Forest Park Dr will be closed for maintenance on Thursday, June 4 from 8am – 12pm (noon).
Zoning Board of Appeals will meet Monday, June 22, 2020
The Peoria Heights Zoning Board of Appeals will meet Monday, June 22, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. at Village Hall, 4901 N. Prospect Road, Peoria Heights, Illinois.
The purpose of the meeting is to consider the following requests:
1. Variance application by Emily Ault seeking a variance to permit construction of a front yard fence on the property located at 3919 North Atlantic Avenue, Peoria Heights, Illinois, 61616 (PIN No. 14-27-177-036), which property is currently zoned R-2 (Medium Density Residential District).
2. Site Plan approval application filed by KDB Group, LLC and Atrium Hotel, LLC seeking approval of a site plan for development of a hotel on the property located at 4615 North Prospect Road, Peoria Heights, Illinois, 61616 (PIN No. 14-22-331-007, 14-22-331-008, 14-22-331-009, 14-22-331-010, 14-22-331-019), which property is current zoned B-1 (Central Business District).
3. Variance application filed by KDB Group, LLC and Atrium Hotel, LLC seeking variances for building height, storefront glass requirements, decks and wall that project onto Village right-of-way, and sidewalk width, for development of a hotel on the property located at 4615 North Prospect Road, Peoria Heights, Illinois, 61616 (PIN No. 14-22-331-007, 14-22-331-008, 14-22-331-009, 14-22-331-010, 14-22-331-019), which property is current zoned B-1 (Central Business District).
THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 15, 2020 IS HEREBY CANCELLED.
Additional documents and information are available at the Village Administrator's Office in Village Hall and/or by calling 686-2385.
Ameren Illinois Offers Hardship Grants
Ameren Illinois Offers Hardship Grants to Small Businesses and Non-profit Organizations
COLLINSVILLE, IL (May 29, 2020) – Ameren Illinois announced that funding is available for small businesses and non-profits that have fallen behind on their electric bills. Under the company's COVID-19 Economic Hardship Recovery Program, one-time grants of up to $500 will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis until June 30, or until the funds are exhausted.
"This has been a challenging time for many small businesses and non-profits that have experienced economic hardship due to COVID-19," said Richard J. Mark, chairman and president of Ameren Illinois. "As these organizations begin to re-establish their operations, it's my hope that this funding will help them along the road to recovery."
To be considered, businesses must have an active, non-residential account, 50 or fewer full-time employees, and a principal office in Illinois. Eligible businesses may include, but are not limited to: small commercial enterprises, restaurants, clothing stores, hair salons, flower shops, and fitness facilities. Eligible non-profits may include, but are not limited to: schools, day cares, senior centers, religious organizations, community organizations, and charitable organizations.
Grant recipients will have the funds applied to their Ameren Illinois electric account. To apply, visit AmerenIllinois.com/Recovery or call the Ameren Illinois Business Center at 800.232.2477.
Ameren Illinois also announced several new energy efficiency offerings to help small businesses and non-profits to reduce their energy usage and save money. Eligible customers can receive a free lighting assessment, free smart thermostat, and a free energy analysis tool. Call 866.800.0747 or visit AmerenIllinoisSavings.com/Recovery.
About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and more than 800,000 natural gas customers in Illinois. Our mission is to power the quality of life. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com, find us on Twitter @AmerenIllinois or Facebook.com/AmerenIllinois.
Temporary Outdoor Space Performance Standards
VILLAGE OF PEORIA HEIGHTS
TEMPORARY OUTDOOR RESTAURANT
AND BAR SPACE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
GENERAL OPERATING REQUIREMENTS
Comply with all State and Peoria County Health Department COVID-19 guidance in addition to the following:
Do not block fire lanes, hydrants, or sprinkler system connections.
Do not block handicapped parking spaces or create alternative handicapped parking accommodations.
Avoid creating conflict points between pedestrians and vehicles.
Create a visual boundary of the outdoor seating area using caution tape, snow fence, planters, etc.(if applicable)
Use temporary signs to provide direction and instructions to customers (sandwich boards, dry erase boards or signs as menus, etc.).
Do not use signs that move or create the illusion of movement (tear-drop signs, video screens, etc.).
Establish an accessible route from the public way and the outdoor eating area to the restrooms.
Tables shared among businesses must have a single point of cleaning responsibility.
Provide outdoor hand washing / sanitizing stations.
Establish appropriate spacing in waiting, ordering, and restroom areas.
Limit animals to approved service animals only.
Provide adequate outdoor trash and garbage receptacles.
No cooking, bartending, or buffets outside unless already in place.
Tents will not be permitted.
Beer gardens with open sides are permitted.
No new structures can be built.
All general nuisance (excessive noise, light, fumes, etc.) ordinance requirements remain in place.
EXPANSION ONTO PUBLIC SIDEWALKS
Cleaning and maintenance of the area is the responsibility of the bar/restaurant owner.
An accessible route of minimum 4’ wide must always be maintained.
EXPANSION ONTO PUBLIC STREETS
An update will be given to the Village Board at the June 2nd Board of Trustees Meeting.
For more information, please email administration@peoriaheights.org or call 309-686-2385 during normal
office hours. Updates will also be posted to this website.
Heights to ‘go slow,’ monitor crowds on restaurant reopening
Concerned about unmanageable crowds and the costs to taxpayers of extra police protection, the Peoria Heights Village Board was of a consensus to take a wait-and-see approach to the first weekend of partially reopening restaurants and bars before committing to special accommodations for them.
Last week, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said that with COVID-19 cases now on a downward trend in Illinois, he would be permitting outdoor dining/drinking at local restaurants and bars, which still must adhere to social distancing and face mask guidelines for employees.
In doing so, the governor also urged municipalities to be creative and flexible in helping businesses begin to recoup their losses of the last two and a half months, perhaps by closing streets or parking lots to traffic in order to provide more space to serve customers.
Peoria Heights is hardly alone in grappling with that issue, though its popular Restaurant Row, with a significant concentration of eateries in a four-block area of Prospect Road that also serves as a major artery through town, may make it a more pressing issue than in many other communities.
Trustees Sherryl Carter and Brandon Wisenburg both said they’d heard from many local business owners about making more use of the sidewalks, streets and parking lots near their establishments. Carter said she is open to accommodating them on Fridays and Saturdays over a three- or four-week period, with the Village taking a kind of St. Patrick’s Day approach. Wisenburg said he liked the idea of a food court concept.
But there were concerns, too.
“I’m all for helping our small businesses,” said Trustee Elizabeth Khazzam, but “I don’t want to create too much of a destination” akin to what recently occurred at resort areas such as the Ozarks and parts of Wisconsin, where big crowds overwhelmed local authorities, with no regard for social distancing.
“I’m just a little concerned how far we’re going to go,” concurred Trustee Jeff Goett.
Mayor Michael Phelan said he wanted to avoid another Taste of the Heights situation, where far-larger-than-expected crowds overwhelmed the vendors. “I don’t want people dining in the street if they can’t do it in a safe manner,” he said.
Carter acknowledged that pent-up demand could mean that “this weekend is going to be a madhouse everywhere.” She also noted that “the restaurants are going to have to take some ownership here, too. They can only have so many people.”
Ultimately, the Board seemed to defer to the judgment of Village Administrator Dustin Sutton.
“Maybe the first weekend, we don’t do anything” beyond this week’s installation of the popular street seats, he said. “Take a wait-and-see approach … If it does get out of hand, I can report back to you.”
In the meantime, closing Prospect and rerouting traffic on certain days remains an option, or putting Prospect on a “road diet” – one lane open in each direction, similar to the Art Fair – or making better use of low-traffic lots and sidewalks, with the cooperation of the businesses near them.
“We can craft this however the board wants,” said Sutton. “Public safety is the number one thing.” Beyond that will be the costs of putting up sufficient barricades – the early estimates were prohibitive – and adding police manpower on those evenings.
The Village Board will deal with the issue at its next meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2.
In other business, Mayor Phelan announced that Village Hall would be reopened to the public on Monday, June 1.
The decision comes in the wake of Fire Chief Greg Walters’ report that his department has received 22 COVID-related calls since mid-March, one of which turned out to be positive. No firefighters were exposed. Community members stepped up with donations of personal protection equipment, or PPEs such as face masks and shields.
“The overall impact has been marginal,” he said. “However, we remain ready and prepared in case there is a surge.”
On another public safety matter, Carter said she’d seen children playing in floodwaters in low-lying areas near the Illinois River. “Do not play in the water,” she warned. “That’s not safe water.”
Finally, Sutton reported that 79 checks have been cut as part of the Village’s business mortgage/rent subsidy program, with three more pending.
Village Board puts off employee pay raises
Citing the current economic uncertainty, the Peoria Heights Village Board voted to defer a cost-of-living pay hike to non-union, non-contractual employees until more current revenue data is available.
The vote was 4-2, with Trustees Brandon Wisenburg, Diane Mariscal, Sarah DeVore and Sherryl Carter in the affirmative.
The proposed increases of 3 percent would have covered just six employees, three in the police department, three at Village Hall.
Trustees Jeff Goett and Elizabeth Khazzam defended the pay hikes, saying the total cost to taxpayers – under $10,000 – and the Village’s large budget surplus from the previous fiscal year make them affordable, despite the current crisis.
“You have all done an amazing job to get us into the black … well into the black” regarding the budget, said Khazzam. “None of us have a crystal ball. But I feel like this $10,000 is money well spent.”
Mayor Michael Phelan and Village Administrator Dustin Sutton also recommended the raises, arguing that the village’s finances are routinely monitored. If the current budget trajectory changes, “we’re going to have to make some corrections.” but until that happens, if it happens, the compensation jumps are warranted, said Phelan.
“We will not be overspending this year,” promised Sutton. “It falls on me.”
“Obviously these people work hard, they deserve increases,” acknowledged Wisenburg, who nonetheless pushed for a delay until near the end of this fiscal year’s first quarter, at the end of July. Until then, “raising any expenses is not a proper thing to do.”
ZBA Legal Notice - May 18th, 2020
The Peoria Heights Zoning Board of Appeals will meet Monday, June 1, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. at Village Hall, 4901 N. Prospect Road, Peoria Heights, Illinois.
The purpose of the meeting is to consider the following requests:
1. Conditional Use/Special Use approval application filed by War Memorial/Paris Real Estate Trust, seeking approval of a conditional use permit for an adult use cannabis dispensary for the property located at 828-908 East War Memorial Drive and 829-911 East Paris Avenue, Peoria Heights, Illinois, 61616 (PIN Nos. 14-27-302-004; 14-27-302-005; 14-27-302-006; 14-27-302-007; 14-27-302-016, 14-27-302-017, 14-27-302-018, and 14-27-302-019), which property is currently zoned B-2 (General Retail Business District).
2. Site Plan approval application filed by War Memorial/Paris Real Estate Trust, seeking approval of a site plan for development of an adult use cannabis dispensary for the property located at 828-908 East War Memorial Drive and 829-911 East Paris Avenue, Peoria Heights, Illinois, 61616 (PIN Nos. 14-27-302-004; 14-27-302-005; 14-27-302-006; 14-27-302-007; 14-27-302-016, 14-27-302-017, 14-27-302-018, and 14-27-302-019), which property is currently zoned B-2 (General Retail Business District).
3. Conditional Use/Special Use approval application filed by Professional Armed Transport LLC, seeking approval of a conditional use permit for an adult use cannabis transporting organization for the property located at 4703 North Ellen Court, Peoria Heights, Illinois, 61616 (PIN No. 14-22-301-011), which property is currently zoned I-1 (Industrial District).
4. Variance application by David Marfell, seeking a setback variance to permit reconstruction of a new garage in the same location as the original garage on the subject property, for the property located at 1013 East Euclid Avenue, Peoria Heights, Illinois, 61616 (PIN No. 14-22-177-010), which property is currently zoned R-1 (Low Density Residential District).
5. Rezoning application filed by KDB Group, LLC seeking approval of a map amendment rezoning the property located at 1201 and 1203 East Kingman Avenue, Peoria Heights, Illinois, 61616 (PIN No. 14-22-183-002), from the current zoning classification of R-1 (Low Density Residential District) to B-2 (General Retail Business District).
6. Variance application filed by KDB Group, LLC seeking a variance to eliminate the off-street parking requirements as set forth in Chapter 9 of Article 10 of the Village Code for the property located at 1201 and 1203 East Kingman Avenue, Peoria Heights, Illinois, 61616 (PIN No. 14-22-183-002), which property is current zoned of R-1 (Low Density Residential District).
7. Site Plan approval application filed by KDB Group, LLC seeking approval of a site plan for development of a retail popcorn and candy shop for the property located at 1201 and 1203 East Kingman Avenue, Peoria Heights, Illinois, 61616 (PIN No. 14-22-183-002), which property is current zoned of R-1 (Low Density Residential District).
Additional documents and information are available at the Village Administrator's Office in Village Hall and/or by calling 686-2385.
Hydrant Flushing Begins Monday May 18th
The Peoria Heights semi-annual hydrant flushing program will begin on Monday, May 18, 2020 and continue through Friday, May 22, 2020 weather and schedule permitting.
Date & Location
Monday, May 18th North of Seiberling, west of Prospect
Tuesday, May 19th East of Prospect from Glen to Voss including Grandview
Wednesday, May 20th Galena area below the bluff
Thursday, May 21st West of Prospect from Hines to Toledo
Friday, May 22nd South of Hines, west of Prospect
Hydrant flushing will occur on these days from 7:30am to 3:30pm. Use of water for laundry purposes is not advisable during flushing due to the possibility of discoloration. This condition does NOT pose any health hazard. For further information, please call the Water Office at (309) 686-2375.
Dave Marfell
Superintendent of Water
Employment Opportunity!
JOB TITLE: Park Maintenance
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
REPORTS TO: Village Administrator or designee(s)
DATE UPDATED: March 2020
Under the general supervision of the Groundskeeper, Park Maintenance will assist with general landscaping to maintain a neat and orderly appearance of the Village of Peoria Heights. Park Maintenance will maintain all flowerpots and flower beds and assist staff at the Tower office. The Village of Peoria Heights is dedicated to providing quality, personalized service and a superior quality of life to its residents which includes maintaining public spaces.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Collaborate with Groundskeeper to ensure assigned grounds are properly maintained.
Weed and water flower beds and pots, prune the bushes and trees, edge the walkways and give the
grounds a manicured look.
Work outdoors in various temperatures and inclement weather.
Stand, walk, reach, bend, twist, etc. for extended periods of time.
Comfortable lifting up to 25 pounds.
Demonstrate ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
Exercise knowledge of proper safety techniques (including but not limited to: wearing proper personal
protective equipment, handling of materials, lifting techniques, use of all equipment, etc).
Demonstrate knowledge and safety of any hazardous chemicals or materials used for landscaping.
Greet and assist public with a friendly and enthusiastic demeanor. Refer public with inquiries outside
of scope to Administration.
Assist Tower staff with cleaning and maintenance tasks.
General Tower Park maintenance as assigned.
Demonstrate ability to maintain effective working relationships and professionalism with staff,
elected officials and the general public.
Other related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
Proven problem-solving abilities.
Detail oriented, strong organizational skills with ability to carry out tasks with minimal supervision.
Outstanding customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of methods, materials, and equipment used in planting, cultivating, and trimming a variety
of trees, shrubs, ground cover, flowers, and grasses.
Any combination of education, training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills,
and ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
Annual Water Report!
In compliance with the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act, Peoria Heights Waterworks produces an annual Consumer Confidence Report to provide its customers with important information about their drinking water and the efforts made by the water system to provide safe drinking water. The report includes drinking water facts, information on violations (if applicable), and any contaminants detected in the water supply during the previous year. We are happy to announce that no monitoring, reporting, or treatment technique violations were recorded during 2019.
To view the 2019 Consumer Confidence Report, click the link below.