Modernized traffic signals will be added to an East Peoria intersection near the south entrance to Illinois Central College.
Authorizing the upgraded stoplights for the corner of Centennial Drive and Highview Road was among several East Peoria City Council first reading approvals this week, along with a liquor code update that will allow the permanent sale of carry-out mixed drinks.
The council voted unanimously, with one absence, to approve the $100,000 agreement with Laser Electric for the traffic signal work aimed at improving safety and traffic flow.
“People will be happy to know that these intersections and the signals are going to be improved because we've had issues, long-standing issues up there,” said Mayor John Kahl. “We're just lucky we haven't had more accidents as a result.”
The project will include an overhaul of all signal heads, as well as the installation of a new comprehensive vehicle and pedestrian detection system.
Additionally, part of the upgrade features installation of new detection loops at the intersection of Centennial and North Main Street, which is also U.S. Route 150 and Illinois 116 in that section.
Liquor code updates
The provision permitting carry-out mixed drinks stems from a COVID-era temporary allowance in the state regulations that has since been made permanent.
Commissioner Mark Hill noted the move does come with some restrictions, such as using clearly marked, tamper-proof containers and prohibiting third-party delivery.
“It doesn't sound like you're going to get a sippy cup with the plastic lid and walk out the door with the mixed drink,” said Hill.
Other changes to East Peoria's liquor code include reducing the cap on licenses from 24 to 22, and allowing city officials to obtain licenses under certain circumstances.
Other business
Other items unanimously approved by the council include:
- Spending $102,000 to replace the dehumidifier at the Centennial water treatment plant.
- Allowing installation of a 44 ground-mounted solar panels and a battery system in the backyard of a property in the 100 block of East Muller Road.
- Permitting signs with changeable messages in the B-1 business district on a case-by-case basis.
- Purchasing a Caterpillar mini excavator for the street department at a cost of around $82,000.
- Buying two new Chevrolet command vehicles for the fire department totaling about $107,000, and selling a 1996 fire engine/tanker and two excess Ford pickups that are no longer being used.
- Allocating more than $74,000 for new submersible pumps for the National Lift Station to replace pump motors that have exceeded their life expectancy, and an identical for the same equipment at the Moschel Lift Station.
- Authorizing a $67,000 expense to buy a Ventrac mower/tractor, along with related attachment parts, for outdoor property maintenance by the tourism and special events department.
As part of the consent agenda, the council approved an updated intergovernmental agreement to provide law enforcement services on and around the ICC campus.
