Pekin City council moving forward with two major infrastructure projects

Mike Kramer, Pekin Daily Times
·3 min read

The Pekin City Council voted to move forward on two major infrastructure projects during Monday’s meeting.

A resolution to accept Morton Community Bank’s proposal to loan the city $5.5 million to help fund a $7.9 million Derby Street Rehabilitation Project by a 5-1 vote, with Council member Lloyd Orrick dissenting. Council member Becky Cloyd was absent from the meeting.

“Morton Community Bank was the only bank that submitted a proposal,” said Pekin Interim City Manager John Dossey. “The terms of the $5.5 million loan proposal require a fixed rate at 5.2 percent. It’s a 20-year term, there is no prepayment penalty, and the principal interest payment is due annually.”

Orrick voted against the action because of concerns about the terms of the loan.

“We’re now obligating the next 20 years of Councils to pay for this work that is to be done and is currently happening,” he said. “I don’t like tying up future Councils.”

The Council awarded the rehabilitation construction project to Otto Baum Construction in May. Over $2 million of the project cost will be reimbursed by Illinois American Water.

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Council members also unanimously approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Pekin Park District for items related to the City’s purchase of property at Mineral Springs Park.

In addition to the $26,000 purchase of property, the agreement states that the City will pay the Park District the cost of two trees for every tree on or near the property removed as part of the Court Street Rehabilitation Project.

The city will also pay the Park District the sum of $1,610 for replacement of the Mineral Springs Park sign currently located near the western entrance to Mineral Springs Park from Court Street, and $46,000 for replacement of the marquee sign located near the eastern entrance to Mineral Springs Park from Court Street.

In other business:

  • The Council unanimously approved the city’s 2023 Community Development Block Grant 2022 Consolidated Annual Report.

  • A resolution to grant the city’s Public Works Director signature authority for IDOT documents passed 6-0.

  • An amendment to the city’s Fiscal Year 2024 Operating and Capital Budget passed 5-1, with Council member Rick Hilst voting against the action. According to Pekin Interim City Manager John Dossey, amendments to the budget were needed to reflect spending changes, correct the omission of school district tax reimbursement, and reflect updated revenue information.

  • A final plat approval for a purchase agreement for the purchase of City-owned property at the corner of Main Street and Broadway Street to Roger Brotherton passed unanimously.

  • The Council unanimously approved the purchase of a DigaTalk radio System for the city’s bus department from Radilink, Inc.

  • A resolution authorizing the purchase of 15 rifles for the Pekin Police Department from Rock River Arms Inc., for $15,415 also met with unanimous consent.

  • A resolution approving a professional services agreement with SAFEbuilt Illinois, LLC for permit technician support services on an as-needed basis passed 6-0.

  • The Council unanimously approved a resolution to lease two vehicles for the Inspection Department from Enterprise Leasing for $25,000.

Pekin Mayor Mary Burress shares a laugh with Council member Dave Nutter before Monday's meeting. The Council passed two major infrastructure projects during the meeting.
Pekin Mayor Mary Burress shares a laugh with Council member Dave Nutter before Monday's meeting. The Council passed two major infrastructure projects during the meeting.

This article originally appeared on Pekin Daily Times: City of Pekin to take out $5.5 million for rehabilitation project