Officials from the Washington Chamber of Commerce and Discover Peoria each made a pitch Monday to the Washington City Council for continued city funding.
Mike Herzog, president of Washington State Bank and the chamber's board of directors, presented for the chamber. Discover Peoria (also known as the Peoria Area Convention & Visitors Bureau), was represented by J.D. Dalfonso, the organization's president and CEO, and Ashley Hildebrandt, project manager.
In addition to a request to continue its $35,000 funding for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years (May 1 through April 30, 2027), the chamber is asking for as much as $10,000 to help cover the costs of planning and marketing Washington bicentennial events this year.
The city's chamber funding breaks down to $20,000 for planning, executing and coordinating city events like the Community Prayer Breakfast and Good Neighbor Days, $12,000 to promote and market Washington, and $3,000 for administrative and other expenses.
Discover Peoria has provided $20,000 and $25,000 options for the city's 2025-26 fiscal year, which begins May 1.
The city is paying Discover Peoria $20,000 for the 2024-25 fiscal year. If the council approves the increased payment, the city would receive additional services including a localized video, photos from events, and shared promotions on the Discover Peoria home page.
Alderpersons Mike Brownfield and Mike McIntyre said they'd support an increase to $25,000. Alderperson John Blundy asked Jon Oliphant, the city's planning and development director, if the chamber and Discover Peoria somewhat compete against each other.
"They do overlap a bit, but each helps promote our city and its businesses and has value," Oliphant said.
Soft opening 'planned soon' for Tangled Roots
Oliphant said Monday the city issued a certificate of occupancy March 7 to Tangled Roots Craft Beer & Kitchen, a new restaurant on the downtown Washington square.
"The general contractor has turned over the building to the restaurant operator," Oliphant added in his regular report to the council.
"Staff hiring is ongoing and a soft opening is planned soon," he said.
Tangled Roots was scheduled for a December 2023 grand opening, according to its redevelopment agreement with the city.
Oliphant also reported Monday that a building permit was issued for the construction of The Garages, a seven-unit business at the corner of Muller Road and Valley Forge Drive, and the city has approved a $2,500 tourism grant for the 15th annual Ledgestone Open disc golf tournament, the largest disc golf tournament in the world.
In other news reported to the council Monday by department heads:
Public Works Director Brian Rittenhouse said his staff is looking into buying street signs that let truck drivers know they can't drive on Zinser Place.
"Trucks aren't allowed to use Zinser Place, but continue to do so and are causing damage in residents' yards," he said.
City Engineer Dennis Carr reported that a bid opening is scheduled April 30 for the next phase of the Catherine Street rehabilitation project and the Washington Park berm project could be completed soon if the weather cooperates.
The Peak on Summit, Blue Ox are a step closer to approval for video gaming terminals
A proposal to increase the maximum number of video gaming terminals in Washington to 72 at a maximum 12 licensed establishments had a first reading Monday. Council will vote on the proposal April 7.
The current maximums are 57 terminals at 11 licensed establishments.
The Peak on Summit, 201 S. Summit Drive, and the Blue Ox, 120 N. Wilmor Road, have each requested city approval of the maximum six terminals, which would go live May 1. If The Peak on Summit and Blue Ox's requests are granted by the city, all 12 spots for licensed establishments would be filled.
The city benefits financially from video gaming through terminal sticker and licensed establishment fees.
The annual terminal sticker fee is $600 per terminal ($300 from the terminal operator and $300 from the licensed establishment). The annual licensed establishment fee is $1,000 ($500 from the terminal operator and $500 from the licensed establishment).
The city also gets a small share of terminal revenue.
State champion dance and cheerleading teams are honored with a 'day'
The state champion Washington Community High School Pantherettes dance team and Central Intermediate School cheer team were celebrated Monday by the city with a day proclaimed in their honor by Mayor Gary Manier.
The Pantherettes' day is Wednesday. They were the Class 3A Grand Champions at the Illinois Drill Association state finals Feb. 15. They also took first place in the jazz and lyrical categories. Lauren Metz, Brittany Hofer, Josie Wudtke and Sammi Alstott were their coaches.
The Central cheer team's day is today. The team won the Class 2A cheerleading routine state title against 24 other teams and the Class 2A game day routine state title against 18 other teams at the Illinois Elementary School Athletic Association state finals Feb. 12.
Central, coached by Julianne Demmel and Angela Jaszarowski, was one of just 13 Class 2A teams that competed in both the cheerleading routine and game day routine events.
Maintenance help is hired by the city
Low bids for several commodities and contractor assistance contracts were approved Monday by the council.
The low bids ranged from $785,000 from Peoria-based Hoerr Construction for Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) lining maintenance to $25,000 to Durdel & Sons Tree Service of Peoria for tree maintenance assistance.
CIPP is a trenchless method of sewer construction.
