Peoria City Council Meeting - September 23, 2025

The Peoria City Council met on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 6:01 PM. The meeting included proclamations, a public hearing on the proposed Glen Hollow Business District, approval of a consent agenda with several items removed for separate discussion, presentations on the Civic Center annual report and the 2026-2027 biennial budget, a property acquisition vote, and a report on off-premise advertising billboards. New business included updates on the Illinois Municipal League conference and requests for future reports.

Proclamations

• Mayor Reed Ali proclaimed September 15–October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month in Peoria.
• October 4, 2025 was proclaimed as #GirlsDay, recognizing survivors of abuse and supporting the Center for Prevention of Abuse.
• October 1, 2025 was proclaimed as National Latino Physician Day, acknowledging contributions of Latino physicians and the need for greater representation.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda included 11 items (25-256 through 25-270, with exceptions) covering bridge washing agreements, road reconstruction funding, TIF registry dates, zoning and special use permits for apartments, auto repair, short-term rentals, liquor license revisions, and site applications for liquor licenses. Items 25-260 (Northwoods Mall TIF) and 25-262 (rezoning for auto repair at 1039 W Lincoln Ave) were removed for separate discussion. The remaining consent agenda was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Eric Hutchinson (resident at 4110 N Hawthorne): Expressed opposition to the proposed additional 1% sales tax at Glen Hollow, stating he would likely shop in East Peoria instead. He requested transparency so shoppers could see the tax on receipts.
• Rick Blanco (resident at 1011 W Moss): Agreed with the previous speaker, emphasizing the need for clarity on the tax and concern that it could drive businesses and shoppers out of Peoria.

Discussion Items

• 25-260 – Northwoods Mall Tax Increment Financing District: City Manager provided a TIF 101 overview. Councilmember Allen highlighted the opportunity to stabilize and grow the retail area. The council unanimously approved item A (ordinance to establish TIF registry and rules) and item B (ordinance to set public hearing date for November 18, 2025).
• 25-262 – Rezoning and Special Use for Auto Repair: Councilmember Jackson moved to defer the item for one month to allow additional due diligence. The deferral passed unanimously.
• 25-271 – Peoria Civic Center 2025 Annual Report and 2026 Budget: General Manager Rick Edgar presented a detailed report, noting records broken: adjusted gross income over $8 million, concession sales over $4.2 million, ticket sales $15.9 million, and 65.9% of guests from outside Peoria County. The report also highlighted challenges including ice plant replacement, insurance cost increases, and the economy. Councilmember Riggenbach praised the leadership and staff. The council unanimously approved the presentation and budget.
• 25-272 – 2026-2027 Biennial Budget Presentation: City Manager overviewed the $298.1 million budget proposal (including $128.1 million in general fund) and a timeline for public hearings and adoption by November 4, 2025. Councilmember Sear requested a breakdown of capital improvements by council district for the next budget meeting. The council voted unanimously to receive and file the budget.
• 25-273 – Purchase of Property at 1601 North Moore Road: Corporation Counsel Hayes explained that the purchase would occur via sheriff’s auction on September 24, 2025, with the city using state land bank funds to bid up to approximately $1.4 million. Councilmembers Sear and Carmona opposed, citing lack of state funds in hand and uncertainty. Items A (approve purchase) and B (budget amendment of $875,000) each passed with two nays (Sear and Carmona).
• 25-274 – Report on Off-Premise Advertising Billboards: Staff presented recommendations: reduce the cap from 83 to 81, terminate three city-owned leases, and implement an annual inspection/permit fee of $100 per sign (with self-reporting option). Councilmember Euler and Riggenbach discussed the challenges of legal non-conforming signs and the monopolistic nature of the market. The report was received and filed unanimously.

New Business

• Mayor Ali thanked the six council members and staff who attended the Illinois Municipal League conference, noting councilmember Allen’s roles as moderator and panelist.
• Councilmember Jackson requested a report back on apartments with 50+ units, property management companies, police calls, and code enforcement violations within the last 2–5 years. Director Doolin will compile the data.
• Councilmember Riggenbach acknowledged the Salvation Army’s groundbreaking for a new men’s shelter and requested a meeting with IDOT to update the Knoxville Reconstruction Project (CAG not met in 18 months). Director Powers agreed to set up the meeting.
• Councilmember Jackson noted the start of reconstruction work on MacArthur Boulevard; Director Powers will provide a full status update at the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda (all items except 25-260 & 25-262): Approved unanimously.
• 25-260 (Northwoods Mall TIF): Item A and B both approved unanimously.
• 25-262 (Auto repair rezoning): Deferred for one month (unanimous).
• 25-271 (Civic Center report and budget): Approved unanimously.
• 25-272 (Biennial budget): Received and filed unanimously; budget meetings scheduled for September 30, October 7, October 14, October 21, October 28, and adoption set for November 4, 2025.
• 25-273 (1601 North Moore Road): Item A approved (8-2 nays: Sear, Carmona); Item B approved (8-2 nays: Sear, Carmona).
• 25-274 (Billboard report): Received and filed unanimously.