News and Information for the City of Peoria, Illinois

New Website!

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 20:50:19 +0100

Come visit the City of Peoria's new website at www.peoriagov.org!

Mayor Ardis - State of the City Address

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:45:40 +0100

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Click here to read the Mayor's 2013 State of the City Address.

Downtown Tree Replacement

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:36:49 +0100

(Peoria, IL)¬¬— Beginning Tuesday, January 22, 2013, the City Forestry crews will begin the process of removing dead trees or trees in poor condition within the business district of the downtown area. A total of 45 trees located along the business area sidewalks will be replaced in the Spring of 2013.

The area of work boundaries are: William Kumpf Boulevard, Fayette, Adams and Perry Streets. The City plans to receive funding of up to 80% from the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP). Considering weather conditions, work is expected to take 3-4 weeks. For more information, please contact David Haste at (309) 494-8661 or (309) 231-5153.

Downtown Street Closures

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:34:57 +0100

(Peoria, IL)-On Saturday morning January 19, 2013, approximately six City blocks will be barricaded off from all vehicle and pedestrian access. Hardin Signs will be coordinating the removal of the old Associated Bank Building signs located at 125 NE Jefferson Avenue. This activity will be handled by Midwest Helicopter Airways. According to Midwest Helicopter Airways, the FAA regulation states that streets and sidewalks are required to be closed to insure public safety during a helicopter operation.

Friday evening, January 18, 2013, parking restrictions will begin to take place. Meters will be bagged in the immediate helicopter zone, which includes:
• Hamilton Boulevard between Jefferson Avenue and NE Madison Avenue;
• Jefferson Avenue in front of the Associated Bank Building;
• The corner of NE Madison Avenue and Hamilton Boulevard adjacent to the parking lot A portion of the parking lot located at the corner of NE Madison and Hamilton Boulevard will be closed which will be used as the landing zone for the helicopter.

Starting at 6:30 AM, January 19, 2013, the following streets will be closed:
• On Hamilton Boulevard closed from NE Monroe Street to NE Adams Street;
• Jefferson Avenue closed from Main Street to Fayette Street, with southbound Jefferson Avenue traffic detoured at Spalding Avenue to NE Monroe Street, and;
• NE Madison Avenue closed from Main Street to Fayette Street, with southbound Madison Avenue traffic detoured at Spalding Avenue to NE Monroe Street.

The restrictions will be in place until the helicopter has left the downtown area, noon at latest. Please plan your travels accordingly by following the detour around this activity zone. Safety personnel will be stationed on the ground throughout the zone to ensure no pedestrian or vehicles are active during the lift. Pedestrians are restricted from this zone.
If you have any questions, concerns or need further information, please contact Jim Hardin with Hardin Signs at (309) 688-4111.

RFP - Powell Press Building

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:22:01 +0100

The City of Peoria is seeking alternative proposals for the use of the Powell Press Building at 110 NE Water Street.

Please click here to view the Request for Proposal. The RFP can also be obtained by contacting Christopher Setti, Assistant City Manager, at (309) 494-8618 or csetti@ci.peoria.il.us. The deadline for the submission of proposals is Friday, February 22, 2013 at 3 p.m.

Winter Driving and Snow Routes in Peoria

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 09:10:57 +0100

David Haste from Public Works talks about safe driving during winter storms and how the City Crews work quickly to clear the streets of snow and ice.

City of Peoria Refuse Collection Fee Billing

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:21:44 +0100

City of Peoria residents began receiving their refuse collection bills today. This bill covers the cost of household garbage collection throughout the City.

Unfortunately, there was a printing error on the bill. The due date was incorrectly listed as December 21, 2012. The bill is not due until December 31, 2012. Additionally, the “delinquent date” of January 2, 2013 was also incorrect. The true delinquent date is January 10, 2013.

As of the October 31, 2012, Illinois American Water ended their practice of including the $13/month garbage fee on their monthly water bills. This has required the City to bill households directly through a processing service based in Decatur, IL.

The December bill covers the $13 for the month of November as well as a pro-rated amount for the portion of October not covered by Illinois American Water. For example, if a household’s water bill cycle goes from September 15 through October 14, they would have paid the $13 garbage fee for that period as part of their water bill. The portion of October 15 through October 31 (approximately $6.50) is included in the bill sent by the City. Starting in January, all bills will be for $13.

Residents have a number of options for paying:

Pay by check. Checks are made payable to the City of Peoria, but mailed to a processing center in Decatur: PO Box 2577, Decatur, IL 62525-2577.
Pay at City Hall. Residents can pay at the Treasurers’ Office on the first floor of City Hall (419 Fulton Street).
Pay at an authorized payment location. These locations are listed on the back of the bill.

The City apologizes for any confusion caused by the incorrect billing date. Citizens with questions can call the City at (309) 494-2273 during normal business hours.

Garbage Billing

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 12:52:29 +0100

Garbage bills will now come from the City of Peoria.

As of November 1, 2012, Illinois American Water Company is no longer providing billing for the Refuse Collection Fee on behalf of the City of Peoria. On Friday, December 14, 2012, the initial Refuse Collection Fee billing from the City of Peoria was mailed out. The bill is being mailed in a City of Peoria envelope. While the normal bill is $13 per month, the initial bill may be higher. The bill includes a prorated amount for the month of October, as residences in the City had different cycle dates under the billing from Illinois American Water, and the full $13 charge for the month of November.

After the December billing, City residences will receive a monthly invoice for $13 during 2013. Residents will have the option to remit their payment by mail in the enclosed envelope or pay their refuse collection bill at City Hall, as well as several locations in the City of Peoria. Other locations accepting payments will be included in your December bill. In the near future, residents will have the ability to pay their refuse collection fee on-line, over the telephone and through direct payment from their checking account. Additionally, citizens who wish to pay the entire year in advance can do so at a 4% discount. The total payment if paid annually will be $150.00 for 2013.

# # #

South Side TIF Redevelopment Plan Draft

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 17:32:46 +0100

The City of Peoria is developing a proposed TIF Redevelopment Plan for Peoria’s south side area.

This area is for properties generally bounded by Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Western Ave., Adams St., and MacArthur Hwy. To view the South Side TIF Redevelopment Draft, click here. The City is also seeking input from property owners and residents within this area to name the new TIF. If you would like to vote, click on the link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BWS2D3D to choose your favorite name. For more information, contact the Economic Development Office at 309-494-8651.

Generation Y Planning for Economic Success Meeting

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 17:30:34 +0100

The Generation Y Planning for Economic Success is a public meeting sponsored by the Focus Forward CI Regional planning group to engage the 25-44 year old population in the Regional planning process.

The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 18, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Rhythm Kitchen Music Café, 305 Southwest Water St., Peoria, IL 61602. Registration is required. For more information and to R.S.V.P., click on the link, http://futurecentralileconomy.eventbrite.com. Focus Forward CI is a top-down/ bottom-up asset-based economic development strategy designed to engage all populations in a regional effort to transform mindset, economic performance, environment and leadership in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford and Mason counties.

Free Snow Brochure

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 09:36:24 +0100

Snow Brochure – Frequently Asked Questions

The winter months are coming, which means freezing temperatures, ice and snow storms. In order to become better prepared, The City of Peoria Public Works Department has a free informational brochure “Snow Plan - Frequently Asked Questions” which includes important information regarding snow plowing, sidewalk and driveway clearing, parking restrictions and emergency numbers.

Along with keeping informed about the City’s snow removal, December is also the time to start thinking about winter preparedness. Do you have an emergency supply kit at home and in your car to be prepared for the winter months? A home supply kit should be stocked with items to stay safe for at least three days. An emergency preparedness kit in a vehicle will help travelers stay safe and warm until help arrives. A winter storm preparedness guide developed by IEMA, NWS, and the American Red Cross is available at www.ready.illinois.gov. The guide provides tips for staying safe this winter and information about creating emergency supply kits.

To receive a free “Snow Plan – Frequently Asked Questions” brochure for your home or organization, call Peoria Public Works at (309) 494-8800, or click here to download your copy.

Infrastructure Focus Groups

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 09:37:20 +0100

Meetings in November.

For more information, click here.

November 15-Infrastructure Design Standard Focus Group Discussion

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 14:36:44 +0100

M E D I A R E L E A S E

City of Peoria’s Infrastructure Design Standard Focus Group Discussion

(Peoria, IL)—After concluding a series of public meetings to address the three main topics of the City of Peoria’s Infrastructure Design Standards draft, Peoria Public Works and Dewberry again invite the public to attend two upcoming focus group discussions. On Thursday, November 15, there will be a meeting focused on utility interests , followed by a meeting focused on real estate development interests. The goal of both meetings is to discuss the draft standards and generate feedback that will aid in the refinement of the draft document. Please see the meeting details below.

Public comment and participation in the development of the new standards is desired and welcomed. If you are unable to attend the meetings but would still like to provide feedback, please use the online comment tool on the Peoria Public Works infrastructure website. We ask that you submit all comments by 5 p.m. on November 23, 2012. Finally, if you would like to reference the draft document or any information presented to date, it can also be accessed on the same web page. Follow this link to access the information and the comment tool: http://www.ci.peoria.il.us/Infrastructure.

Meeting Topics and Times:Date: November 15

Utilities: 2:30 – 4:00
Real Estate Development: 4:30 – 6:00
Location: Dewberry – 401 Water Street, 7th floor

Parking: City of Peoria parking lot south of Hooters

Hosts: Dewberry and Peoria Public Works

If you have any questions regarding the meetings, please contact Chris Waible at Dewberry at 309-282-8000.

# # #

How Do I Use the Pay Station?

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 09:35:29 +0100

To view instructional flyer, click here.

Peoria’s First Roundabout Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 12:42:52 +0100

(Peoria, IL)--- On Monday, October 22, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held celebrating the opening of the City of Peoria’s first roundabout, located at the intersection of Glen Oak Avenue and Wayne Street.

The $2 million roundabout project was approved by the Peoria City Council. The benefits of the roundabouts include: vehicle and pedestrian safety, time savings, reduction of air emissions and decreased long term energy and maintenance costs.

Public Works Interim Director, Jeff Smith says, “Roundabouts are designed to make intersections safer and more efficient for drivers, pedestrian and cyclists.” There are two types of roundabouts: Single-lane roundabouts and multi-lane roundabouts. This is a single-lane roundabout. A few key points to remember when driving roundabouts are:
Slow down as you near the roundabout
Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk
Yield to vehicles already in the roundabout
Enter to the right
Drive counter-clockwise
Signal to exit
Slowly leave the roundabout
Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk as you leave the roundabout.
Parking will be available on Glen Oak Avenue on the west-side of the roundabout intersection. To learn more about driving roundabouts, click on www.wsdot.wa.gov/safety/roundabouts.com. For more information, go to the website http://www.ci.peoria.il.us/roundabout or contact Nick Stoffer, Public Works Traffic Engineer at (309) 494-8823 or Scott Reeise, Public Works engineer at (309) 494-8818.

Marriott Pere Marquette

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 10:29:12 +0100

December 2012 Progress Report is available

Click here to view the December 2012 report.

To view more information please go to www.ci.peoria.il.us/marriott

Peoria Launches Groundbreaking "Don't Shoot" Initiative

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 11:50:43 +0100

www.dontshootpeoria.com

Peoria has designed an extraordinary outreach effort to encourage maximum community involvement and support for implementing the National Network's group violence reduction strategy to reduce gun crimes in our community. With the U. S. Attorney's Office, the State's Attorney and our law enforcement community, we are placing a laser-like focus on those who commit crimes with guns in Peoria and its impact on all of us.

You can get involved by joining the city-wide reading of David Kennedy's book "Don't Shoot" which will have weekly radio show discussions led by Mayor Jim Ardis, County State’s Attorney Jerry Brady and United States Attorney Jim Lewis.

Click here to listen to WCBU-FM 89.9 on the following dates:

Week 1: Introduction; Boston-Street Knowledge, Street Sense; Operation Ceasefire
1 p.m. Aug. 9
3 p.m. Aug. 12

Week 2: Building Out I; Baltimore: Politics, Resistance, Obstruction
1 p.m. Aug. 16
3 p.m. Aug. 19

Week 3: Across the Race Divide; High Point: Truthtelling and Reconciliation; Building Out II
1 p.m. Aug. 23
3 p.m. Aug. 26

Week 4: Stopping It; Cincinnati; Now
1 p.m. Aug. 30
3 p.m. Sept. 2

Additionally, there will be a public forum on August 29th at 7 p.m. at Riverside Community Church, located at 714 Hamilton Boulevard, with special guest speaker and author of the “Don’t Shoot” book, David M. Kennedy.

For more information, click here to visit the Don't Shoot Peoria' Website and click here to read an overview of the initiative. You can also read comments and feedback from Mayor Ardis here.

Garbage Tote Exchange

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 15:43:20 +0100

OPTION 1 - SELF EXCHANGE

During the week of July 2nd, customers may elect to exchange their recently-delivered City of Peoria Logo garbage totes for a smaller or larger cart (35, 65 or 95 gallon) by bringing it to the City of Peoria, 3505 N. Dries Lane, Peoria, Illinois between 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday (except Wednesday, July 4th). The week of July 9th, normal business hours will resume from (7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.), Monday thru Friday.

Each residential unit shall be entitled to one exchange for a different capacity tote at no charge. The existing carts must be emptied and free of waste.

If your current cart has been stolen, a police report or case number will be required at the time of exchange. Each cart is numbered and registered to the household address.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Public Works Department at (309) 494-8800.

OPTION 2 - PEORIA DISPOSAL COMPANY PICK UP

Customers who choose to have PDC deliver their carts must contact PDC between 8:00 am to 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday at (309) 674-5176.

Exchanges will be coordinated by PDC, and will be scheduled and sequenced with customers’ scheduled collection days. A $25 exchange fee will be charged. The existing carts must be emptied and free of waste.

Peoria City/County Emergency Management News Release

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:41:26 +0100

Preparedness is critical as severe weather season is upon us.

Click here to read the full news release.

2012 Yardwaste Collection News

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 11:35:14 +0100

Collection of yard waste for 2012 will commence on Monday April 2, 2012, for City of Peoria residents served by Peoria Disposal Company (PDC).

Yard waste set out for collection must be in:

Garbage cans marked “Yard Waste Only” which do not exceed 45 gallons in size nor 50 lbs. in weight.
Paper yard waste bags which do not exceed 30 lbs. in weight.
Bundles which do not exceed 5’ in length or 50 lbs. in weight.
95-gallon wheeled tote carts compatible with the lift mechanism on PDC’s vehicles and clearly marked “Yard Waste Only.”

Cans, bags, and bundles which exceed the size and weight limits will not be collected. Each collection route serves approximately 1,200 homes each day, and adhering to the size and weight limits is essential in avoiding injuries to collection employees.

The 95-gallon wheeled tote carts must be manufactured to be compatible with the lift mechanism on PDC’s vehicles. These carts can be either purchased or rented directly from PDC. The purchase cost is $65.00 and the monthly rental fee is $2.50.

Questions about residential collection of Yard Waste or tote cart purchase or rental should be directed to PDC at 674-5176 (Option 1).

Second Amendment to Redevelopment Agreement with EM Properties

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 13:42:13 +0100

News Release

Today, the City of Peoria released the second amendment to the Redevelopment Agreement between EM Properties and the various entities established by the Redeveloper that will extend the project deadline to March 30, 2012.

The administration, the lenders and the Redeveloper have been working collaboratively and closely to finalize all of the closing documentation. Due to the additional entities created by the Redeveloper and the complexity of the transaction, the length of time to complete the project has been longer than anticipated.

To view the News Release, click here

To view the Second Amendment to the RDA, click here

Report on Southtown Town Hall

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:44:15 +0100

News Release

At the January 24, 2012 City Council meeting, a group of citizens voiced their concerns regarding the transfer of funds from the Southtown TIF to the Hospitality Improvement Zone TIF. While the Council voted against the transfer, questions remained regarding the use of available revenue. Councilman Clyde Gulley organized a town hall meeting at the Frank Campbell Community Center on February 2, 2012 with residents of Southtown, people who work in Southtown and other community stakeholders. Approximately 80 people attended the meeting.

To View the report click here

To view Slideshow presented during the meeting click here

2011 City of Peoria Budget

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:31:10 +0100

NEWS RELEASE

Date: April 20, 2011

Released by: Alma Brown, Communications Manager, 494-8554

Subject: 2011 CITY OF PEORIA BUDGET

The FY2011 Budget Document for the City of Peoria is now available online. Please note that the file is large and requires time to download The file can be accessed at http://www.ci.peoria.il.us/budget and http://www.ci.peoria.il.us/budgetandaudit. A hard copy of the budget book will be available Wednesday, April 20th , however, the CIP document will not be available until April 27th.

Mayor's Newsletter

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 22:07:46 +0100

Please click here to view the Mayor's 2009 Spring Newsletter, River City Review.

Host Families Needed for German Teenagers

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 07:02:17 +0100

PRESS RELEASE
FOR RELEASE February 1, 2009
Contact: Eric & Theresa Hoadley
Phone: (309) 266-6820
Email: hoadleys@comcast.net

Host families needed for German teenagers

PEORIA, ILLINOIS, February 1, 2009 – The Friends of Friedrichshafen is now accepting host families for its annual youth exchange with Peoria’s German sister city. The only cost to host families is to provide room and board for their guest, and the willingness to share the American way of life. Knowledge of German is helpful, but not essential as the students are quite fluent in English. Applications must be submitted by March 1.

Twenty students and two host chaperones will travel from Friedrichshafen to Peoria on July 30, departing August 20. The Friends of Friedrichshafen has organized activities for guests and hosts, including a baseball game, a daytrip to Chicago and a beach party. The youth exchange is available to teens 15 to 19 years old throughout the Tri-County area.

“Every family that takes part in this exchange has a wonderful experience,” said Theresa Hoadley of the Friends of Friedrichshafen. “Kids grow a bit more mature, families spend more time together, and everyone enjoys learning about another culture while sharing ours. Everyone has so much fun, it’s the fastest three weeks of summer.”

More information is available at the Friends of Friedrichshafen website, www.peoriasistercity.org or by calling youth exchange program coordinators, Eric and Theresa Hoadley at 266-6820.

At 31 years old, the Peoria-Friedrichshafen program is the longest continuous-running youth exchange in America. The Friends of Friedrichshafen is a local non-profit organization with the goal of promoting and expanding the relationship with Peoria’s German sister city.

FY 2009 Preliminary Budget Now On-Line www.peoriabudget.com

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:43:25 +0100

NEWS RELEASE

Date: October 10, 2008

Released by: Alma Brown, Communications Manager, 494-8554

Subject: FY2009 Preliminary Budget Now On-Line

The City’s budget website – www.peoriabudget.com – has been updated to include the entire preliminary budget documents. The Mayor and City Council charged staff with creating a budget process that was more transparent, more open to public involvement and built more alignment with Council goals and priorities. For the first time in the City’s history, the preliminary is available for download by citizens, businesses and other interested parties.

The updated website includes the following information:
• Budget message (the transmittal the accompanies the presentation of the preliminary budget)
• Overview Presentation to Council (given 10/7 by Henry Holling)
• Revenue Presentation to Council (given 10/7 by Jim Scroggins)
• Budget tables for the operating, debt service and Community Investment Plan portions of the budget
• Budget calendar

In addition, the entire preliminary budget packet for each department has been placed on-line. This is normally a document of over 400 pages, but has been broken into individual files by department.

The Peoria City Council is committed to gathering citizen input on the upcoming budget. In addition to the recently released “Report on Citizen Budget Input” (also available on the website), citizens are invited to address Council at any budget meeting. Upcoming meetings include:

• October14—Regular Council Meeting (City Hall, 6:15 pm): Community Investment Plan (CIP) budget
• October 21—Special Council Meeting (City Hall, 5 pm): CIP budget, operating budget
• October 28—Regular Council Meeting (City Hall, 6:15 pm): Operating budget

-30-

Sanitary Sewer Backup Program

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:10:58 +0100

Sanitary Sewer Backup Program

Does your basement floor drain back up during heavy rains? If so, you may qualify for the City to share in the cost to fix this problem.

For sanitary sewer backups through basement floor drains during heavy rains, the City of Peoria will share in the cost to install a combination gate-check valve in residents’ basement sewer pipe. The City of Peoria currently reimburses the property owner 75% of the cost to purchase and install the combination gate-check valve for any installation up to $1,200.

The City will also participate in 75% (up to $3,500) of a more substantial plumbing conversion and sump pump installation, to raise the sanitary sewer pipe outlet from the building to an elevation above the street manhole. This would eliminate the possibility to sewer back-ups caused by inadequate sewer main capacity. (This more substantial plumbing conversion would only apply to sanitary sewers connected to the City-owned system.)

To request an application, or for additional information, please call the Public Works Engineering Division at 494-8801 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Applications are also available at City Hall, Room 307.

Storm Water Erosion Control Program

For storm water related problems on their properties, citizens may qualify for City assistance to reduce or fix the problem. To qualify, the source of water causing the problem must be coming from other properties that are beyond your control. If this condition is met, the City of Peoria will look at ways to help you reduce or stop further damage or erosion from this water on your property.

Currently, the City reimburses the property owner 75% of the cost of any chosen repair that is $10,000 or less (i.e., maximum City reimbursement of $7,500). For repairs over $10,000, the property owner is responsible for 100% of the cost above the $10,000 limit.

Greater Peoria Sanitary District Sewer Backup Program

On January 1, 1995, the Greater Peoria Sanitary District adopted a polity to only serve sanitary facilities located at ground level and above. Sanitary facilities located in basements must drain into a dedicated sewage pump and be pumped up to the building sewer. This policy effectively eliminates all sewage backups into basements whether there is a blockage in the building sewer or flooding of the District’s sewer. All new construction since January 1, 1995 has been constructed in accordance with this policy.
For those properties constructed prior to January 1, 1995, the District has adopted a program similar to the City of Peoria where the cost to replumb basements is shared with the property owner. The District will pay 75% of the plumbing costs, up to a maximum amount of $3,500.
Owners who have experienced sewer backup in the past are encouraged to consider taking advantage of this program. For further information, please contact the Greater Peoria Sanitary District’s Engineering Department at 637-3511 extension 4844. The District’s web address is www.gpsd.dst.il.us.

Adopt-A-Ramp Program

Mon, 19 May 2008 10:12:45 +0100

The City of Peoria in partnership with Advocates for Access is offering exterior wheelchair accessible ramps to disabled homeowners at no cost. Applicants must reside in an owner-occupied house within the City of Peoria, meet income eligibility guidelines established by Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and have a physical disability.

Applications are available NOW!! You can pick one up at Planning and Growth or download the application online

City of Peoria
Planning and Growth Management
Neighborhood Development Division
456 Fulton St., Suite 402
Peoria, IL 61602

Please contact Leslie L. McKnight at 309-494-8651 or Shriley Wells at 309-682-3500 for more information.