Rich Brodrick is on track to become the next police chief of East Peoria.
Several commissioners said they hope to soon vote to place the interim chief permanently in the top spot. That includes Mayor John Kahl.
"In nearly 20 years, this city has gone outside for its police chief," said Kahl. "And the message to that department yesterday was, that glass ceiling is gone. We have a lot of talent in this department."
Kahl said promoting from within will give the department a needed morale boost.
Brodrick has been with the police department for 20 years, and the deputy chief for nine. He replaces Steve Roegge, who resigned last week with about a year still to go on his contract.
EP to apply for road repair grant
East Peoria is applying for a grant to fix a deteriorating section of East Washington Street.
The Peoria-Pekin Urbanized Area Study is willing to pay up to 80% of the $605,000 cost to resurface the thoroughfare between Main Street and Interstate 74.
Commissioner Dan Decker said this is the best opportunity the city is likely to see for upgrading the roadway.
"Whenever you can utilize 80% of someone else's money, it's a good idea," Decker said. "This road needs to be done, and within a few years, it's going to have to be done."
If the grant is approved, the project would commence in fiscal year 2023. Tazewell County also could pay $100,000 to install needed ADA accessibility ramps.
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