The Peoria City Council on Tuesday met to discuss final details of the $328.1 million 2024-2025 biennial budget, approving several adjustments before the budget’s expected resolution and approval next week.
One motion was the decision to grant $1.2 million to hire more firefighting staff. Passing on a 10-1 vote, (Denis Cyr dissenting), the additional staff will allow for the return of Rescue One that is tasked specifically for victim retrieval.
In attendance were over 20 members of Firefighters Union (IAFF Local 50) and Peoria Fire Chief Shawn Sollberger, who spoke to the council on the critical role of Rescue One.
“The name [Rescue One] describes itself. Its first, number one, primary responsibility is rescue. But it’s also there to protect firefighters. Often times that gets lost in the shuffle . ... In 2018, we took the equipment from Rescue One and Rescue Two and put them on two strategically located trucks. These trucks are not designed to carry that equipment; we made do. As it stands right now, we have four sets of extrication equipment now with the addition of Rescue One — Jaws of Life, cutters, spreaders,” said Sollberger.
The fire department has been responding to extrication-involved rescue calls with organized “jump crews.” When a fire erupts on the north or south end of Peoria, a crew from centrally located Station 11 “jumps” over to the rescue squad in response. However, the resulting lack of staff in Station 11 leaves a gap in rescue coverage for the other areas.
The increased funding will now allow additional firefighters to fill that gap.
Josh Martin, president of the firefighter’s union, commended the council's action.
“With this addition that just passed tonight, that added manpower will enhance the safety of all the citizens of Peoria and all the firefighters of Peoria," said Martin. "In 2019 into October 2020, we lost 36 union positions, 36 firefighters. We got a grant and got 11 firefighters back, but we’re still down 25 firefighters. So this definitely will help us, more manpower and a staff rescue squad.”
In another matter, the city council passed a unanimous motion to reallocate $650,000 toward improved road infrastructure on Glen Oak Avenue near OSF (between Berkeley and Pennsylvania avenues.)
Another unanimous motion will allow $150,000 for improvements to the Moffatt Cemetery, where a memorial “recognizes and commemorates Nance Legins-Costley and 56 Civil War vets, some of whom were involved with Juneteenth,” said council member Denise Jackson, who introduced the motion.
The improvements include increased signage, paving, and parking.
Finally, the council agreed on a 10-1 vote (Cyr dissenting) to fund a proposed Evans Street sidewalk, a multi-use sidewalk path that will connect Morton Square Park to the Peoria Riverfront, providing safe riverfront access to residents.
