Robert Askins

The meeting commenced with a call to order and an approved motion to admit a member via teleconference. The committee received and filed informational items, including the minutes from the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission and updates on Unsafe Structures and Development Summary. Key actions included the approval of Zoning Case #ZBA-2026-0002, petitioned by David and Susan Klasing, and the approval of Subdivision Waiver Case #WAV-2026-0001, also petitioned by David & Susan Klasing. Furthermore, the committee accepted the State's Attorney's Office recommendation regarding executive session minutes, which involved destroying executive session audio recordings older than two years not related to pending litigation.

The meeting included the December Collections & Transactions Report, which required no additional input. Discussions with the County Election Commission involved updates on mailing ballots, advising voters about postmark rule changes, and announcing the upcoming public test and the commencement of early voting/vote-by-mail. The Supervisor of Assessments reported on mailing 2026 exemption renewals, highlighting the tax deferral program and the deadline for senior citizen assessment freeze applications. The Treasurer's update covered finalizing the first round of new tax bills for 2026, preparing for mobile home tax bill distribution, and audit preparations. A committee action involved accepting the State's Attorney's recommendation to maintain confidentiality of previously held executive session minutes and to destroy executive session audio recordings over two years old, except those related to pending litigation.

The Rules Committee agenda included the call to order, approval of minutes from the December 2, 2024 meeting, discussion and potential resolution regarding the Revised Rules of Order, a public comment period, miscellaneous items, and adjournment. The primary substantive discussion revolved around Resolution 3.1, the Revised Rules of Order, specifically concerning the public comment time limits within committee meetings, aiming to align them with County Board meeting rules. The committee discussed and ultimately approved an amendment to keep specific references to the Health and Human Services project in the 2025-2026 Rules of Order.

The Infrastructure Committee meeting included informational items such as updates on Greater Peoria Sanitary District minutes and Peoria County Capital Projects funding. Key resolutions involved approving bid lettings for Jail Kitchen Improvements, including recommendations for general trades, HVAC/plumbing, and electrical contractors, while setting aside a contingency fund. Further resolutions included approving a revised agreement with Beck Oil Company for highway improvements, approving the bid from R.A. Cullinan and Sons for Limestone Township sealcoating, establishing funding splits for the Sheridan Road Project agreement with the City of Peoria, and approving preliminary engineering for the Airport Road Bridge Beam Repair and rehabilitation for the Taylor Road Bridge. The committee also accepted the recommendation to retain previously held executive session minutes and destroy older audio recordings.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan for Peoria County Government aims to foster an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming workplace and community. It is organized around four strategic pillars: Talent Attraction & Retention, Professional Training & Development, Minority and Women-Owned Business Procurement, and External Stakeholder Engagement. The plan focuses on advancing measurable progress toward a more inclusive and equitable government, positioning Peoria County as a model for inclusive governance and shared prosperity.