• Regarding the proposed downtown museum: If we don’t put a museum there, it will just be a big hole forever! Isn’t it better to put something there? Something is better than nothing!
• Regarding the proposed charter school for District 150: What, should we just do nothing to improve the schools? At least by putting this charter school in place, we’ll be doing something. Something is better than nothing!
• Regarding plea bargains for murderers: We know he murdered a man in cold blood, but the jury might not believe our witnesses, so we’re going to let him plea down to an illegal weapon possession charge, so at least he’ll do a few years in the clink. Something is better than nothing!
• Regarding our new token recycling program: Of course they’ve reduced the number of pickups and you have to rent a special container now for no justifiable reason, but at least it’s something! Something is better than nothing!

It’s gotten so pervasive that I think they ought to make it the official tagline for the city of Peoria. I’ve gone ahead and added it to the logo, as you can see. Doesn’t it make you proud to be a Peorian?

My guess is that most people in Peoria would not want that to be our tagline. But why not? Especially when so many things around here are justified on that basis, why be ashamed to shout it from the rooftops?

I think the answer is obvious…. But not obvious enough to keep people from using it as an argument for their pet projects as if it were some sort of fabulous selling point. I would be embarrassed to try and sell some project or defend some decision of which I was ostensibly proud by declaring, “Hey, it’s better than nothing!”

But for those who are enamored with this bit of rhetoric, consider this:

1. Something is not always better than nothing. It depends on what that “something” is. Two pennies for a tip is not better than no tip at all — it’s a deliberate insult to the waiter or waitress. Projects like MidTown Plaza are not better than nothing; they’re worse. Now instead of the problems of vacant property, an unstable neighborhood, and a high crime rate, we get to have all of those things PLUS millions of dollars in TIF debt that we pay off with money that could have been used for police officers and road improvements. If we don’t seriously evaluate the “something,” we may end up worse off than we started.
2. We should be aiming higher than “better than nothing.” Why are we content with “better than nothing” in this city, anyway? Why aren’t we shooting for the best, the highest, the top? Who has bewitched us into having expectations so low that the only thing lower is … nothing? Is this what passes for pride in Peoria: “better than nothing”?

Speaking as a life-long Peorian, I think we sell ourselves short in this city. I think we settle for mediocrity. I think we expect too little. And I think if our city is ever going to turn around and grow, we need to change that paradigm.

Gillian Sorensen, former Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations under Kofi Anan and currently Senior Advisor to the UN Foundation, will speak in Peoria on Thursday, November 19 at 7:00 pm at Barrack’s Cater Inn. She will address the topic “The US and the UN: Controversy and Opportunity” for the Peoria Area World Affairs Council. With her high level experience and access, this program is certain to provoke a lively discussion of the role of the UN and the role the US in UN activities in this changing world.

All high school and college students may attend the program for no charge, with their valid student ID. Adults may purchase tickets at the door for $10. Dinner will precede this event, served at 6:00 pm. The cost of dinner, which also includes the cost of the program, is $35 per person. Reservations for dinner must be made by calling the World Affairs Council at (309) 645-2580.

### Original post follows ###

An e-mail from Peoria Police Chief Steve Settingsgaard to the City Council this morning says:

All, just wanted to let you know that as of 530 this morning, escapee Fuller has not been located. Our officers in conjunction with the county and others have continued our efforts through the night and have followed up all leads with negative results. We will continue our efforts today and I will advise If and when there is any significant news.

Yesterday, Aaron M. Cook (28) and James E. Fuller (44) escaped from the Peoria County Jail. Cook has since been recaptured. Fuller is still at large. More details on the breakout and recapture of Cook are available in this Journal Star article. Their escape was ingenious:

To make their initial escape, the inmates somehow cut a hole in the ceiling of a jail cell and carved another hole in the concrete-block roof of the facility, using a stack of books to boost themselves out. From there, they used a rope fashioned from bedsheets to rappel from the two-story-high roof to the ground.

Unlike the movie “Shawshank Redemption,” in which posters were used to hide progress in digging through a prison wall, Fuller and Cook apparently had placed the cut-away section of ceiling back in its place when they weren’t creating the hole in the concrete blocks….

[Sheriff Mike] McCoy said the men were discovered missing during breakfast. They had disguised they were gone by piling up clothing under their bed covers.

The oldest trick in the book. Here’s hoping that, unlike Shawshank Redemption, Fuller is recaptured quickly and put back in jail because, unlike Shawshank Redemption, Fuller isn’t an innocent victim kept in prison by a conniving warden. Fuller is a dangerous criminal, convicted of armed robbery and rape.

League of Women Voters Invites the Public to hear about the Charter Schools Proposal in Peoria – Will this “fix” District 150 or cost money & hurt other schools?

Peoria – Should Peoria School District 150 approve a math, science and technology charter school, a middle school to be expanded into a high school? How will this impact other schools and students? How will it be financed?

Cindy Fisher and Vicky Stewart will explain the plans of the Peoria Charter School Initiative to open a math, science and technology charter school in District 150 by August, 2010, beginning with grades 5 – 7 then expanding yearly into high school. The plan contemplates a school with 600 students, with the students chosen by lottery.

Gerry Brookhart, the Regional Supt of Schools, will explain what charter schools are and the restrictions the state of Illinois places on them.

Tom McLauglin and Sharon Teefey from the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) will present their alternative view on charter schools.

The presentations will be followed by a question and answer session.

When: 9-11am Saturday, November 21, (free) Program (8:30am optional light breakfast $8)
Where: Peoria Castle Lodge (formerly Jumers) 117 N Western Ave.

Having heard the charter school proponents’ view quite a bit as of late, it should be interesting to hear the union’s take on the issue.

Pursuant to Rule 32 of the Council Rules, the Peoria City Council Meeting scheduled for November 17, 2009 is hereby canceled.

The cancellation is due to the City Council’s inability to make budget decisions necessary to close the deficit and bring forward a balanced budget in the absence of specific concession information from our Police Benevolent and AFSCME bargaining units.

The City Council has directed staff to continue meeting with these units in order to reach agreement on the requested concessions.

My sources say that some sort of concessions might be forthcoming from the Police union, thus accounting for the delay in making final budget decisions. Despite the wording in the e-mail, there doesn’t appear to be the same optimism regarding AFSCME. But we’ll see what happens between now and next Tuesday.

According to Dr. Fischer’s presentation, the charter school as proposed would have roughly the same demographics as the rest of District 150. Their plan is to recruit students from all parts of District 150, including the most impoverished areas. They’re committed to maintaining diversity. This was interesting to me because the district has long maintained that poverty is a root cause of low achievement. So I wondered why, given the same demographic makeup, the charter school promised to deliver such high performance. Dr. Fischer explained that the charter school would get better results because of the “best practices” that would be implemented and various other components of their program, such as a longer school day, higher teacher accountability, etc.

That all sounds great, but why isn’t District 150 doing that already? Dr. Fischer is not an outsider to District 150. She was in central administration. In fact, she was an Associate Superintendent. She was in a position of major influence. So, why didn’t she implement these “best practices” and other components when she was there? Are the practices only legal for charter schools to implement? Was she unable to enact changes because of resistance from others? Or did she only learn about these practices after retiring from the district?

I asked her those questions Thursday night. She explained that, in her position as Associate Superintendent, she wasn’t over curriculum and instruction for middle and high schools. She was over “everything else” — things like early childhood education, safety, etc. So she in fact wasn’t in a position to implement the kinds of reforms being discussed.

She also said that when she first came to the central administration building, she was ready to go in and make changes, but found that it wasn’t as easy as she thought it would be to make reforms. She said District 150 is “like a big ship,” and “before you can turn a big ship, you have to slow it down.” In keeping with that metaphor, she explained that she spent most of her time just trying to “slow down the ship” so reforms could be made.

Finally, Dr. Fischer explained that the proposed “best practices” are easier to implement in a charter school because you are “starting from scratch.” Since you’re building a new school from the ground up, you don’t have to change an existing culture. You can establish the kind of learning and working culture you want from the outset.

I have to say, Dr. Fischer was a very impressive speaker. My question didn’t rattle her at all. She didn’t sound or appear defensive in answering it, but spoke as professionally and engagingly as she had the rest of the evening. She also expertly avoided saying anything negative about District 150 teachers, union, administrative staff, etc., even as she spoke about the district’s low achievement scores. The board of directors made an excellent decision in appointing her the public face of the Peoria Charter School Initiative.

I’ve listened to it a few times the past several weeks, and I’ve noticed that they don’t have their equipment hooked up properly. You see, they’re a mono station, but they play music that was originally recorded in stereo. If you’re going from stereo to mono, you need to combine the two stereo tracks into one mono track using a Y-adapter (or, alternatively, using an audio software program to combine the tracks). What WOAM is doing is just playing one of the stereo tracks and not the other.

That’s a problem — especially when they play songs from the early days of stereo recording, like songs by The Association or Simon & Garfunkel. In those early, experimental days, bands would do some crazy things by today’s standards. For instance, they might put all the percussion in the right channel and all the vocals in the left channel. So if you only hear one track and not the other, the song sounds weird at best. And WOAM plays a lot of songs that suffer from that problem.

So, WOAM station owner, while I know this is just a temporary thing and you’re losing money anyway, why not spend a couple bucks on a Y-adapter, just out of the goodness of your heart? Your listeners will appreciate it.

The mayor and all council members are present.

Here’s the agenda:

ITEM NO. 1 PUBLIC HEARING Regarding a PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX LEVY INCREASE for the City of Peoria for 2009.

This is a formality whenever there’s a possibility the property rate could increase. Tax rate will not be set tonight. No one chooses to speak. Public hearing closed.

ITEM NO. 2 CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS BY OMNIBUS VOTE, for the City of Peoria, with Recommendations as Outlined:

A. NOTICE of LAWSUIT on Behalf of KATHRINE BAER BURWELL Regarding a Complaint Against the City of Peoria and Various Members of the Police Department Claiming Hostile Work Environment and Discrimination Based on Gender and Retaliation, with Request to Receive for Information and Refer to the Legal Department.

B. NOTICE of LAWSUIT Filed by PAUL G. BRADSHAW Regarding a Complaint of a Violation of his Constitutional Rights Arising out of an Inspection of His Property Located at 1811 W. Kingsway on March 18, 2009, with Request to Receive for Information and Refer to the Legal Department.

C. Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works Requesting Approval to PURCHASE ONE (1) 2009 FORD E-150 VAN from LANDMARK in SPRINGFIELD, in an Amount Not to Exceed $16,452.00, Utilizing the State Contract Bidding Process.

D. Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works Requesting to AWARD the CONTRACT for PARKING LOT SEALANT Behind the MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING to TAZEWELL COUNTY ASPHALT, in the Amount of $15,820.00.

E. Communication from the City Manager and Finance Director/Comptroller Requesting Approval of the ESTIMATE OF TAXES to be LEVIED, in the Amount of $28,845,517, at a Rate Not to Exceed $1.40990, Pursuant to 35 ILCS 200/18-60.

F. Communication from the City Manager and Corporation Counsel Requesting Adoption of an ORDINANCE Amending CHAPTER 31, SCHEDULE A, Prohibiting the USE OF GROUNDWATER as a POTABLE WATER SUPPLY by the INSTALLATION or USE of POTABLE WATER SUPPLY WELLS or By Any Other Method Located at 3623 N. UNIVERSITY STREET.

G. Communication from the City Manager and Corporation Counsel Requesting Approval of a SITE APPLICATION for a CLASS D (Hotel) LIQUOR LICENSE at 9106 N. LINDBERGH DRIVE, with Recommendation from the Liquor Commission to Approve.

H. Communication from the City Manager and Corporation Counsel Requesting Approval of a SITE APPLICATION for a CLASS D (Hotel) LIQUOR LICENSE at 7806 N. ROUTE 91, with Recommendation from the Liquor Commission to Approve.

I. Communication from the City Manager and Corporation Counsel Requesting Approval of a SITE APPLICATION for a CLASS B (Restaurant, Full Service Bar) LIQUOR LICENSE at 8305 N. ALLEN ROAD, with Recommendation from the Liquor Commission to Approve.

J. Communication from the City Manager and Finance Director/Comptroller Regarding the CITY OF PEORIA FIREFIGHTERS’ PENSION FUND and the CITY OF PEORIA POLICE PENSION FUND ACTUARIAL REPORTS as of JANUARY 1, 2009, with Request to Receive and File.

K. Communication from the City Treasurer Regarding a REPORT of the BOARD OF TRUSTEES of the CITY OF PEORIA POLICE PENSION FUND, with Request to Receive and File.

L. Communication from the City Treasurer Regarding a REPORT of the BOARD OF TRUSTEES of the CITY OF PEORIA FIREFIGHTER’S PENSION FUND, with Request to Receive and File.

M. Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works Regarding a REPORT BACK Relating to the CITY ASSISTING COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OWNERS with ASPHALT COSTS for REPAIRING PARKING LOTS Adjacent to CITY PAVING PROJECTS to Help with Cost Savings for Property Owners, with Request to Receive and File. (Refer to Item No. 09-498)

N. REPORT of the CITY TREASURER PATRICK A. NICHTING for the Month of SEPTEMBER 2009, with Request to Receive and File.

Sandberg asks that Item D be removed from the consent agenda. Irving removes Item C. Montelongo also wants to remove Item D, and Item E. Sandberg is abstaining from Item B because he’s done work for the petitioner. Jacob is abstaining from Items G, H, and I.

Motion to approve remaining items by Spain, seconded by Riggenbach. Motion passes unanimously.

• Item C. Irving asks if the City went to any Ford dealers in Peoria to see if they could compete in price. Answer: Not this time, but we have in the past and have never received a response. Just went to state bid, not local. Question: Can current vehicle last another year or two? Answer: Vehicle being replaced has over 90,000 miles on it and is due for major overhaul; already two years past replacement schedule. Vehicle is 12 years old. Irving moves to deny purchase of van; seconded by Sandberg. City Manager reiterates that we will incur maintenance costs if we keep it for another year. Motion passes 9-2; voting nay: Ardis, Van Auken.
• Item D. Sandberg asks, Why did we only get one bid back from seven sent out? Answer: We don’t know. Sandberg: In this economy, when people need work, there’s something odd that no one wants to bid. Perhaps there’s something wrong with our specifications. Has anyone asked contractors why they didn’t bid on this? Answer: No. Sandberg is concerned that we should get competitive bids to make sure we’re getting the best value for our dollar. Sandberg moves to defer this item one month and direct staff to report back the reason why other contractors didn’t bid; seconded by Jacob. Motion passes unanimously.
• Item E. Montelongo asks Finance Director Scroggins to explain what we’re voting on for the sake of “those listening at home.” Scroggins gave a brief explanation. Sandberg moves to approve; seconded by Van Auken. Motion passes 10-1; Montelongo voting nay. Montelongo didn’t explain why he was against it.

ITEM NO. 3 Communication from the City Manager and Director of Planning and Growth Management Requesting REALLOCATION of CDBG and HOME FUNDS, as Outlined in the Communication, in Order to Provide a Continuity of Customer Service to Peoria Residents.

Move to approve by Van Auken; seconded by Riggenbach. Motion passes unanimously. No discussion.

ITEM NO. 4 Communication from the City Manager and Corporation Counsel Requesting Authorization for the City Manager to Execute an AGREEMENT with COMCAST to EXTEND the CURRENT CABLE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT Until JANUARY 31, 2010. (Extends Item No. 09-111)

Turner moves to approve; seconded by Jacob. Jacob would like staff (Legal Counsel Ray in particular) to bring back a report on what we can require of Comcast. Sandberg is not going to support another deferral. The citizens don’t want the City to enter into an agreement with Comcast, and he’s prepared to give the citizens what they want. Sandberg reminds everyone that turning this down will not change anything; Comcast will still be here and will simply negotiate a franchise agreement with the state. We’re just spinning our wheels. Spain also not supporting the extension for similar if not the same reasons as Sandberg (he attempted to make a distinction, but it was a distinction without a difference). Legal Counsel Randy Ray explained that it is his intention that this would be the last extension; there was a meeting scheduled for last Friday, but he was sick, which is why this extension is being requested. Turner asks council to support this “short” extension. Motion passes 9-2; Sandberg and Spain voting nay.

ITEM NO. 5 Communication from the City Manager and Acting Director of Human Resources Requesting Approval to Enter into a ONE YEAR CONTRACT for STOP LOSS COVERAGE to the CITY’S HEALTH CARE PLAN with HUMANA, the Lowest Qualified Bidder, for the Year 2010 at an Annual Estimated Cost of $645,064.00.

Van Auken moves to approve; seconded by Turner. Motion passes unanimously. No discussion.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

(09-453) Communication from the City Manager and Police Chief Requesting Approval of a THREE-YEAR CONTRACT with HARRIS S. UNIFORMS (Sam Harris) for the ANNUAL PURCHASE of UNIFORMS for COMMISSIONED OFFICERS, CIVILIAN PERSONNEL, and PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS for a Total Amount of $253,000.00.

MOTION ON THE FLOOR: To Deny.

Van Auken moves to defer; seconded by Turner. The deferral is to give the Chief time to review information. Motion passes unanimously.

(09-277) CONTINUED DISCUSSION Regarding the FY 2010 CITY OF PEORIA BUDGET with POSSIBLE ADVISORY ACTION and PUBLIC COMMENTS.

No updates from City Manager. Special council meeting next Tuesday. No one takes opportunity to make comments about 2010 budget.

PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES & COMMUNICATIONS — TOWN OF THE CITY OF PEORIA

ITEM NO. 1 Communication from the Town Officials Budget Committee with Request to Approve the Proposed ESTIMATE OF TAXES to be LEVIED for the Town of the City of Peoria Pursuant to 35 ILCS 200/18-60, in the Amount of $2,125,824.00, which represents a 2.5% Increase in the Aggregate Levy over Last Year’s Tax Extension, and to Enter into the Permanent Record.

Spain moves to approve; seconded by Turner. Passes unanimously. No discussion.

NEW BUSINESS

• Jacob asks for report back from Director Kunski regarding Landlord Registration program in 30 days first meeting in January. So moved by Jacob; seconded by Spain. Sandberg suggests we wait until January instead of reporting back in the middle of December. Jacob amends motion. Vote will occur at the next meeting.
• Van Auken talks about the proliferation of “stick-in-the-ground signs” and the nuisance and eyesore they are. Planning and Growth regulates signs on private property; Public Works regulates signs on public property. Van Auken would like to see one department handle all sign ordinance violations. Discussion ensues regarding enforcement/removal of signs in the public right-of-way. Van Auken requests report back by City Manager.
• Ardis recognizes cameraman Harry Block’s birthday.
• City Manager Moore distributed the state’s 2010 legislative agenda and asks for feedback from council; suggestions for additions, etc.

CITIZEN REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL

No citizens to address tonight.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

There is an executive session. Moved by Van Auken; seconded by Riggenbach. Passes unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT

Sandberg moves, Irving seconds to adjourn. Passes unanimously.

Short meeting tonight. It’s only 7:18 p.m. Have a nice evening everyone!