East Peoria officials have approved a $100,000 plan to modernize traffic signals near Illinois Central College, citing longstanding safety and traffic-flow concerns. The City Council also advanced a liquor-code change allowing restaurants and bars to sell carry-out mixed drinks under state rules, while approving purchases and projects for city departments and utilities.
Key takeaways
- A $100,000 agreement will upgrade signals near ICC’s south entrance.
- Carry-out mixed drinks will be allowed in tamper-proof, clearly marked containers; third-party delivery is prohibited.
- The council also approved equipment purchases, utility work and other municipal measures.
Signal work near the college
The signal project covers Centennial Drive and Highview Road, near ICC’s south entrance. The council approved an agreement with Laser Electric on a first reading, voting unanimously with one member absent. Mayor John Kahl said the intersection has had persistent problems and welcomed improvements intended to make it safer.
The work will replace the signal heads and add a system to detect vehicles and pedestrians. It also includes new detection loops at Centennial Drive and North Main Street, which carries U.S. Route 150 and Illinois Route 116 through that area.
Carry-out mixed drinks and liquor rules
The liquor-code change follows Illinois’ decision to make permanent a temporary allowance introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. East Peoria’s rules will require drinks to be packaged in clearly marked, tamper-resistant containers and will not allow third-party delivery.
Other code changes reduce the city’s cap on liquor licenses from 24 to 22 and permit city officials to obtain licenses in certain circumstances.
Other council approvals
The council unanimously approved several additional items, including replacing a dehumidifier at the Centennial water treatment plant for $102,000 and buying a mini excavator for the street department for about $82,000. It also authorized two fire-department command vehicles costing about $107,000 and approved selling a retired fire engine and two unused pickups.
Other actions included installing 44 ground-mounted solar panels and a battery system at a home on East Muller Road, allowing changeable-message signs in the B-1 business district on a case-by-case basis, and purchasing a mower-tractor and attachments for about $67,000. The council also approved new submersible pumps for the National and Moschel lift stations, replacing equipment that has exceeded its expected service life, and updated an agreement for law enforcement services at and around the ICC campus.
