Peoria City Council Meeting – June 23, 2026

The Peoria City Council convened on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM in city council chambers. Councilmember Valpula attended electronically after a motion to object was not raised. The council approved six community service officers for downtown, overrode a Historic Preservation Commission denial of stucco repairs, accepted grants, approved redevelopment agreements, and received a report on the East Village Growth Cell TIF. All votes were unanimous except the stucco appeal, which passed 6–3.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved minutes of the June 9, 2026 joint council/town board meeting.

• 26-157: Approved purchase of a Ford Explorer Interceptor ($45,788) and equipment ($25,000) from Morrow Brothers Ford.

• 26-158: Approved renewal of property and commercial auto insurance with Liberty Mutual through Alliant Insurance Services for a one-year term.

• 26-159: Approved Tri-County Planning Commission FY2027 joint funding agreement and the city's contribution of $64,047.63.

• 26-161: Pulled for separate vote; later approved (see below).

• 26-162: Pulled for separate vote; approved with an amendment requiring a sidewalk along West Charter Oak Road within two years.

• 26-163: Pulled; deferred to the next meeting at Councilmember Kelly's request, pending Councilmember Jackson's return.

• 26-164: Approved Class B restaurant liquor license for Birani House LLC at 816 W Pioneer Parkway.

• 26-165–26-171: Approved various appointments to city boards and commissions (see below for details).

• 26-169 (held): Appointment of Brandon Russell to Planning and Zoning Commission was delayed due to an address issue.

• 26-161 (separate vote on A & B): Approved an ordinance amending the Peoria Urban Enterprise Zone and the 10th Amendment to the IGA. Councilmember Kelly noted this does not preclude other incentives in the expo area. Motion passed unanimously for both parts.

• 26-162 (separate vote): Approved a site plan amendment for the Islamic Center of Peoria (4125 W Charter Oak Rd) for parking lot expansion, building addition, and athletic field. Councilmember Allen’s amendment required sidewalk construction within two years, with an administrative extension option. Motion passed unanimously.

First Reading

• 26-172: Received and filed an ordinance to amend the Unified Development Code regarding home-based distribution of food, clothing, and household items. Planning Manager Debbie LaRue explained the performance standards, which allow free distribution by right if conditions are met, or via special use. No action required; motion passed unanimously.

Regular Business

• 26-173 (Appeal of Historic Preservation Commission Denial): Council considered an appeal of the HPC's denial of a certificate of appropriateness for stucco wall repairs at 802 N Sheridan Rd (Moss High Historic District). Councilmember Carmona argued the polyurethane repairs blend over time and that requiring a full repaint is unreasonable. Community Development staff clarified they take no position. Corporation Counsel noted the applicant did not pursue an economic hardship waiver. After debate, the council voted to override the HPC's decision and approve the repairs as proposed. Motion passed 6–3 (nays: Gordon Young, Allen, Mayor Ali).

• 26-174 (Community Service Officers): Chief of Police presented a proposal to hire six civilian CSOs for downtown (bridge to bridge, north to just past Perry). The positions would operate 6am–10pm, focus on non-emergency calls, parking deck patrol, and customer service. The Greater Peoria Leadership Council contributed $72,000 toward training and equipment. Cost: ~$108,000/year in salaries; budget amendment of $508,000 from the general fund. CSOs will not carry firearms, will have radios and marked vehicles, and are trained in de-escalation and first aid. Motion A (authorization to hire) passed unanimously. Motion B (budget amendment, requiring two-thirds vote) passed unanimously.

• 26-175 (Tobacco Prevention Grant): Approved acceptance of a $17,034 grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services for tobacco vendor compliance checks and education. Motion A (grant acceptance) passed unanimously. Motion B (budget amendment) passed unanimously.

• 26-176 (Keller Station BDD Agreement): Approved a redevelopment agreement with 6035 Knoxville LLC for the Keller Station Business Development District. The city will reimburse 75% of BDD revenues for private development costs and up to 90% for public infrastructure, capped at $1.975 million. Councilmember Vespa abstained due to a client relationship. Motion passed unanimously.

• 26-177 (Dutch Bros Coffee Redevelopment Agreement): Approved a redevelopment agreement with RSCC Group Inc. to build Dutch Bros Coffee. Total project cost $1.425 million; expected annual property taxes $419,000. The city will reimburse 50% of tax increment until the end of the TIF or up to $1.2 million, subject to a prior master developer agreement. Motion passed unanimously.

• 26-178 (East Village Growth Cell Report): Councilmember Riggenbach presented a report on the TIF district established in 2010. Highlights: over $2 million in housing grants, 169 property owners assisted, 77 projects in 1.5 years (2025–2026), and a garage demolition program. The TIF includes a 10% spin-off to the school district when increment reaches $500,000. Motion to receive and file passed unanimously.

New Business

• Councilmember Riggenbach requested that Community Development review the Historic Preservation Commission’s hardship waiver process and related ordinances for potential updates. This request was approved.

Adjournment

• The meeting adjourned at approximately [time not specified, but after 6:30 PM]. The council encouraged residents to attend the Fourth of July celebration at the riverfront, noting the city’s 250th anniversary.