Steve Tarter

Fitch's Bruce Mueller called the data collection effort by the Peoria Fire Department and AMT was "a very collaborative process," #peoriacc

At Large Councilwoman Beth Akeson suggests that the city website include information regarding how times have changed--that the response time has gone from 20 minutes to under four minutes due to construction materials of newer homes and the size of homes today. #peoriacc

5th District Councilman Denis Cyr expressed concern over travel time in his district. He also noted that a 2004 study made 30 recommendations regarding fire/medical response and that most haven't been followed. #peoriacc

The Fitch study suggests a change in how fire/medical response is done by not sending firefighters to low-priority calls and employing changes in dispatching to send the right resource to the right call. #peoriacc

Bruce Mueller presents a study of fire and emergency calls in Peoria. Fitch & Associates was hired to give city officials an analysis of the response service provided. #peoriacc

.Nowlan notes that the number of homeless in Peoria when counted in January was 285, down from 400 last year. #peoriacc

Kevin Nowlan of the Heart of Illinois Homelessness Continuum of Care outlines service to the homeless provided in Peoria. #peoriacc

Eureka College's men's basketball team receives a city of Peoria proclamation. Eureka coach Chip Wilde introduced the Red Devils squad that started the season 2-10 but wound up in the Division III tournament. #peoriacc

The Peoria City Council opens with recognition of Kick Butts Day, an anti-smoking program that focuses on getting the "don't smoke" message out to young people. #peoriacc

Catch DOA Downtown Peoria Public Library at 2 p.m. Saturday. Helen Burgess, the cousin of Neville Brand, who played Chester the wild-eyed henchman.

Noir Alley @NoirAlley

Catch D.O.A. ('50) starring Edmond O'Brien this week on #NoirAlley hosted by @EddieMuller https://t.co/Qwb6cg4hAB

How should the city close TIF districts? Invest in infrastructure or give back tax money to taxing bodies? #peoriacc

Ardis suggested the council wants to drive more TIF districts to attract development. #peoriacc

Grayeb says that TIF districts have gotten a bad name but many have been useful for the city. #peoriacc

It's on to tax increment financing. Development tool that allows the city to establish priorities.#peoriacc

Voring for the compromise: Riggenbach, Moore, Montelongo, Ruckriegel, Oyler and Ardis. Against: Grayeb, Jensen, Akeson, Cyr. #peoriacc

City council passes Oyler option by 6-4 margin, going back to once amonth pick-ups in older neighborhoods and pick up recycling in the alley--through June. Meanwhile, twice-a-month curbside recycling would continue elsewhere in Peoria.#peoriacc

Councilman Zach Oyler suggests that for the next 90 days people in the older parts of town will have once a month service in the alley until the city sorts out the problem. the city would get twice-a-month pick-ups. #peoriacc