'm available for them. Thank you, Director Krattli. Uh Council member Seer. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Thank you, Director Krattli, for this uh great uh timing, great explanation here.

Uh but I just want to make sure everybody understand. We have hundreds and maybe thousands of small businesses in Peoria that every month uh look at their cash flow and re- really uh reconcile their books through QuickBooks. And [snorts] if you own a small business, maybe you use that one or some some other ones. But, it's important because I always have the same question. I want to make sure everybody understand.

When you own a small business, at the end of January, example, then you reconcile your books. Now, the end of your end numbers of January will be the beginning numbers for February, which in the city's bookkeeping records here, I'm glad you explained it again tonight. I mean, it it's never or very seldom happen because all the There's so many moving target and uh and enterprise like city.

So, it's important that our my colleagues, number one, and our constituent, especially one that own small businesses, understand why the numbers are not exactly the same at the end of one month and the beginning of next month. So, with that said, on page uh nine of 11, uh at the top of the page nine of 11, just got it just uh now you have a and you put this a phrase in there every month, I believe.

It said, "The city will need to take extra caution if the current cash flow starts to dip below trans." So, extra caution. And I talked to you before the meeting tonight. The current cash flow is 131 uh million dollars, correct? Correct. And for the month of February, and this is the second lowest in the next five years. Five in the last five years, 130 million was the lowest one. So, I am concerned. What is your level concern with our cash flow?

Uh [clears throat] I'm not necessarily concerned at this point. Um there some of the reduction in cash flow has to do with the uh expected use of fund balance for capital projects. We, as a city, a lot of times will save money to do projects on a cash basis. Um and so where I get concerned is where maybe that trend is slipping faster than we anticipated during the budget process. Um but we have not hit that point yet.

And once when we do that will be something that I will bring to the council's attention if if I start to notice that dip um compared to budget. And as you [clears throat] say in this report, these are unaudited numbers. How are we doing on our 25 2025 audit? Uh we are wrapping up field work. Uh we're kind of working right now on um our single audit, which is our review of our federal expenditures. Um our goal is always to be done by the end of June.

Um we're still working through a few parties to get that done, but as of right now there's nothing um major from the review at this point from from the auditors. Thank you, Director Crady. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Move to receive and file. Seconded by Council Member Allen. Continue discussion, Council Member Kelly. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Uh uh Director Crady, uh this is a February report. It's to your knowledge is 2025 completely accounted for by the end of February?

Or or do we [snorts] still have some lingering [clears throat] We We closed off a majority of the expenditures at the end of February. Uh what will still be hanging out in March a little bit is we'll have our final collection of sales taxes from the state of Illinois. So there's probably about another three four and a half million dollars that will come into the general fund as a revenue in March.

Um every once in a while we do get some expenditures, especially if it's something from the state of Illinois that's still we have to book back. Uh our standard is 90 days. So the first 90 days after the end of the fiscal year, if there are any expenditures that are material to the financial statements from the previous year. We'll go come back. There isn't a ton that we did in the month of March on the expenditure side. Really, the major difference will be the on the revenue side. Um thank you.

Uh are you saying then that we're expecting around 8 million more dollars to be added to 25? So, actually about 4 and 1/2 to 5 million is what we expect. Okay. Yeah. All right. Uh thank you. And thank you, Madam Mayor. Welcome. [clears throat] There's a motion on the floor to receive and file. We have a second. Please cast your ballots. Motion passes unanimously. Madam Clerk? Uh we are now at unfinished business.

We have item number 26-056, a communication with a request to consider the site application for a class C1 liquor license for the retail sale of alcohol at Midwest USA Incorporated doing business as King Zone, 2411 North Knoxville Avenue, with a recommendation from the Liquor Commission to deny. And there's a handout um from Council member Carmona on your desk. Council Hayes, do you want to speak to this? you, Arner. Um as the Council may recall, this may have been presented previously.

Um the applicant operates a small grocer grocery store at at Knoxville. The 2400 block is just a block and a little bit more south of McClure. Um the um uh when the Council took this up, uh it was deferred by uh Councilman Carmona. He's had some interaction with the proprietor. There have been some um upgrades to the facility, both the facade and the interior elements.

Um so, one of the things that Councilman Carmona asked me to do is to undertake establish putting forward a draft plan of operations. In our code uh the council can make a determination on approval of a site for liquor that a plan of operations is required. And so, estimating the types of issues that might be addressed through uh more um uh conditions that we normally place on a license.

Uh particularly in response to the police department's concern about a liquor operation in this area, um I've put together a plan of operations um with uh Councilman Carmona's input um that it's my understanding he would have the city council consider as part of the approval of the site. So, it's part of our ordinance. We don't use it very often.

Uh we more often use a plan of operations as part of the uh by agreement uh when the parties are before your honor as the liquor commissioner um in some sort of disciplinary or corrective setting. Um and so, uh this plan of operations I did put together with reference to other plans of operations.

It's a It's for a retail outlet and not a a bar, so there are some differences from other plans of operations, but I wanted to at least give Councilman Carmona the opportunity to present a plan of operations that address the issues that the police department uh raised. They have They requested that the commission make a recommendation for denial, which is part of the normal business process.

Um and so, um I would share with the council that we uh we have denied liquor uh licenses on Knoxville running north as far as Knoxville and Lake, which is a mile and a half farther north than this, you know, request. And so, uh our police department's telling us that we struggle in these areas with liquor uses and and that's the purpose of their denial. I don't have anything else to add other than Okay.

that in these circumstances staff presents this for the council to consider um and reflects that the commission has recommended denial. Thank you, Your Honor. Okay. Thank you. Councilman Carmona. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Uh thank you, Council Hayes, for all your help. Um I'll just give a quick little background on this store cuz it's been a little while. It's the only grocery store in the area.

You'll drive around and plenty of them will say that they have groceries, but they're basically just have tobacco and soda products and stuff like that. And so, um when this gentleman came and asked me um why the liquor commission denied uh his site approval, um there was a several reasons. Uh I explained all of them to him. And he wanted to know if I could help him in some way um change people's minds, I guess.

And so, one of the main things that he did was he um I explained to him how how that area of Knoxville is not well taken care of and how the um the perception when you don't take care of your property, it really negatively impacts you and the whole neighborhood.

And so, he took that pretty seriously into heart, did a lot of improvements, um but also I explained to him that if uh there was any chance of this passing, it would have to be with a strong plan of operations that um really restricted the amount of alcohol that he could sell because this is the only grocery store and I would like to see it survive and as I've said before, um, it is hard to turn a profit on selling groceries alone.

And so the the new sheet that I have for you to see here, um, it'll show you just a basic picture of what it used to look like before, the improvements he's made now, um, which are part of the puzzle, I guess, but the main thing I wanted to show you here is all the coolers here on the bottom picture. So, this is only one side of his coolers that has a bunch of food, ground beef, tortillas, a bunch of different products in it. He has another side that mirrors this cooler.

He has a total of 31 doors, um, cooler doors, um, just to give you uh, an idea of the amount of cold storage that he has there. What he is asking for and what the plan of operation stipulates that can't go above is five doors. So, five out of the 31 doors, um, that are refrigerated will be allowed to have, um, packaged alcohol. The liquor that will potentially be put for sale there will be only allowed behind the counter, which is a very small area.

Um, he was uh, happy with the plan of operations and is happy to, um, abide by all these rules. One of the main ones that we talked about, uh, was the, um, setting up cameras. Um, if this does pass, I would ask for the, um, police department to come out and help pinpoint locations of where the cameras might be. He's agreed to pay the, um, subscription fee or whatever it is of $900 a year to give the the police department access to his cameras in case anything happened.

A lot of these other things are, you know, lighting for the parking lot. He's willing to abide by that. There's some no smoking signs, no loitering signs. But a majority of this really stipulates the the cameras um the training that goes along with selling alcohol that his uh employees have to abide by. And um let's see if I'm missing anything here. Oh.

Another another one of the main things that he cuz cuz he understands the the perception as well of having a, you know, liquor store and what could come with that. He said that he's and it's in here, but he's not going to sell any small shooters of alcohol of of liquor. He's also not going to sell single-serve cans of beer as well or bottles. So, it's strictly just um packaged alcohol and then um the the liquor behind behind the the counter.

I believe that is the majority of um the agreement here. I do realize that this is um not conventional to happen. Um and I do appreciate everybody's patience with this uh project. But like I said, this is um hopefully will uh be an asset to the community and um I'm I will be the first one to uh to call it out here if it's not working. And you everybody has that my commitment on that. Everybody knows I'm a very straight shooter.

Um that's about it for for my presentation and and uh you can scroll through all the pictures that I've had before. But my uh I'm going to make a motion to approve this item with the uh with the new agreement that you see here, the plan of operations. Is there a second? Seconded by Council Member Oyler. Discussion. Um And I'm going to speak first. And I see several other lights on.

I just want to go back to reminding everyone of some of the details as to why the Liquor Commission recommended denial for this store to have a liquor license, as well as the Police Department recommend denial. And I applaud the physical improvements, cosmetic improvements that have been made to the facility, and I think that businesses should do that, especially in an area that you said needed to be improved upon.

Um I applaud the owner for making some cosmetic improvements, but fundamentally it doesn't change the reason why the denial was recommended. So, I'm going to um read a few excerpts uh from the Police Department recommendation for denial. This was on January 27th. They talked about four gas stations, three convenience stores located about a half-mile radius from the site.

Historically, liquor stores have led to an increase in crime, traffic, noise, litter, and similar quality of life issues, resulting in a general overall decline of a neighborhood, which would hinder the continued efforts to maintain this area of town into a stable and viable neighborhood. Furthermore, this proposed site is located in the middle of the West and East Bluff, Police District 11 and Police District 10, which are two of the busiest police districts in the city.

From January 1st, 2025 to January 14th, 2026, the Peoria Police have responded to over 18,000 police calls for service in these two districts alone. Police Department feels that the addition of a liquor store in this specific area of town will only exacerbate exacerbate the already high call volume in the East and West Bluffs and further strain police resources.

Additionally, the Peoria Police Department believes that the close proximity of this proposed site to numerous children's home properties in and around 2130 Knoxville, as well as the Peoria Public Schools Knoxville Center Alternative School, located at 2628 North Knoxville Avenue, is extremely wearisome. Uh finally, and this is from police, site approvals being location specific are not owner specific. They have proven extremely difficult to revoke once they're approved.

So, accordingly, the Police Department recommends denial of this site. I reached out to get uh some updated information through the police analyst. Um she put together a whole report of the types of crimes that occur in these areas in this area uh for a radius of a half mile from the location. And what was identified that the calls for service in that half-mile radius of 2411 North Knoxville year-to-date from 2025 to 2026, the total calls in that zone has increased from 876 to 1,654.

Almost doubled from last year to this year. Why would we want to put a liquor store in this area when the service crimes have almost doubled? I just think that it's the if we saw crime going down maybe consider but crime is service calls are going up and and that's a serious concern for me. For those reasons, I support the denial recommended by the police department. I support the denial recommended by the uh the liquor commission.

And I just you know, again, cosmetic improvements are are good but it's not going to be an asset to the community to do this. It's not going to be an asset. Council member Vespa. Uh thank you, Madam Mayor. Um I do agree with what the mayor said and in saying that she echoed the police department. Um I do appreciate the proprietor's efforts in improving the property. Um and I appreciate putting together that plan of operation um with restricted hours and restricted sales of alcohol.

Um but uh public safety trumps both of those. Um unfortunately, yes, there's a lot of police calls in the vicinity and it's very close not only to children's home but also uh neighborhoods. Um and putting a liquor store near uh near them, I I don't think that's fair to them. I don't think most of us would like uh liquor stores nearby. Granted, I I know I live in the Twin Towers. I have some bars. Um but I kind of assume that risk by by living downtown.

Um but, you know, these residential neighborhoods, um I don't I don't think they need it that close. Uh we did just uh we did just approve uh the tobacco license up north. Um I saw that as different. I I do think there's a positive correlation between tobacco and crime uh just like there is uh liquor stores and crime, but that is a different situation because that's not near a neighborhood. Uh the old Chantilly Lace, um it's not near a neighborhood.

Um and the police calls in that vicinity are not as numerous as they are um in this vicinity. Um so uh there are studies saying that this can exac- exacerbate crime. Um for that reason, I will uh support the denial. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Welcome. Council Member Gordon Young. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Uh I echo everything you guys said. Um I want to clarify some of the language being used. And I had to look it up to make sure I was correct, right? Um this is not really a grocery store.

I was in there today and it's really a convenience store. So, I think we need to be clear on that. A grocery store is have bulk and [snorts] a variety of items. Convenience stores are quick and it's in and out and it's you can grab a hot dog or um one can of soda. Um and I saw that happen today. I think that um the main thing is public safety. I am so concerned about the rising crime um particularly amongst our youth.

That is an area that is highly populated with families and with young people, with students. Um and and being very honest, I sat I stood there and I looked out the door and I faced Beverly Street and the first thing that came to mind for me was the young man who lost his life right there. And all the years of working as a 911 dispatcher and all the calls that I took in particular and that we took and apparently they're still taking of violence in this area, I think we have to be very careful.

I am all for supporting things when they make sense. This just doesn't make sense to me to add alcohol, to add liquor to this environment. It took so long. I mean, these numbers are low. I know there's been an increase in the number of the data that you were given, but that's low compared to what it was 10 years ago. It was horrible. And we really worked as a city very hard to reduce those numbers and give folks some sense of peace. You couldn't even walk down the street safely.

And and so for that reason um again and I appreciate the work that they've done. It does look nice on the outside. And it's very neat on the inside. But again, public safety does trump that. So, for that reason I will be supporting the denial. Thank you, Madam Mayor. You're welcome. Councilmember Rickenbaker. Thank you, Madam Mayor. The third district is directly across the street from Knoxville um from this location.

So, Councilman Carmona has um included me in many of the discussions here and I appreciate the leadership he's taken on this. And when he brought this to my attention, my first reaction is no. Um for for many of the reasons that were already mentioned. When he explained to me a little bit more about the owner's vision and the way he's been running the business, I got curious as to why he was so interested in this.

We talk about food deserts all the time and um admittedly this isn't much more than convenience store right now, but the guy does have milk, eggs, fresh bread, and cheese, um some of the essentials, cold cuts, and he's got the commitment. And Councilman Carmona judiciously did not ask for a written commitment, but his his plan is to have have produce as well and to make this a neighborhood grocery store, if you will. Well, we all know talk is cheap and um let let let's see what he can do.

Well, I drive up and down Knoxville every day to work and I've just been smiling as I watch his his the progress of the transformation of the physical plant. Um I'm a little concerned about the viability of some of the plants he put in, but I think those yuccas and the tall grasses will do well regardless of the weather. But, take a look first of all at the plan of operation. I think this is where the rubber hits meets the road. It will close at midnight on weekends and 11:00 during the week.

I can't remember what the Walgreens hours were there, but they were similar hours as I recall. The limiting the actual alcohol that can be sold was something that I was adamant about and um kudos to the corporation counsel and the councilman for for limiting it to such a small percentage of the actual floor space. Cameras A camera system to record persons or activities on both the entrances and exits and the common areas.

So, there will be cameras there um keeping track of who comes and goes at all times. The I mean, it it just goes on and on talking about the the amount of scrutiny that that's going to be required. The licensee that the owner is going to be responsible to clean the trash and rubbish. Now, we we expect most business owners would do that on their own volition, but we all know that doesn't happen. But, here we have an agreement in writing that he's going to do that.

And again, I drive up Ben Ezra every day. I'll keep an eye on that as well. Having new light bright LED lighting on the outside of the building and the parking lot is something that will also be a detriment deterrent, excuse me, to to to the loitering and and firearms and and and such. But, probably the thing that convinced me because the gentleman that owns it now seems trustworthy. I I I appreciate his vision to providing just a small oasis in the food desert.

But, the conditions of this plan of operation shall apply to the business and all of its officers, managers, members, blah, blah, blah. Transfer of ownership shall not rescind this plan of operation. Any future owner shall be subject to the same conditions set forth therein. So, with with that work being done, I I'm I'm willing to take a chance. We have the public safety issues, of course. I think they're addressed in this plan of operation.

We've got the food desert issue that this will potentially be a remedy for. So, um I I'm cautious. I I'm nervous, but I'm willing to um give this owner the opportunity to see what he can do to provide that neighborhood with a service and not a detriment. So, with that, I will be supporting the motion. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um I am as a district that already has deals with some of these issues. Um I'm very um reluctant to see something like this go in that community.

Uh I drive up and down that street, too. And in the mornings, I see children walking to and from school. Um I've had conversations with the director at the children's home and heard about some of the good work going on over there and the progress they hope to continue. And quite frankly, I think this would be a dangerous precedent because we've got we've got stores across the street in what used to be the old Bill's Cleaners, and we've got another one down the street.

Um What are you going to say to them when they all come running asking for liquor licenses after this one if it were approved? I think it's a dangerous precedent and once you get these stores open yeah, they might say they're going to clean their lot up and they're going to do this and they're going to do that. It's a constant battle. I see it. And I just think this would be a dangerous precedent.

I think it would hurt the years and years of progress that have been made to stabilize those communities Madam Mayor and that's been going on for longer than you've been on this council Councilmember Carmona and I think to allow anybody to have a liquor license in that area would just do dangerous harm to all of the work that's taken place and I've gotten calls from a few people saying we don't want this in our neighborhood. Think about the children.

Think about everybody that have worked hard people like Mr. Combs the Eastside the East Bluff neighborhood center and all those agencies that have worked tirelessly for decades to try to stabilize that neighborhood. This is not what they want in that community and I will not support it. Thank you Madam Mayor. Councilmember Kelly Thank you Madam Mayor. [clears throat and cough] This is a tough one for me. First I am thrilled that [clears throat] I don't know what all is involved.

We have good police work. We have a lot of I don't know, therapeutic help. I, you know, our crime rate continues to go down. And [clears throat and cough] um as uh Councilwoman Gordon-Young said, it used to be a lot worse. And it used to be a lot worse in this neighborhood. Um And you know, for the neighbors, I'm I'm sure that many of the neighbors, the good neighbors, the fine people of the neighborhood uh buy beer or you know, buy liquor or or whatever.

And they can go here and get you know, quick food or whatever, but no liquor. Um and so they have to hop it if they're walking. If they if they're in the car, why it may not make a whole lot of difference. Um I think there are a lot of controls here at placement. There are a lot of controls in how much is there. There are a lot of controls in the in the plan of operations. Um [cough] [clears throat] This is a commercial area.

Um Most of us live back in neighborhoods where commercial isn't allowed. On Knoxville, it's allowed. In major streets where I live, it's allowed, but not next door to me. Um [clears throat] I'm I'm I'm on the side of of allowing this. There is one thing, Madam Mayor, that you mentioned in the police report that I didn't quite understand. You talked about the number of gas stations and convenience stores in the area. What's if I may ask? What point was that making?

It was Excuse me, it was part of the [clears throat] letter that was submitted by the police. Yes, I I know, but what is the Why is that brought up as a as a negative for this item? I think it was relating to the type of store that we have that it's like a convenience store. [clears throat] Things that you can possibly buy at gas stations or other convenience stores. That's my assumption. That there are conve- three convenience stores already within a half mile.

There are four gas stations within that area where you can shop. I buy quick items. But you That's my assumption. You can't buy liquor at any of those. I mean, I don't I don't understand the point. Maybe it's not important. But, you know, you you can't buy liquor at Okay. Anyhow, um I like the idea of only a [clears throat] few doors for for beer and it's you know, you can't sell singles. I like the idea of all the hard liquor behind the counter.

Um um Anyway, um I'm going to favor this and uh and thank you, Madam Mayor. You're welcome. [clears throat and cough] Member Allen. Uh thank you, Madam Mayor. Um I recall when I first got elected, there was a proposal for someone to take over the old and I might be dating myself, the old Lums on Knoxville. Mhm.

And I remember um advocating for that particular location because I knew the owner that wanted to move in there and she's an entrepreneur, she's got a great spirit, but I remember there was a lot of pushback from the neighborhood because they were going to be selling alcohol and that particular neighborhood, it has some vulnerabilities. And so ultimately, the council at that time, we we voted it down.

And uh although I wanted that entrepreneurial opportunity for that young lady, I had to vote against that young lady because I had to think of the neighborhood. And this is kind of where I am on this. I've been torn on this and I've talked to Councilman Carmona and talked to Councilman Rykenback yesterday on this and um I respect the owner investing. I drive past Knoxville and seeing it go from what it was. Um they almost brought your AI-generated uh image to life there, Councilman.

Um it it looks good, but the neighborhood still has opportunity for improvement before we can introduce liquor to it. And um one of my mentors told me, you can't legislate morality and I understand that, but I think that when we have responsibilities and we have opportunities to improve neighborhoods and understand the vulnerabilities that exist, I think we have a responsibility to do the right thing.

So, again I appreciate the advocacy from Councilman Carmona and Councilman Riggenbach putting in the plan of operation in and doing our doing his best to advocate for this business owner. I cannot support this in good faith tonight. Thank you, Madam Mayor. You're welcome. Council member Riggenbach. Thank you, Madam Mayor.

I would I would just respond to some of these concerns by saying that I I understand and and like I said, I'm I was very conflicted or I was against it if you ask Councilman Carmona when he the idea first was floated. But talking about providing something in the food desert caught my attention. Again, it's words are cheap. I understand that, but this is not a liquor store. This is not I I I walk in and out of those other [clears throat] stores within a half mile of there.

Um sometimes just just to kind of smile. Um they're they're they're apples and oranges. They're they're apples and oranges. I I I can't believe I'm actually advocating and arguing to for liquor sales, but the percentage that this is allowed is is so deminimus that I think I think it deserves a second look and and to call this a liquor store is is is just not fair.

To call it a grocery store at this point is probably a little bit of a stretch, admittedly, but I I really think with the plan of operation and that any future owners will be subject to the same conditions set forth herein, for me that was the that that clinched the deal. We have a responsible proprietor trying to do what's right for the neighborhood and and I want to respect that and and I'll I'll leave it at that. Thank you Madam Mayor. You're welcome. Council member Carmona.

Thank you Madam Mayor and thank you everybody for your feedback and your input. Your You're not wrong. I understand why everybody has a reluctance. Even Councilman Rinkenbach when he did it at the beginning as well. What I'd like to do because when the application was submitted and it got denied for the site approval. I had asked what kind of feedback the neighborhood gave and there was very little.

So Unlike the other times where places have applied in that area and there was a big pushback to it. This was a little bit different. I was at a neighborhood association meeting last week. I told them about this. It's close to them. And they were all actually excited because they said it looks nice in there. I'm going to go check it out and not a single person come up to me and said they didn't want it there.

I have another association meeting on Friday which is the closest one to that in my district. It's the heart of Peoria. It's being the neighborhood association is being revamped right now. So they're meetings are sporadic and they just basically just barely started. So I would like to make a motion to or I would like to remove my motion. Is that possible Council Hayes? Withdraw my motion. May I respond, Madam Mayor? [clears throat] Yes, please. Thank you, Your Honor.

Uh uh someone who moves is entitled to withdraw their motion. Thank you. Thank you, Council Hayes. I'd like to move to defer my motion till the next council meeting um to have time to speak to the additional um neighborhood association and then potentially get into District 3 and and field their concerns uh and then come back to to council uh with a report. Okay. Motion withdrawn. Council Councilmember Gordon Young. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Uh just a couple of additional comments.

Um it is correct that this is a food desert. And unfortunately, we have too many food deserts in the city. A food desert doesn't need liquor, it needs food. And and I think we need to be clear on um like what we're saying and how it's really going to impact impact our our residents. Uh many of whom have contacted me um whether it was you know, the the shots fired near their home or in their home over the years.

Uh and also, I had an opportunity to talk to customers that went into this business and I said, "Where do you buy your alcohol?" And they without hesitation said, "On Prospect." Um and I got that answer from three different people. Not that I sat there and polled numerous people, but I did ask. You know, there's no alcohol in here, where do you get it, right?

So, there's access um it may not be within walking distance, but it seems to me for people that drink alcohol, they've been able to obtain it um, thus far. And I just again do not think this is a great idea, particularly with the um, suggestions from the police department and the liquor commission. Again, um, you know, I know you withdrawn your your your motion, but I am highly concerned about this one. Thank you, Madam Mayor. You're welcome. Councilman Carmona, you want to defer?

I'm sorry, Madam Mayor. Yes, I didn't know if I had said I moved to defer or not because there was a second, so I just wanted to make sure. council meeting. Is there a second? [clears throat] Seconded by council member Euler. Uh, discussion. Council member Kelly. I uh, was going to second the motion. Okay. All right, we have a motion to defer until the next council meeting. Please cast your ballots. A motion passes with one nay, Jackson. Madam Clerk.

If there's no additional um, unfinished business, we are now at new business. Is there any new business? Any new business? Was your light on, councilman [laughter] Sorry about that. Councilman Regenbach. Thank you, Madam Mayor. I think the first I got a couple items to bring up, but first and foremost, I would like to ask Leah to come forward, please. Dir- Assistant Community Development Director Leah Allison.

I know she requested that we make no official proclamation, but I think 25 years plus of service deserves a little recognition from the horseshoe and just our appreciation for the integrity in which you've operated all these years, the the excellence, and the work that you've done and and the institutional knowledge that you have at the last council meeting. You came up with that binder that the manager and I joked we need to have that binder or something. That should go in the time capsule.

Actually, it shouldn't. We need it. Um [laughter] but I I just want to say and I think I speak for everybody around this horseshoe how much we appreciate what you've done Thank you. for the city, for the community development department, and you're going to be missed very much. So, thank you. much. [applause] Thank you. [applause] This is very much a surprise and and not necessary and I really can't thank you all enough. Um it's been an amazing fast journey and I appreciate everything.

I've enjoyed working here so much. Uh as I've expressed to Joe and the city manager, it's been hard to let go. [laughter] So, thank you for the kind words and I I really deeply appreciate everything and and I I thank you and can't just I just can't thank you enough. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Leah.

[laughter] The other thing briefly, if I may, Madam Mayor, is I'm sure everybody's noticed the civic center looks a little bit differently today than it did at our last council meeting and um work obviously is well underway on the new arcade. And um the other major project on the books for this year is the ice plant. So, as soon as the Rivermen win the cup, um they'll be able to start tearing out the ice and get that new um plant installed.

So, um that's that's some real um good news for the community, I think, across the board. Thank you. You're welcome. Any other new business? Madam Clerk? We are now at citizens' opportunity to address the City Council. Um we had five comment cards. Okay. Uh the first is Jeff Kolbus. clock Leah has been a pleasure to work with as a developer. Somebody who was an awesome champion for years. She was a beast. [laughter] She still hears you.

She was a pleasure to work with all these years, and we've done a lot of development work over the years, and she was wonderful. So, I echo all of your comments for Leah. So, all right. Gosh, the clock's going. Okay. Good evening, Mayor, members of the City Council and staff. My name is Jeff Kolbus. I'm the current president of Illinois Realtors, and I am a past president of the Peoria Area Association of Realtors. My wife and I own RE/MAX Traders Unlimited here in Peoria.

Uh and our family has been in the real estate business for in the Peoria area for three generations since 1937. I am here tonight to speak to the comments you made at the last council meeting uh on the 14th related to the Governor's Building Up Illinois development or build plan, which is state legislation that has been proposed to address the housing crisis that we are experiencing. It is undis- It is an undisputable undisputable fact that we have a housing crisis.

Illinois is short 142,000 housing units and we need to build 225,000 units in the next 5 years just to keep up with demand. We, you, Peoria, has a housing crisis. In fact, in the last 5 years alone, the fall in housing sales that has resulted from this housing crisis has cost Peoria alone over $280 million in gross economic impact. That is the the equivalent of our town not selling a single home for about 14 straight months.

To give you some more perspective about how short we are in building new homes, we would need to triple new home construction every single year for 5 straight years just to meet existing demand. As Realtors, we have been advocating for policies to expand housing opportunities statewide.

The BUILD plan, which includes some of the initiatives that we have been working on for a long time, will ease housing costs for everyone while protecting home values and preserving neighborhood character and communities. We provided you with a document with some of our points. We've been working on this for a long time. Since [snorts] I don't have time for many more remarks, I will simply address some of the concerns that were expressed at the last council meeting.

First, you said the BUILD plan will take away local control. That is not so. This legislation does not eliminate municipal zoning. Period. The BUILD plan does not eliminate the city's ability to regulate design, safety, and building standards for housing in Peoria. The BUILD plan's simple call is that our design standards must be clear and objective and not more restrictive for middle housing types than for single family homes. The city still controls its zoning map and zoning districts.

The city will still have control over bulk, height, setbacks, yard, and design standards. This legislation does not erode or take away the power the city has by way of its comprehensive plan. This legislation does not require you to eliminate all parking minimums. It does reduce the number of spaces that a developer or builder must include as part of their development. Unnecessary parking adds cost to a development. However, if a developer wants to build a parking lot, they can.

But if they feel their potential buyers, owners, and tenants would not need or demand extra parking, they can also choose to limit it. Thirdly, on the topic of ADUs or accessory dwelling units, this legislation says that cities must permit ADUs where single family homes are permitted.

However, the city still is allowed to regulate that unit using the same standards that the city has set for single family homes, which means the only way an ADU will be put in a side yard, as the mayor suggested last time, is that if the city would allow for that. The law does not The proposed law does not state that.

Fourth, regarding third-party plan reviews, it is an undisputable fact that local decisions often involved arbitrary and unpredictable permitting requirements, lengthy permitting and inspection processes, all of which add more cost to the building process. Practitioners know this is an ongoing issue in Peoria. The bill plan allows for a third-party review only when a city deadlines are missed. It does not change building codes or municipal enforcement authority.

Seven other states have already allowed have similar laws already on the books. While several others have laws permitting municipalities to use third-party review. I only have 13 seconds. I'll skip. I encourage you I'll skip that, too. There are groups who oppose the bill plan who are spreading misinformation about it. Meanwhile, 81% of Illinois voters say housing is getting less affordable and over a third have considered moving out of the state to find housing they can afford. Colbas.

Thank you. Thanks. Next, Dusty Dusty Moultrie. My phone is powering up. Um it was low on battery. I just want to address something that I've seen tonight. First of all, I want to give a big um recognition to Dr. Gordon Young and Andre Allen for always sticking up for the people in the community and not your self-serving projects. So, I as a community member recognize that and just want to acknowledge that. Something else that I noticed tonight listening is we are a little behind on times.

So, if we're going to do a public hearing, how many people get the Journal Star? I guarantee you if they're 40 and under, they're not going to see a public hearing notice. And if they're in one district, the likelihood that they will see that is little to none. So, that may be something that the city wants to address as far as public hearing notices because putting it in the newspaper is kind of behind times. [clears throat] Now, the reason why I am here I know my time is ticking. Sorry.

Madam Mayor, council, and chief, I come before you today as a community advocate, a grandmother, a therapist, and a concerned Peoria citizen. Peoria is in a community health crisis. The last thing that this horseshoe should be approving is alcohol. My opinion. We have a health crisis. Peoria is not alone. Violence among youth and young adults has become a community health problem. However, as in any in any health crisis, it's what you do to eradicate the problem that matters.

Silence amongst leadership is acceptance to those with watchful eyes and listening ears. I want to give um another prop to Chief E. When he first started, he was very much vocal on social media, did a lot of social media. That is the generation that people are in. If it doesn't come to social media, even if it's not your intention in leadership, it's not getting heard, and silence is acceptance. With that being said, I also have to commend again Dr. Allen, Dr.

Gordon Young for being a voice in the community. We live in a society driven from social media and it can be a pivotal tool in keeping the community informed, aware, and acknowledged on things that are happening in the community. Next, I would like to give my bit of advice. We have had loitering or loitering ordinances in the past. They may still exist. However, they have not been enforced. The mall has just established an ordinance forbidding youth under 16 without a parent.

Six Flags has also done the same thing in many states. We all can agree we need more parental involvement in the community along with a decrease in violence and to reassure the public that it is safe to be in public places in the community. I feel that we are in times we are in times where unless a youth is working a job, any youth under the age of 17 needs to be accompanied by adult in public spaces such as parks, river fronts, malls, etc.

That groups of more than three should not be allowed in a given space and left unless involved in prosocial activities that would indeed be supervised by adults. This is about public community health and safety. Glen Oak has a beautiful playground that I, as a GG, would love to take my three and one-year-old granddaughters. However, it's my job to protect them and I can't take them. How unfair is that? I have stated this at other meetings and in other rooms.

We are missing a lot of marks to help heal this community. The next thing is the huge fights that are happening in the low income housing spaces. The children that are witnessing these fights and often getting involved is unacceptable. We are watching trauma created right in front of our eyes. The housing authorities, the city, or whomever is in charge of what is acceptable in those spaces can't sit around until the next big brawl or the next person injured or child involved.

Next we have Kathy McNeal. Good evening. I'm back. [laughter] Uh my name is Kathy McNeal. And I want to thank you, Madam Mayor, councilpersons, and city government for hearing me. Um I want the best for all of Peoria and all of the people of Peoria. Um let's see, I'm not ready here. Let's see. I'm here as a member of the Detweiller Playground Marina Protectors. You may already be aware I've spoke about this before.

We ask that the city commit to no parcels east of the rail line in the Detweiller Marina area will receive any intensified zoning classification beyond the current zoning. And I just want to clarify, some people may be confused. I'm not talking about Detweiller Park way out there. I'm talking about It's called Detweiller Marina and Playground uh not too far from Spring Street down farther towards the river.

This area should be protected from further industrial encroachment and zoning changes that would increase incompatible uses next to established neighborhoods and valuable public riverfront space. We ask the city commit to not vacating any portion of Caroline Street. It provides important public access, visibility, and connectivity to the Illinois River and surrounding neighborhood.

Preserving this street is essential to re- to maintaining public access to the last remaining location where residents can directly reach and experience the riverfront. I'm pleading with you to respect the desires by many of us to preserve the state of wildlife and nature viewing experiences. Where else in this city are there places along the river shores for the people who strive to enjoy Mother Earth?

A place without commotion, without industrial disturbance, without excess noise, without any disrespect of the wildlife corridor that bird watchers cherish, and the variety of plants and flowers that are appreciated and enhanced with beautiful changes of the seasons. Uh we have sought to gain support and so far uh positive response has come from our Peoria Park District Board.

A growing group of residents from the Detweiller Marina neighborhood and surrounding community are calling on the Illinois Attorney General to investigate the management and governance of the Detweiller Playground Trust. Citing a pattern of concerns including minimal revenue from valuable riverfront property, significant expenditures without corresponding public benefit, potential conflicts of interest, and actions inconsistent with the donor's That's Thomas Detweiller from 1947.

And actions inconsistent with his original intent, residents have begun submitting formal complaints requesting state oversight. The group is urging the Attorney General's office to review whether the trust is fulfilling its fiduciary duties, reassess the basis of prior approvals if warranted, and take corrective action to ensure the land remains accessible for public use as originally intended. So, you're probably going to hear more about this.

Um I I'm just happy and and thankful that um I can speak and that you're hearing me. Denise. Thank you, Ms. McNeal. Heather Polkinghorn. Stacy. Good evening, Madam Mayor, members of the City Council of Peoria. My name is Heather Stacy. I am the director of outreach for Lula Peoria, and I am also a person with lived experience in both chronic unsheltered homelessness and chaotic substance use disorder. I speak to you today from both professional responsibility and personal understanding.

I want to address the current city-wide camping ordinance. At its core, the ordinance tells people they cannot exist in only places available to them without offering any realistic accessible alternatives. And that the And that is the issue I'm asking you to seriously consider. Because the truth is simple. If there is nowhere for someone to go, then moving them is not a solution. It's simply displacement.

Everyday outreach workers like myself are in the community building trust, helping individuals access services, coordinating care, and quite literally working to keep people alive. But that work becomes significantly harder when individuals are forced to relocate every couple of weeks. When people are moved, they lose connection to outreach teams. They miss medical and mental health appointments. They become harder to locate in emergencies. They are pushed into further isolation.

This ordinance does not reduce homelessness. It makes it dangerous and invisible. I want to speak I want to speak to the emotional and mental toll this takes not just on those experiencing homelessness, but on the service providers trying to support them. Imagine finally building trust with someone who has every reason not to trust systems, only to have them disappear because they were told to move again.

Imagine looking someone in the eye when they ask you, "Where am I supposed to go?" and having no answers for them? That is the reality of what we face every single day. And for those experiencing homelessness, the impact is even greater. Being forced to constantly move creates chronic instability, fear, and trauma. It strips people of what little sense of safety and dignity that they have. We're not asking for permission for people to live without accountability.

We're asking for policies that reflect reality and humanity. Policies that recognize shelter space is limited, affordable housing is scarce, mental health and addiction rec- mental health and addiction recovery are ongoing journeys, not overnight fixes. And I would be remiss not to speak something speak to something many in this room hold personally, faith. For those who identify as Christian, I ask you to reflect on what means what it means to you to live in the image of God, the imago Dei.

Jesus himself lived without permanent shelter. He walked alongside the poor, the marginalized, and the outcasts, not by pushing them away, but by meeting them where they are. We are called to love our neighbors, to feed our neighbors, to clothe our neighbors, and to provide shelter to our neighbors. If our policies do not reflect those values, then we must ask ourselves, what are we really doing here?

I'm asking this council not to enforce this ordinance, to lead with compassion, with evidence-based solutions, and with a real commitment to a real pathway out of homelessness. Work alongside the outreach teams that are already here in Peoria doing the work. Create design safe spaces if necessary, but do not continue to cycle that simply moves people along with nowhere to land, because at the end of the day this is not about camps. This is about people, residents of the city of Peoria.

People who deserve dignity, people who deserve stability, and people who deserve the chance to come inside. Not just to be pushed further outside. So Loaves is still here. We're still doing the work. We have people experiencing unsheltered homelessness and suffering in the shadows of the city. I would encourage you all to work with us. Thank you. Thank you. Our last speaker is Kashi Bernard. Hello everyone, Madam Mayor and Council.

I'm here tonight to remind everyone yet again that we are still facing still facing an unsheltered crisis that is only growing. Not only does Peoria still have its chronically homeless population that have the most barriers to getting permanent housing. [clears throat] We have lost a lot of our supportive housing units. I'm sure we are all painfully aware that while we heard it was between five to 10 people going into unsheltered homelessness, the actual number was closer to 40.

That of course pushed people to the streets, some of whom have not experienced homelessness in years to decades. A lot of the success Peoria was able to claim through the motel project in the 100-day challenge was lost. Unfortunately, a lot of those participants lost their housing through no fault of their own due to the federal funding cuts. And it has resulted in retraumatizing and breaking trust with service and housing providers.

Since it was our largest mental health housing building that closed in tangent with the trauma of being returned to the streets, it has amplified the symptoms of the conditions that qualified them for supportive housing in the first place. I think we are all aware with no place to go they chose to stay in the neighborhood they are most familiar with, which means more downtown businesses have been forced to navigate these issues.

I have heard several of you say that you want to rebuild downtown Peoria. I support that. I too am a woman of a certain age and I remember when it was popping and brought money to our community. But to deal with this particular situation, we need a solution, not an ordinance. I need all of you to realize that our homeless crisis is not better. It is not lessened. You have with the ordinance force people to hide or face criminalization.

They are still here and they still have no options right now. Shelters are still over capacity. We are facing more of a housing shortage than when we all first met. I also have heard some of you say that to lift the ordinance forces people to sleep in tents. That is patently false. They are already forced forced to sleep in tents. What it does is causes more harm on Peoria's most vulnerable citizens and taxes the already overworked service providers.

My team helps them move when they are discovered. We are all exhausted. I would invite all of you to hike with me to deliver cases of water and food, basic life necessities, to people who are forced to hide, who we all know have no other options right now. It is brutal on my team and inhumane to our homeless neighbors. Sometimes I think Lula does its work a little too well.

Because of the work we do, it mitigates a lot of the complaints that we hear from businesses, community members, and even some of you in council. And then unfortunately, I think it gives the illusion that the issue is not as bad as it is. I am here to tell all of you it is bad, and it is only getting worse. I just went to San Francisco. I stayed in the Tenderloin, which for those of you don't know, it's known for its unsheltered populations. All I could think of is how lucky we are here.

We do not have the numbers here that they do there. Even though the numbers here are even growing. We can solve this problem together. I believe in this city, and I believe in all of you. I've We've worked well together. I believe in our ability to get Peoria to functional zero. We need and are capable of getting a low barrier transitional shelter, or we can resend the ordinance.

If we do not get ahead of this as we lose more federal funding for housing and units, the issues the business owners have brought to our attention will only continue to grow. We've seen more utilization of the jail, EMS, hospitals, and PPD, camp cleanups, etc. It would save more taxpayer dollars to give them shelter. The data bears this out. So not only is this the compassionate choice, it is the fiscally responsible one as well.

Supporting our most vulnerable and least resourced community members will only help Peoria as a whole. I'm sure we are all familiar with the Gandhi quote, "A society is most commonly measured by how it treats its weakest, most vulnerable, or least powerful members." We can and should all do better. And I don't want this problem to continue to spiral and guys it is spiraling. I am boots on the ground. We are first line workers. I am telling you just out.

It is spiraling and we are going to lose control of the situation if we do not step up as a community. Thank you for your time always. Uh we are now at executive session. No executive. So now we are at adjournment. Can I get a motion to adjourn moved by Council member Sears second by Council member Allen. Please cast your ballots. Thank you for your service.

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