On the agenda: Peoria Joint City Council & Town Board Meeting — Flock Camera (Sep 8)

Official Proceedings
Of the City of Peoria,
Illinois
Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Mayor
Dr. Rita Ali
Council Members
Denise Jackson, District 1
Alex Carmona, District 2
Timothy Riggenbach, District 3
Dr. Andre Allen, District 4
Denis Cyr, District 5
Dr. Bernice Gordon-Young, At-Large
John L. Kelly, At-Large
Zachary M. Oyler, At-Large
Dr. Kiran Velpula, At-Large
Mike Vespa, At-Large

A Regular Meeting of the City Council of Peoria, Illinois, was held on Tuesday, September 8,
2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall, Council Chambers (Room 400), 419 Fulton Street, with Mayor Ali
presiding, and with proper notice having been posted.
Roll Call
Roll Call showed the following Council Members were present: Allen, Carmona, Gordon-Young,
Jackson, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10; Absent: Cyr - 1.
Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Ali requested a moment of silent prayer or reflection, and then she led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Proclamations, Commendations, Etc.
Peoria Reads
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
National Senior Center Month
Recognition of Council Members Dr. Camille Gibson and W. Eric Turner
Mayor Ali recognized the passing of two former City Council Members; Dr. Camille Gibson, PHD
and W. Eric Turner. She spoke of their dedication to public service and long tenure on the
Council. She asked for a standing ovation in honor of their memory.
Minutes
Council Member Velpula left the Council Chambers.
Council Member Riggenbach moved to approve the August 25, 2026, City Council Proceedings;
seconded by Council Member Kelly.
Approved by roll call vote.
Yeas: Allen, Carmona, Gordon-Young, Jackson, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Vespa,
Mayor Ali – 9;
Nays: None.

City of Peoria

Joint City Council & Town Board Proceedings

September 8, 2026

Town of the City of Peoria - Petitions, Remonstrances, & Communications
(26-220)

Request from the Town Officials to Approve the August 2026 Actual
Expenditures and to Approve the September 2026 Anticipated
Expenditures for the Town of the City of Peoria.

Trustee Gordon-Young moved to approve the August 2026 actual expenditures and the
September 2026 anticipated expenditures for the Town of the City of Peoria; seconded by
Trustee Allen.
Approved by roll call vote.
Yeas: Allen, Carmona, Gordon-Young, Jackson, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Vespa,
Chairwoman Ali – 9;
Nays: None.
Council Member Velpula re-entered Council Chambers.
City of Peoria - Petitions, Remonstrances & Communications
Public Hearings

(26-221)

Public Hearing for the Proposed Peoria Tourism Improvement District
(PTID).

Council Member Allen moved to open the public hearing for the proposed Peoria Tourism
Improvement District; seconded by Council Member Gordon-Young.
Approved by roll call vote.
Yeas: Allen, Carmona, Gordon-Young, Jackson, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula,
Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;
Nays: None.
The public hearing opened at 6:27 P.M.
Corporation Counsel Patrick Hayes reviewed the City’s Resolution of Intent for the Peoria
Tourism Improvement District (PTID). He announced a proposed change to replace the
proposed annual flat administrative fee with a fee equal to 1% of the charges collected.
Council Member Riggenbach moved to amend the Peoria Tourism Improvement District Plan,
Section 3, City Administration Fee, to be 1% of the collective transaction charges, instead of a
flat fee of $7,500.00; seconded by Council Member Oyler.
In response to Council Member Gordon-Young regarding whether there would be a conflict of
interest with her voting on this matter since she was appointed to the Tourism Reserve Fund,
Corporation Counsel Hayes said it was not a conflict of interest.
Motion to amend the Peoria Tourism Improvement District Plan, Section 3, City
Administration Fee, to be 1% of the collective transaction charges, instead of a flat fee of
$7,500.00, was approved by roll call vote.
Yeas: Allen, Carmona, Gordon-Young, Jackson, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula,
Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;
Nays: None.
Page 2 of 13

City of Peoria

Joint City Council & Town Board Proceedings

September 8, 2026

Mayor Ali inquired if any citizens wished to address the Council regarding the public hearing for
the proposed PTID.
J.D. Dalfonso, President and CEO of Discover Peoria, stated his support for the PTID. He
explained tourism was economic opportunity for the City, which could lead to stronger
businesses and an expanded workforce. He said investment in tourism had not kept pace with
inflation, noting it was hard to compete with less funds. He said the funds generated through the
proposed PTID would help with extra amenities for tourists, noting increasing tourism would
increase the City’s Hotel Restaurant and Amusement (HRA) taxes. He asked the Council to
support this initiative.
Tiffany Gallagher, Vice President and Deputy Executive Officer at Civitas Advisors, said she
worked as a consultant to Discover Peoria. She said her firm helped Discover Peoria launch this
initiative, noting they helped the City of Chicago create a similar tourism district earlier this year.
She championed this initiative as proof of a fantastic private-public partnership.
Keenan Irish, Vice President of Government Relations and Member Engagement at the Illinois
Hotel & Lodging Association, said his organization was in support of Discover Peoria’s ask for
tourism improvement district. He said this would give hotel owners a direct opportunity to grow
and invest in their own markets, noting that investment would bring more events to the City
which would generate more HRA taxes. He encouraged the Council to allow the formation of the
PTID.
Rick Gaa, Owner of the Louisville Slugger Complex, thanked President Dalfonso for his efforts
on the proposed PTID. He said his complex had brought in approximately 3 million people to
Peoria over the last 10 years, noting the proposed tourism district would give hotel owners a
better tool to bring more people to the City.
Matthew Dees, Owner and Operator of the Travelodge, said he was in support of the proposed
tourism improvement district. He said he was interested in keeping the 1.5% fee as a
percentage, since his establishment’s rooms were often much cheaper than other hotels. He
noted his establishment was often the choice for unhoused folks, noting a flat fee would
discourage them from booking rooms. He urged the Council to consider implementation, stating
if the concept did not work, it should be dissolved in 5 years.
Brooks Gargiulo, a concerned citizen, said he was skeptical of new taxes in Peoria, noting there
were many citizens who felt left out when important decisions were being made. He noted the
higher cost of living in Peoria, and said the poorest people relied on pedestrian infrastructure to
navigate the City. He said sidewalks and bike lanes were in disrepair, asking the Council to
consider these issues before implementing a new tax.
After Mayor Ali confirmed no one else wished to address the Council regarding the PTID, she
requested the public hearing be closed.
Council Member Oyler moved to close the public hearing for the proposed Peoria Tourism
Improvement District; seconded by Council Member Velpula.
Approved by roll call vote.
Yeas: Allen, Carmona, Gordon-Young, Jackson, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula,
Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;
Nays: None.
The public hearing closed at 6:50 P.M.
Page 3 of 13

City of Peoria

Joint City Council & Town Board Proceedings

September 8, 2026

Consent Agenda Items by Omnibus Vote, with Recommendations as Outlined
(26-222)
*

Communication from the City Manager and the Director of Community
Development with a Request to Approve an Increase in a Grant Award of
HOME-ARP Funding to Phoenix Community Development Services for
Phoenix Manor, in the Total Amount of $2,375,902.00. (Council District 1)

(26-223)

Communication from the City Manager and Finance/Director Comptroller
with a Request to Authorize the City Manager to Enter into a Contract with
Baker Tilly LLP to Provide Annual Auditing Services for 3 Years with 2
Optional 1 Year Renewals, in an Amount Not to Exceed $625,800.00.

(26-224)

Communication from the City Manager and Interim Chief Information
Officer with a Request to Approve a 3-Year Agreement with CDW
Government, LLC., for Microsoft 365 Licensing, in the Amount of
$241,875.22 Per Year, Not to Exceed a Total of $725,625.66.

(26-225)

Communication from the City Manager and Director of Community
Development with a Request to Concur with the Recommendation from the
Historic Preservation Commission to Adopt Ordinance No. 18,395
Approving the Designation of 101 West Stratford Drive (Parcel
Identification Number 14-28-185-011), Peoria, IL, as a Local Historic
Landmark. (Council District 3)

(26-226)

Reappointment by Mayor Ali to the Solid Waste Disposal Committee
(Landfill) with a Request to Concur:
Stephen Morris (Voting) - Term Expires 06/30/2028

(26-227)

Appointment by Mayor Ali to the Mayor's Advisory Committee for Citizens
with Disabilities with a Request to Concur:
Jade Hill - Term Expires 06/30/2028

Mayor Ali inquired if any of the Council Members wished to remove any items for further
discussion.
Council Member Jackson requested Item No. 26-222 be removed for further discussion.
Council Member Oyler moved to approve the Consent Agenda as outlined in the Council
Communications; seconded by Council Member Riggenbach.
Items No. 26-222 through 26-227 (except Item No. 26-222, which was removed for
further discussion) were approved as outlined in the Consent Agenda by roll call vote
under the Omnibus Vote Designation.
Yeas: Allen, Carmona, Gordon-Young, Jackson, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula,
Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;
Nays: None.

Page 4 of 13

City of Peoria
(26-222)
*

Joint City Council & Town Board Proceedings

September 8, 2026

Communication from the City Manager and the Director of Community
Development with a Request to Approve an Increase in a Grant Award of
HOME-ARP Funding to Phoenix Community Development Services for
Phoenix Manor, in the Total Amount of $2,375,902.00. (Council District 1)

Council Member Jackson said she could not support this item since she felt the leftover grant
funds could be better spent on public safety.
Council Member Riggenbach moved to approve an increase in grant award of HOME-ARP
funding to Phoenix Community Development Services for Phoenix Manor, in the total amount of
$2,375,902.00; seconded by Council Member Gordon-Young.
Council Member Kelly expressed concern that funding façade improvements would not be an
efficient use of City resources.
Council Member Carmona expressed concern about the amount allocated to address design
issues. In response, City Manager City Manager Patrick Urich clarified that the grant funds
were restricted to serving people experiencing homelessness and could not be used for housed
individuals.
Community Development Director Joe Dulin explained a portion of the administration funds from
the grant were not needed, so instead of remitting those unused funds back to the federal
government, it was decided those could be used for façade improvements to bring the exterior
in line with the look of the neighborhood. He explained the additional funds of approximately
$350,000.00 were not enough to start another permanent supportive housing project or
renovation of a similar facility.
In response to Council Member Gordon-Young regarding when the grant funds would need to
be spent, Director Dulin stated the deadline was in 2028.
Motion to approve increase in grant award of HOME-ARP funding to Phoenix
Community Development Services for Phoenix Manor, in the total amount of
$2,375,902.00 was approved by roll call vote.
Yeas: Allen, Carmona, Gordon-Young, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa,
Mayor Ali – 9;
Nays: Jackson – 1.
Regular Business Items, with Recommendations Outlined
(26-228)

Communication from the City Manager and Assistant City Manager with a
Request for the Following: (Council Districts 1 & 2)
A. Adopt an Ordinance to Approve the Redevelopment Plan and Project for
the Proposed West Main Street Tax Increment Financing District (TIF);
and,
B. Adopt an Ordinance to Designate the Redevelopment Project Area for
the Proposed West Main Street Tax Increment Financing District (TIF);
and,
C. Adopt an Ordinance to Approve Tax Increment Allocation Financing for
the Proposed West Main Street Tax Increment Financing District (TIF).
Page 5 of 13

City of Peoria

Joint City Council & Town Board Proceedings

September 8, 2026

City Manager Urich said the proposed ordinances were the last step in establishing the
proposed West Main Street Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District. He reviewed the TIF
boundaries which ran from Monroe Street up the West Bluff along Main Street to end at
University Street. He said the TIF would be established for a 23-year period, which would help
spur economic development along the West Main corridor.
Council Member Kelly moved to adopt an ordinance to approve the redevelopment plan and
project for the proposed West Main Street Tax Increment Financing District; seconded by
Council Member Allen.
Council Member Carmona expressed his concerns regarding TIF Districts and other economic
development incentives approved by the Council. He said the outcome of these initiatives would
increase the property values leading to higher property tax bills and continued increases to cost
of living. He stated the City population was declining, warning higher taxes would make it more
expensive to live here. He said he would not support the motion.
Mayor Ali said TIF Districts did not increase property taxes, noting they were implemented to
improve the economy. She said the Council needed to act, noting the area had numerous
vacant lots and storefronts and required significant assistance. She indicated her support for
the motion.
City Manager Urich reviewed the long-term goals of the proposed West Main Street TIF, noting
the priority was to reduce the conditions that made the area eligible for tax increment financing.
He explained the TIF would help facilitate infrastructure improvements and other public
improvement projects. He explained offering financial incentives to private developers allowed
them to adapt and repurpose space for new endeavors, noting the goal was to increase the tax
base, not the tax rate.
Council Member Riggenbach commended the City’s efforts to establish TIF districts and apply
lessons learned over the years. He cited the Warehouse District TIF as a successful example of
using incentives to attract developers. He said he would support the motion.
Council Member Carmona questioned whether increased property values would result in higher
property taxes. He said inflation had reduced purchasing power and could cause the increased
TIF increment to reflect growth that was not realized. He also expressed concern that TIF
districts could further limit funding available for road and sidewalk maintenance.
Council Member Vespa said areas like the Westlake Shopping Center had not always been so
nice, noting the Westlake Special Service Area was working very well. He said the free market
had not revitalized the West Main Street neighborhood and the City could not afford further
delay. He said he would vote in favor of the item.
Ordinance No. 18,396 approving the redevelopment plan and project for the proposed
West Main Street Tax Increment Financing District was adopted by roll call vote.
Yeas: Allen, Gordon-Young, Jackson, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa,
Mayor Ali – 9;
Nays: Carmona – 1.

Page 6 of 13

City of Peoria

Joint City Council & Town Board Proceedings

September 8, 2026

Council Member Kelly moved to adopt an ordinance to designate the redevelopment project
area for the proposed West Main Street Tax Increment Financing District; seconded by Council
Member Oyler.
Ordinance No. 18,397 was adopted by roll call vote.
Yeas: Allen, Gordon-Young, Jackson, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa,
Mayor Ali – 9;
Nays: Carmona – 1.
Council Member Kelly shared his skepticism regarding TIF Districts, stating he felt tax
abatement was a better strategy for redevelopment goals. He said despite these feelings, he
still would vote in favor of implementing TIF Districts.
Council Member Kelly moved to adopt an ordinance to approve Tax Increment Allocation
Financing for the proposed West Main Street Tax Increment Financing District; seconded by
Council Member Oyler.
Council Member Riggenbach spoke to the successes of the East Village Growth Cell TIF, noting
it was similar to the proposed West Main Street TIF. He said the commercial growth along
Knoxville Avenue and on the OSF Campus helped with residential TIF programs.
Council Member Oyler said there were several areas in the City affected by blighted
neighborhoods and challenging economic conditions. He said developers needed incentives to
rehabilitate older vacant properties.
Ordinance No. 18,398 approving Tax Increment Allocation Financing for the proposed
West Main Street Tax Increment Financing District was adopted by roll call vote.
Yeas: Allen, Gordon-Young, Jackson, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula, Vespa,
Mayor Ali – 9;
Nays: Carmona – 1.
(26-229)

Communication from the City Manager and Assistant City Manager with a
Request to Adopt an Ordinance to Establish the Date for a Public Hearing
for the Proposed First Amendment to the Northwoods Mall Tax Increment
Financing (TIF) District. (Districts 1, 2, 4)

City Manager Urich said this item was just to set the public hearing date for the proposed
amendment to the Northwoods Mall Tax Increment Financing District. He said the amendment
was to expand the TIF boundaries down Sterling Avenue to Newman Parkway to incorporate
those commercial properties in need of redevelopment.
Council Member Allen said the recent community meeting regarding the proposed amendment
to the TIF was successful. He said there was a lot of citizen participation with many questions
answered. He said the area contained many established neighborhoods and emphasized the
need for intentional economic development support.
At the conclusion of his comments, Council Member Allen moved to adopt an ordinance to
establish the date for a public hearing for the proposed first amendment to the Northwoods Mall
Tax Increment Financing District; seconded by Council Member Gordon-Young.

Page 7 of 13

City of Peoria

Joint City Council & Town Board Proceedings

September 8, 2026

Ordinance No. 18,399 establishing the date for a public hearing for the proposed first
amendment to the Northwoods Mall Tax Increment Financing District was adopted by
roll call vote.
Yeas: Allen, Carmona, Gordon-Young, Jackson, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula,
Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;
Nays: None.
(26-230)

Communication from the City Manager and Chief of Police with a Request
for the Following:
A. Accept the Greater Peoria Auto Crimes Taskforce (GPACT) Grant from
the Secretary of State (SOS), in the Amount of $361,200.00; and,
B. Adopt an Ordinance to Amend the City of Peoria 2026-2027 Biennial
Budget Relating to the General Fund, to Recognize the Receipt of Grant
Funding from the Secretary of State Providing the Greater Peoria Auto
Crimes Taskforce (GPACT), in the Amount of $361,200.00. (Requires 2/3
Vote of Council Members Voting - No Less than 6 Votes)

Assistant Police Chief Erin Barisch said this competitive grant covered the cost of the workforce
that investigated auto crimes, noting they also investigated crimes in which car parts were
stolen.
Council Member Allen moved to accept the Greater Peoria Auto Crimes Taskforce (GPACT)
Grant from the Secretary of State (SOS), in the amount of $361,200.00; seconded by Council
Member Gordon-Young.
Approved by roll call vote.
Yeas: Allen, Carmona, Gordon-Young, Jackson, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula,
Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;
Nays: None.
Council Member Allen moved to adopt an ordinance to amend the City of Peoria 2026-2027
Biennial Budget Relating to the General Fund, to recognize the receipt of grant funding from the
Secretary of State providing the Greater Peoria Auto Crimes Taskforce, in the amount of
$361,200.00; seconded by Council Member Gordon-Young.
Ordinance No. 18,400 was adopted by roll call vote.
Yeas: Allen, Carmona, Gordon-Young, Jackson, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula,
Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;
Nays: None.

Page 8 of 13

City of Peoria
(26-231)

Joint City Council & Town Board Proceedings

September 8, 2026

Communication from the City Manager and Chief of Police with a Request
for the Following:
A. Accept 2025 BJA FY25 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant
Program Grant from the Justice Assistance Grant (JAG), in the Amount
of $154,150.00; and,
B. Adopt an Ordinance to Amend the City of Peoria 2026-2027 Biennial
Budget Relating to the General Fund, to Recognize the Receipt of Grant
Funding from the Justice Assistance Grant Providing the Edward Byrne
Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, in the Amount of
$154,150.00. (Requires 2/3 Vote of Council Members Voting - No Less
than 6 Votes); and,
C. Approve the Cooperative Contract Purchase of 35 Helmets from
Industrial Strength Industries, in an Amount Not to Exceed $126,700.00.

Assistant Chief Barisch explained this item was another competitive grant, noting the funds
would be used to replace the Police Department’s expired SWAT helmets.
Council Member Kelly moved to accept the 2025 BJA FY25 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance
Grant Program Grant from the Justice Assistance Grant, in the amount of $154,150.00;
seconded by Council Member Riggenbach.
Approved by roll call vote.
Yeas: Allen, Carmona, Gordon-Young, Jackson, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula,
Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;
Nays: None.
Council Member Kelly moved to adopt an ordinance to amend the City of Peoria 2026-2027
Biennial Budget Relating to the General Fund, to recognize the receipt of grant funding from the
Justice Assistance Grant providing the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant
Program, in the amount of $154,150.00; seconded by Council Member Riggenbach.
Ordinance No. 18,401 was adopted by roll call vote.
Yeas: Allen, Carmona, Gordon-Young, Jackson, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula,
Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;
Nays: None.
Council Member Kelly moved to approve the cooperative contract purchase of 35 helmets from
Industrial Strength Industries, in amount not to exceed $126,700.00; seconded by Council
Member Riggenbach.
Approved by roll call vote.
Yeas: Allen, Carmona, Gordon-Young, Jackson, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula,
Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;
Nays: None.

Page 9 of 13

City of Peoria
(26-232)

Joint City Council & Town Board Proceedings

September 8, 2026

Communication from the City Manager and Chief of Police with a Request
for the Following:
A. Accept the Organized Retail Crime Grant from the Office of the Attorney
General in the Amount of $52,500.00; and,
B. Adopt an Ordinance to Amend the City of Peoria 2026-2027 Biennial
Budget Relating to the General Fund to Recognize the Receipt of Grant
Funding from the Office of the Attorney General, in the Amount of
$52,500.00. (Requires 2/3 Vote of Council Members Voting - No Less
than 6 Votes)

Assistant Chief Barisch said the grant money from this item would be used to offset Police
technology costs for Flock Cameras.
Council Member Allen moved to accept the Organized Retail Crime Grant from the Office of the
Attorney General, in the amount of $52,500.00; seconded by Council Member Carmona.
Approved by roll call vote.
Yeas: Allen, Carmona, Gordon-Young, Jackson, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula,
Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;
Nays: None.
Council Member Allen moved to adopt an ordinance to amend the City of Peoria 2026-2027
Biennial Budget relating to the General Fund to recognize the receipt of grant funding from the
Office of the Attorney General, in the amount of $52,500; seconded by Council Member
Carmona.
Ordinance No. 18,402 was adopted by roll call vote.
Yeas: Allen, Carmona, Gordon-Young, Jackson, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula,
Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;
Nays: None.
(26-233)

Communication from the City Manager and Chief of Police with a Request
for the Following:
A. Accept the Co-Responder Grant from the Illinois Criminal Justice
Information Authority (ICJIA) in the Amount of $2,458,432.75; and,
B. Adopt an Ordinance to Amend the City of Peoria 2026-2027 Biennial
Budget Relating to the General Fund to Recognize the Receipt of Grant
Funding from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA),
Providing the Co-Responder Unit, in the Amount of $2,458,432.75
(Requires 2/3 Vote of Council Members Voting - No Less than 6 Votes);
and,
C. Approve and Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Grant Agreement
Between the City of Peoria and Carle Health Services Human Service
Center Under the Co-Responder Unit for a One-Year Period, in the
Amount of $1,405,000.00.

Page 10 of 13

City of Peoria

Joint City Council & Town Board Proceedings

September 8, 2026

Assistant Chief Barisch said this grant was for the Co-Response Unit, which was a pilot program
implemented a few years back. He said this unit was important to the Police Department and
community, noting that its focus was to help the victims of violent crimes with relocation, mental
health services and any other assistance they may need. He said the funding was for the CoResponse Team, stating they were present in the audience to answer any questions.
Mayor Ali expressed enthusiasm and appreciation for the grant award.
Assistant Chief Barisch recognized Dr. Derrick Booth and Carle Health, who partnered with the
City on this pilot program.
Council Member Gordon-Young moved to accept the Co-Responder Grant from the Illinois
Criminal Justice Authority, in the amount of $2,458,432.75; seconded by Council Member Allen.
Approved by roll call vote.
Yeas: Allen, Carmona, Gordon-Young, Jackson, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula,
Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;
Nays: None.
Council Member Gordon-Young moved to adopt an ordinance to amend the City of Peoria
2026-2027 Biennial Budget relating to the General Fund to recognize the receipt of grant
funding from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA), providing the CoResponder Unit, in the amount of $2,458,432.75; seconded by Council Member Allen.
Ordinance No. 18,405 was adopted by roll call vote.
Yeas: Allen, Carmona, Gordon-Young, Jackson, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula,
Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;
Nays: None.
Council Member Gordon Young moved to approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a
grant agreement between the City of Peoria and Carle Health Services Human Service Center
under the Co-Responder Unit for a one-year period, in the amount of $1,405,000.00; seconded
by Council Member Allen.
Approved by roll call vote.
Yeas: Allen, Carmona, Gordon-Young, Jackson, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula,
Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;
Nays: None.
(26-234)

Communication from the City Manager and Finance Director/Comptroller
with a Request to Receive and File the Month-Ended July 31, 2026,
Unaudited Financial Report.

Finance Director Kyle Cratty reviewed the unaudited July 31, 2026, financial report. He
explained the budget was on trend for revenues and expenditures. He explained expenditures
were up about 10% from the previous year, noting this was due to the increases in public safety
pension transfers. He said Staff was finalizing the budget in preparation for Council discussions,
noting his optimism regarding a balanced budget for the next year.

Page 11 of 13

City of Peoria

Joint City Council & Town Board Proceedings

September 8, 2026

Council Member Allen moved to receive and file the month-ended July 31, 2026, unaudited
financial report; seconded by Council Member Kelly.
Approved by roll call vote.
Yeas: Allen, Carmona, Gordon-Young, Jackson, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula,
Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;
Nays: None.
Unfinished Business (Including but Not Limited to Motions to Reconsider Items, if Any,
From the Previous Regular Meeting)
(26-197)

Communication from City Manager and Corporation Counsel with a
Request to Receive and File the First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend
Chapter 20, Article VIII- Nuisances - Sections Related to Chronic Nuisance
Properties.
MOTION ON THE FLOOR: To Receive and File the First Reading of an
Ordinance to Amend Chapter 20, Article VIII- Nuisances - Sections Related
to Chronic Nuisance Properties

Council Member Oyler moved to defer this item to the October 13, 2026, Joint City Council and
Town Board Meeting; seconded by Council Member Riggenbach.
Corporation Counsel Hayes said City Staff had received a letter from Hope Fair Housing
regarding the potential changes to the nuisance ordinance. He said the deferral would allow
Staff time to discuss those concerns and avoid future potential litigation, noting he would report
back to Council regarding those discussions.
Motion to defer this item to the October 13, 2026, Joint City Council and Town Board
Meeting was approved by roll call vote.
Yeas: Allen, Carmona, Gordon-Young, Jackson, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula,
Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;
Nays: None.
Clerk’s Note: Item No. 26-197 will appear on the October 13, 2026, Joint City Council and
Town Board Agenda under Unfinished Business.
New Business
9/11 25th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony Event at Peoria Riverfront Museum
Mayor Ali said the City, in conjunction with the Peoria Riverfront Museum and Peoria County
were participating in an event to acknowledge the 25th anniversary of 9/11 to be held Friday
September 11, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. She said Fire Chief
Shawn Sollberger was the honorary chair of the event.
Peoria Go-Day Event
Council Member Allen stated on Sunday September 13, 2026, GO DAY Peoria would be hosted
by Choose Greater Peoria on Water Street in downtown Peoria. He said there would be family
activities, food trucks, access to the Peoria Riverfront Museum among activities for attendees.
Page 12 of 13

City of Peoria

Joint City Council & Town Board Proceedings

September 8, 2026

Citizens' Opportunity to Address the City Council/Town Board
Mayor Ali granted privilege of the floor to those wishing to address the City Council/Town Board.
Laura Rothan, President of Peoria Area Association of Realtors, said she was present to
address the Council regarding the proposed changes to the nuisance ordinance. She reviewed
her professional obligation to uphold fair housing laws, indicating there were strict guidelines
outlined in the Illinois Human Rights Act. She warned that amending the nuisance ordinance
could result in higher rents and fewer available housing units.
Hind Abi-Akar, a citizen of Peoria, spoke about her recent visit to see family in Lebanon. She
said the area was war-torn, with many places and homes destroyed by bombs and displacing
20% of the residents. She said the federal government’s financial support to Israel allowed them
to commit many crimes against humanity. She asked the Council to consider the impact if those
funds had been reallocated back to municipalities.
Executive Session
It was determined there was no need to enter into Executive Session at that time.
Adjournment
Council Member Velpula moved to adjourn the September 8, 2026, Joint City Council and Town
Board Meeting; seconded by Council Member Jackson.
Approved by roll call vote.
Yeas: Allen, Carmona, Gordon-Young, Jackson, Kelly, Oyler, Riggenbach, Velpula,
Vespa, Mayor Ali – 10;
Nays: None.
The Joint City Council and Town Board Meeting adjourned at 8:05 P.M.

_____________________________________
City Clerk – Stefanie Tarr, RMC, CMC, MMC
ah

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