Peoria's population has decreased in the past 10 years, but not by as much as feared.
An initial population drop estimate of 4% ended up coming out to just a 1.6% decline in data released by the U.S. Census this month.
“That is really the result of a lot of great work by a lot of good organizations,” At-Large Peoria City Council member Sid Ruckriegel said at Tuesday's council meeting. “(They are) making sure this census really did make sure everyone (was) counted.”
Ruckriegel would like to see a full report as well as an opportunity to thank organizations helping the effort at the council's next meeting. Mayor Rita Ali also gave her thanks and interest to include the city's appreciation on the next agenda.
At the meeting, council members approved multiple road improvement projects, including a signal upgrade at Adams and Jefferson. Another project will improve Glen Avenue from War Memorial Drive to University Street in District 4.
Also, there will be a one-way to two-way road conversion project affecting parts of Adams Street and Jefferson Avenue in District 1. Specifically, Adams at William Kumpf to Hamilton Boulevard and Jefferson at William Kumpf to Fayette Street.
In other action, at-large council member John Kelly spoke on his interest to change language in the recently passed tire ordinance. His move is to clarify enforcement reach to include tire businesses outside of Peoria with city licenses.
“I should say that in discussing this with the (city) manager, and I think the manager discussed it with corporation counsel, they did not think this change was necessary. But I would like to move to make such a change,” said Kelly.
City Manager Patrick Urich said the staff has no problem making a change in the language to better clarify the ordinance.
The council will meet again to discuss resident input on fiscal recovery funds at its Sept. 7 meeting that starts at 6p.m.
