Peoria City Council Meeting - January 14, 2026

The Peoria City Council met on January 14, 2026 (the transcript indicates the meeting was held on January 13, 2026, but the provided date is used per instruction). The meeting included recognitions, approval of routine items, a detailed discussion of a new firefighter contract, approval of surplus property sale, and public comments regarding ICE and public safety.

Proclamations & Recognitions

• A resolution honoring former Councilmember George F. Jacob, who served from 2005 to 2011, was presented in recognition of his passing.
• A proclamation was read honoring Marcus Mark Olson, a hockey pioneer and community volunteer, who passed away. Family members spoke in gratitude.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously: approval of minutes from December 9, 2025 joint council/town board meeting.
• Approved unanimously: Town item 26-1 approving December 2025 actual expenditures and January 2026 anticipated expenditures.
• Approved unanimously: Consent agenda items 26-2 (workers' compensation settlement for police detective, $114,057.16), 26-3 (two-year contract extension with Axon Enterprises for FUSIS software, not to exceed $340,000), 26-4 (motor fuel tax resolution for Forest Hill Avenue and Sterling Avenue intersection improvement, $255,000), and 26-12 (appointments to zoning board of appeals – Melanie Morris and Fernanda Sharp).

Discussion Items

Firefighter Collective Bargaining Agreement (Item 26-13)

City Manager and HR Director presented a five-year contract with IAFF Local 50, replacing the previous 10-year residency requirement with a five-year residency requirement, after which firefighters may live up to 25 miles from the city. Those who move out of the city during the first five years will take a 2% pay reduction. The agreement also includes adjustments to paramedic pay, vacation scheduling, and restructuring of the EMS division. Negotiations involved 15 sessions over several months.

• Councilmember Euler opposed the residency change, stating that requiring staff to live in the community is vital for neighborhood investment and that other communities benefit from Peoria's employees spending dollars elsewhere.
• Councilmember Carmona also opposed, noting that 58 of 178 union firefighters already live outside the city, and questioned why employees choose to leave Peoria.
• Councilmember Sear supported the contract, stating he does not want to force anyone to live in Peoria and that the deeper question is why people do not want to live there.
• Mayor Ali noted that 67% of firefighters live in the city, and many others live very close, and argued that the contract helps recruitment and retains a strong workforce.
• Councilmember Kelly asked about the number of firefighters beyond the 10-year mark; the fire chief stated that 89 firefighters have been hired since 2017, so approximately 100 have more than 10 years of service.

Vote: Motion passed 8-2, with Councilmembers Euler and Carmona voting no.

Surplus Property at Exposition Gardens (Item 26-14)

Corporation Counsel Hayes explained that after closing on the Exposition Gardens property, the city intends to sell surplus equipment and buildings via the land bank manager. Some items may be dismantled and reassembled. The resolution grants authority to staff to expedite sales. Approved unanimously.

New Business

• Councilmember Carmona requested that the city begin a thorough review and update of the form districts, citing unmet current business demands.

Public Comments & Testimony

Four speakers addressed the council regarding ICE actions and public safety:

• Dr. Han Abby Akar expressed fear that federal agents could murder anyone, referencing the killing of a 37-year-old woman in Chicago. He asked the council and police chief what plans exist to protect residents from ICE attacks, noting that the Axon contract does not provide comfort.
• A second speaker (name not given) also raised concerns about Axon, stating the company works with Homeland Security and Israel, and that similar surveillance techniques are being used in the U.S. She urged the council to take action before it is too late.
• Darcy Cady reported that Renee Good was murdered by an ICE agent on January 7, 2026, and that a vigil drew over 250 people. She asked for a plan to protect schools when ICE arrives, and noted that tribal nations in Minnesota are issuing free tribal IDs in response to targeting. She emphasized that indigenous people are being targeted based on skin color.
• Tara Wood echoed the call for a plan and reassurance from leadership, stating that the community needs more than just statements of concern.

Key Outcomes

• Approved firefighter contract with amended residency requirements (8-2).
• Approved surplus property sale at Exposition Gardens (unanimous).
• Council directed attention to updating form districts.
• Council moved into executive session to discuss pending litigation and closed session minutes.