OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Peoria City Council Meeting - April 28, 2026

City Council Meetings — Tuesday, April 28, 2026
BodyPeoria, Illinois
SessionCity Council Meetings
DateTuesday, April 28, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:26:17

Transcript — Verbatim
4:07

If everyone would please take your seats, we're gonna get started with our meeting.

5:03

Good evening, everyone.

5:05

It is 6 05 p.m.

5:08

on Tuesday, April the 28th, 2026.

5:13

I'd like to call the meeting of the Peoria City Council to order.

5:17

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.

5:29

I want to kind of warn everybody that there is a memorial taking place outside.

5:37

It's called the Workers Memorial.

5:40

Um, and it takes place from 6 o'clock p.m.

5:45

to 6 30 p.m.

5:47

tonight, and they are going to do a 21 gun salute.

5:52

So if you hear some shooting outside the windows, that's what it is.

5:59

Okay.

6:01

We don't have to do it, huh?

6:03

Right.

6:04

You hear that?

6:05

As long as it's outside, right?

6:07

Okay.

6:08

Dive under your desk.

6:10

Madam Clerk, the council mics are open.

6:12

Uh, please call the roll.

6:13

Okay.

6:15

Mayor Ali here.

6:17

Councilmember Allen.

6:19

Present.

6:20

Councilmember Carmona.

6:21

Here.

6:22

Councilmember Sear.

6:24

Here.

6:26

Councilmember Gordon Young, present.

6:29

Councilmember Jackson.

6:31

Here.

6:32

Councilmember Kelly.

6:34

Here.

6:35

Councilmember Euler.

6:36

Here.

6:37

Councilmember Riggenbach.

6:39

Here.

6:40

Councilmember Velpula.

6:43

Councilmember Vespa.

6:45

Here.

6:46

Madam Mayor, we have a quorum.

6:48

Okay, thank you, Madam Clerk.

6:50

Please join me, everyone and stand for a moment of silent prayer or silent reflection, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

7:10

I pledge legitimate of the United States of America.

7:18

One nation, under God, individual team.

7:32

Madam Clerk.

7:36

We are now at proclamations.

7:39

We have four proclamations tonight.

7:42

I've asked council members to help with the reading of those proclamations.

7:46

The first proclamation recognizes municipal clerks week.

7:53

And representing will be who do we have representing Clerk Cole and uh Clerk Bonds.

8:02

And we also have our Deputy Amanda Hilde.

8:07

And our deputy clerk, thank you.

8:10

Um reading the proclamation, uh Councilman Councilmember Euler.

8:21

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.

8:43

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.

8:58

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.

9:15

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.

9:35

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.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Cannabis Regulation██████████████████18%
Procedural███████████████15%
Public Safety███████████11%
Community Engagement██████████10%
Fiscal Sustainability██████████10%
Historic Preservation███████7%
Youth Programs██████6%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████6%
Public Works█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Peoria City Council Meeting - April 28, 2026

The Peoria City Council met on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 6:05 PM in historic council chambers. The meeting included proclamations, consent agenda approvals, several regular business items, a deferred liquor license vote, and public comments on housing, homelessness, and community safety. Council members present: Mayor Ali, Allen, Carmona, Sear, Gordon Young, Jackson, Kelly, Euler, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa. Quorum established.

Proclamations

  • Municipal Clerks Week (May 3–9, 2026) – Recognized by Councilmember Euler, with remarks from Deputy Clerk Hilde highlighting the office's role in transparency and accountability.
  • Scripps Spelling Bee Regional Champion – Issa Zaid, 7th grader at Peoria Academy, honored for winning the Central Illinois regional spelling bee on March 28, 2026, after 15 rounds. He will compete at the national bee in Washington, D.C., May 26–28, 2026.
  • 75 Years of ABET-Accredited Engineering at Bradley University – Recognized by Councilmember Carmona; Dean Chris Malachero noted the Caterpillar College of Engineering & Technology remains strong.
  • Manual High School Boys Basketball State Champions – Recognized by Councilmember Gordon Young; the Rams won the IHSA Class 2A state championship on March 14, 2026 (60–55 victory over Quincy Notre Dame), their first title in 29 years and sixth in program history.

Consent Calendar

All items (26-086 through 26-091) were approved unanimously without discussion. Items included: amendments to Springdale Cemetery bylaws, zoning changes (1401 NE Adams, 2723 SW Adams, Bradley University campus improvements, short-term rental at 2717 N Lehman, and reappointment of Don Knox to the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District Board.

Regular Business

Item 26-092 – Centennial Time Capsule Resolution

  • Discussion: Strategic Communications Director Stacey Peterson presented the resolution to place a new time capsule (for 2126) in the cornerstone of City Hall, inspired by the discovery of the 1897 time capsule. The capsule will be sealed on May 5, 2026, at 10:30 AM; a buckeye (echoing the 1897 capsule) and a buckeye tree will be placed. City Hall tours on May 2 (11 AM–5 PM) and artifacts display for a month.
  • Outcome: Motion by Carmona, seconded by Gordon Young. Approved unanimously.

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

  • Discussion: Corporation Counsel Hayes explained the proposal to create an SSA to fund up to $2.5 million in capital improvements (fire system upgrades, parking, electrical) for the residential Twin Towers condominium. The ordinance establishes a public hearing on July 14, 2026; the city may issue bonds backed by property taxes. The residents can stop the process via petition (51% opposition within 60 days after hearing). Councilmember Vespa and Euler abstained due to conflicts of interest (they own property in the area). Councilmember Allen asked about the city's liability and noted the priority of SSA debt over mortgages. Councilmember Carmona inquired about the petition process.
  • Outcome: Motion by Carmona, seconded by Sear. Passed (10-0-2, with Euler and Vespa abstaining).

Item 26-094 – Tobacco Special Use at 7802 N University Street

  • Discussion: The council had two options: (A) approve a special use for a class 2 tobacco/nicotine sales license at the former Chantilly Lace building, or (B) reduce the cap on such licenses from 14 to 13. Councilmember Sear moved to approve the special use, citing the renovation of a long-vacant building and the opportunity for a business. Councilmember Allen opposed, noting the city's cap was established to limit standalone vape shops and that the previous 14th license holder intended a cigar lounge, not a vape store. Councilmember Gordon Young echoed concerns about oversaturation. The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval (5-1).
  • Outcome: Motion by Sear, seconded by Euler. Approved (8-2, with Allen and Gordon Young voting no). Option B was not voted on.

Item 26-095 – February Financial Report

  • Discussion: Finance Director Kyle Craddy presented the unaudited report. Revenues were 8.8% below budget due to timing of collections; expenses were 7.1% below budget. Cash flow was $131 million, the second lowest in five years, but Craddy said this was not a concern yet. Councilmember Sear asked about the audit status; the 2025 single audit is wrapping up.
  • Outcome: Motion to receive and file by Sear, seconded by Allen. Approved unanimously.

Unfinished Business

Item 26-056 – Liquor License for King Zone (2411 N Knoxville Avenue)

  • Discussion: The Liquor Commission had recommended denial due to high crime in the area (over 18,000 police calls in two districts, crime doubled in the half-mile radius). Councilmember Carmona presented a plan of operations with strict conditions: only 5 of 31 coolers for alcohol, no single-serve beer or shooters, cameras with police access, and lighting upgrades. The owner had made cosmetic improvements. Council debate: Mayor Ali, Vespa, Gordon Young, and Allen opposed, citing public safety and proximity to schools and children's homes. Councilmember Riggenbach supported, noting the plan of operations and potential to address the food desert. Councilmember Kelly also supported. After discussion, Carmona withdrew his motion to approve and moved to defer to the next council meeting to allow more neighborhood input.
  • Outcome: Motion to defer by Carmona, seconded by Euler. Approved (10-1, with Jackson voting no).

New Business

  • Recognition of Leah Allison: Councilmember Riggenbach thanked retiring Assistant Community Development Director Leah Allison for 25+ years of service. Council and public applauded.
  • Civic Center Update: Councilmember Riggenbach noted the new arcade is underway and the ice plant replacement will begin after the Rivermen season.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Jeff Cobus (President, Illinois Realtors): Urged the council to support the state

Meeting Transcript

If everyone would please take your seats, we're gonna get started with our meeting. 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 memorial taking place outside. It's called the Workers Memorial. Um, and it takes place from 6 o'clock 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 do it, huh? Right. You hear that? As long as it's outside, right? Okay. Dive under your desk. Madam Clerk, the council mics are open. Uh, please call the roll. Okay. Mayor Ali here. Councilmember Allen. Present. Councilmember Carmona. Here. Councilmember Sear. Here. Councilmember Gordon Young, present. Councilmember Jackson. Here. Councilmember Kelly. Here. Councilmember Euler. Here. Councilmember Riggenbach. Here. Councilmember Velpula. Councilmember Vespa. Here. Madam Mayor, we have a quorum. Okay, thank you, Madam Clerk. Please join me, everyone and stand for a moment of silent prayer or silent reflection, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge legitimate of the United States of America. One nation, under God, individual team. 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.

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