City of Pekin Illinois - Government

01/15/2025

01/13/2025

Regular City Council Meeting City of Pekin January 13, 2025

01/09/2025

Sorry Pekin’s I jinxed us.

Just like that the winter weather advisory comes out.

Below is the National Weather Service advisory.

WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations around 2 to 3
inches.

* WHERE...Mason, Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Cass, Fulton, and
Schuyler Counties.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 6 PM CST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
conditions could impact the Friday morning and evening commutes.
Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for Illinois can be obtained on the Internet at www.gettingaroundillinois.com

01/09/2025

SAY IT ISN'T SNOW PEKIN!

The snow people will jump for joy knowing that we are supposed to get more snow starting tonight, into tomorrow. While they prepare their sleds, and other fun snow toys we need to put our routine message out to the community asking for everyone's cooperation so that we can clear the roads as quickly and safely as possible.

The prediction is for 1 to 3 inches. What does that mean one might ask? From past experience my guess is we will rush the stores for milk and bread only to be once again left shaking our heads thinking how did the snow miss us. It was headed right for us.

Seriously, the prediction is for 1 to 3 inches. Our main concern, once again, are the snow routes. We enforce them for 2" snow falls or more and are asking everyone to have a plan in place to park elsewhere other than the snow routes. This allows our crews to hit these roads quicker and get the salt down having them cleared by the time we are up to go to work.

Some will jump on here to say that their road was never plowed or salted. Please know that the mains are the focus early on, and the secondary roads come later, after the main roads are addressed. So many things may play into this, but one thing people should keep in mind, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) rules only allow the drivers to drive for so many hours. Once they hit these hours they are mandated to have a rest period. We do many things depending on the snow events to compensate for this and at the moment are not anticipating any curveballs and feel we will be on top of this snow.

Once again we ask for community cooperation regarding the snow routes. Please remove your vehicles from the roads ahead of time if you can. As always we will communicate on here when we will begin enforcement activity as well as use of NIXLE, if it should rise to that.

What we learned from the last event, and previous ones, is that if people simply move their vehicles ahead of time it makes our jobs much easier and the roads are cleared much quicker. Our goal is to issue no tickets and tow no vehicles!

01/09/2025

Good Morning Pekin!

There has been a lot of "buzz" taking place about the new construction along Court Street. One issue in particular is the traffic lights. Because of some of the misunderstandings circulating, we felt we should provide an update.

We hope you are enjoying the nice smooth road! The construction is mostly complete, but there are still a few items that we are working on that are moving forward in the next couple of weeks.

Several manholes still need to be adjusted to the correct elevation, which will further improve the ride. This will take a little time so stay patient and drive cautiously.

As to the traffic lights and synchronization. We are still waiting on Ameren to hook up the new lights and traffic signals. We have not been given a date for when that will happen, but it should be soon. Until we have the new electrical services to the new traffic signals, the temporary construction signals will continue to be used. The construction signals (currently in use) are simply on timers and are not synced with other lights.

The new signals have sensors to see cars coming and will be synchronized with the adjacent signals to make traffic flow more efficient. Until we can get the new signals on, please be patient and drive with caution.

After traffic signals and manholes, the Court street project will be on hold until the spring when final touch up work can be completed. Thank you for your patience! Please drive slowly and cautiously when workers are present.

01/07/2025

Good Afternoon Pekin!

Tree pickup is this week and next week on your assigned trash day. No artificial trees will be accepted, and no ornaments or tree stands. If any questions contact 309-477-2325.

01/06/2025

Good Afternoon. The current update can be found here.

https://cms6.revize.com/revize/pekinil/December%2020,%202024.pdf

01/06/2025

Good afternoon Pekin!

I want to start by thanking our Street Department for getting our roads cleared last night and early this morning. The did work through the night and were able to keep up with the mains and snow routes. They were able to hit some of the side roads as well. Of course there will be some attention still needed on some secondary roads, but overall the roads were in good shape this morning. AGain, thank you to the Street Department for all of your hard work all night.

Also, THANK YOU to the Pekin Community for working with us along the snow routes. I was informed by the Street Department that they were able to get to these routes much faster because the majority of our community cooperated and removed their vehicles from the street. In fact we did not have to issue any snow route tickets. Again, Thank You for helping us Pekin.

jd

01/06/2025

Well we found it Pekin. The snow has arrived and roads have quickly become slick.

Right now we encourage everyone who typically park along the snow routes to please remove your vehicles now to allow the road crews to get ahead of the game. We still are anticipating 2-5 inches (hoping to be disappointed) and moving your vehicles will allow them to move quicker on these routes.

If one is out and driving please do so with care. The snow is heavy and accumulating quickly. We will continue to provide updates as we receive them.

In the meantime if you see a Packers fan please take a moment to give them a hug. It has been a tough day for them. LOL.

More to come.

01/05/2025

Good Morning Pekin!

WHERES THE SNOW??

The answer is it’s still coming. The morning news weather reports are calling for 2-5” depending on where one is at. Pekin is in the 2-5” portion on the map. The following are the latest national weather service reports.

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
415 AM CST Sun Jan 5 2025

ILZ027-029-031-037-038-061200-
Knox-Peoria-Woodford-Tazewell-McLean-
415 AM CST Sun Jan 5 2025

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Illinois and west
central Illinois.
DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Snow will spread across the area this afternoon through
tonight...with accumulations of 2 to 4 inches.
DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

Bitterly cold conditions will follow the snow, as wind chill values
drop to zero or lower both Tuesday and Wednesday night.

A winter weather advisory remains in effect.

238 AM CST Sun Jan 5 2025
..WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM THIS MORNING
TO NOON CST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Snow. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches.

* WHERE...McLean, Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, and Knox Counties.

* WHEN...From 6 AM this morning to noon CST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.

I spoke with the street department this morning and they are prepared to roll the trucks out once the storm begins.

If one has to be out driving PLEASE use caution and give the plows room to work. If you live along the snow routes please have a plan to park in an alternate location. We will enforce these routes once we hit the two inch mark. By being proactive and relocating your vehicles now allows us to work faster in clearing these routes. So we are asking for your cooperation now so we don’t have to relocate your vehicle later.

Have a great day and stay safe Pekin!

01/04/2025

Good Morning Pekin

It looks like the storm may be tracking a little south of us and we are oredicted to get less snow than originally thought. (Go figure right LOL). Anyway we are hearing two to four inches and very cold. We still would like everyone to work with us on the parking along snow routes. We will still need to get out to salt and plow it looks like so any help is appreciated and allows them to get to all the streets quicker.

Also please know with the very cold temperatures expected road salt does not activate. So they will be salting, but one should still use extreme caution when driving.

Below is the most recent forecast from the National Weather Service. Stay safe!

WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
249 AM CST Sat Jan 4 2025

ILZ027-029-031-037-038-042200-
/O.UPG.KILX.WS.A.0001.250105T1200Z-250106T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KILX.WW.Y.0001.250105T1200Z-250106T1800Z/
Knox-Peoria-Woodford-Tazewell-McLean-
Including the cities of Eureka, Pekin, Peoria, Normal,
Bloomington, and Galesburg
249 AM CST Sat Jan 4 2025
..WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM SUNDAY TO NOON CST
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 4
inches.

* WHERE...McLean, Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, and Knox Counties.

* WHEN...From 6 AM Sunday to noon CST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road
conditions for Illinois can be obtained on the Internet at
www.gettingaroundillinois.com

01/04/2025

Good Evening Pekin. We remain under a winter storm watch this weekend. The following is from the National Weather Service. It looks like it is tracking slightly south of us and totals could be less than expected. We should still plan for the worst. PLEASE work with us and have a parking plan in event we have to implement the snow route parking ban or potentially a city wide ban.

In talking with the snow crews they advised that community cooperation helps them the most. By removing vehicles from the streets allows them to get down the streets faster and use the wings to remove the snow faster. So planning to park off the streets makes the cleanup move quicker.

Below is the most recent report from the NWS.

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
116 PM CST Fri Jan 3 2025
The latest forecast trends have reduced the overall amount of
snowfall and also shifted the storm track slightly further south.

ILZ027-029-031-036>038-041115-
/O.CON.KILX.WS.A.0001.250105T1200Z-250106T1800Z/
Knox-Peoria-Woodford-Fulton-Tazewell-McLean-
Including the cities of Normal, Eureka, Pekin, Bloomington,
Canton, Peoria, and Galesburg
116 PM CST Fri Jan 3 2025
..WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. A low probability (20-40% chance) of
at least 6 inches of snow.

* WHERE...McLean, Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Fulton, and Knox
Counties.

* WHEN...From Sunday morning through Monday morning.

* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will
likely become slick and hazardous. Plan on slippery road
conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday
morning commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Confidence in the northern axis of snowfall
remains low and is likely to change over the next few forecast
cycles.

01/03/2025

Good Morning Pekin and Happy New Year!

We are currently under a winter storm watch.

A winter storm is targeting portions of the lower Midwest between Saturday night and Monday evening, bringing travel impacts directly to portions of central and southeast Illinois.

* WHAT...Heavy snow of 5 to 7 inches is likely. Blustery north winds will occasionally gust between 20-30 mph, potentially leading to blowing and drifting snow across East-West highways, as well as sporadic power outages.

* WHERE...McLean, Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Fulton, and Knox Counties.

* WHEN...From Sunday morning through Monday morning.

* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.

* AFFECTED AREAS: KNOX ... PEORIA ... WOODFORD ... FULTON ... TAZEWELL ... MCLEAN

Event Description:
Winter Storm Watch

Instructions:
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.

As to parking…with the predicted amounts one should anticipate snow routes going into effect and being enforced. If one lives along a snow route have a plan for parking as these will likely be enforced. Our snow route map and information on enforcement can be found here.

https://www.ci.pekin.il.us/departments/police_department/snow_routes.php

https://www.ci.pekin.il.us/departments/public_works/gis.php

https://pekin.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=8d7db38551fb4baba7e6c7dc3061eb0c

Please pay attention to our social media posts. We will keep our community informed with updates as the storm approaches and progresses. We will notify the community prior to enforcement activity once we hit the two inch mark as it pertains to enforcement on the snow routes. If one does not already have it, Nixle is a good option to receive text message alerts regarding the storm and any enforcement or parking bans.

One can go to www.nixle.com to sign up for these alerts or text our zip code to 888777 to receive alerts.

In the event we determine a city wide ban is necessary we will utilize all of the communication above along with use of our local news media. Typically one will see the alerts on the banner that scrolls at the bottom of your television. This will be on the local news channels. WMBD and WEEK.

We do try not to have to implement a city wide ban. Cooperation and patience have worked well for us all these past couple of years Pekin, and we have not had to implement the city wide bans. Please understand the trucks are big and the road is slick for the drivers too. They don’t want to hit cars and those who do not work with us only slow the process of cleanup. So, have a plan now before the event takes place for parking. Talk to your neighbors and local business to utilize alternative parking should we implement the parking bans.

Have a great weekend and stay safe

12/31/2024

Good evening Pekin.

Starting tonight anticipate roads potentially being slick as rain and snow begin to invade as 2025 creeps our way.

This system doesn’t seem to be a big one but one should be prepared. Looking ahead however there is a potential big storm slated to hit this weekend. It is early but if it tracks our way we could see impact. We all know how it is here. It either goes north or south of us, but one should have a plan just in case.

As a reminder if we get two or more inches of snow, snow routes will be enforced. Have a plan for a place to park if you live along the snow routes. Snow routes can be found here.

https://pekin.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=8d7db38551fb4baba7e6c7dc3061eb0c

If we get a significant snow fall, we might implement a city wide ban. So again, have a plan in event we get a significant snow fall.

As always we will communicate through our social media if we reach a point of enforcement activity. If we need to issue a city wide ban we will utilize social media as well as our local news media to get the word out.

If one wishes to receive text messages they can go to www.nixle.com and sign up to receive messages via email and text.

Be safe Pekin and Happy New Year

12/24/2024

Merry Christmas Pekin!

For Immediate Release:

Cullinan Properties Announces Three New Retailers Coming to East Court Village in Pekin

Pekin, IL - (December 24, 2024) – Cullinan Properties is pleased to announce that Ross Dress for Less, Marshalls, and previously announced Five Below will join the tenant lineup at East Court Village in Pekin, with openings slated for Fall 2025. These additions will create new opportunities for the community and help meet the day-to-day shopping needs of local residents and the broader region.

East Court Village, which is currently undergoing significant upgrades and improvements, aims to better serve the evolving demands of the area by providing accessible retail options. Through ongoing investment and property enhancements, Cullinan Properties is committed to fostering a more convenient, inviting environment where people can find a range of everyday essentials and value-driven merchandise close to home.

Diane Cullinan Oberhelman, Chairman of Cullinan Properties, noted the importance of these new tenants to the local retail landscape: “We are excited to welcome Ross Dress for Less, Five Below, and Marshalls to East Court Village. These retailers will help meet the real-world needs and interests of our neighbors here in Pekin and throughout the region, offering more choice and convenience. Our goal is to provide a functional, welcoming environment where people can find what they need—all in one place.”

The inclusion of these national retailers reflects the ongoing revitalization efforts at East Court Village, which is evolving to serve Pekin’s growing retail requirements. New tenants not only contribute to the selection of goods and services available locally, but also support the city’s economic growth by creating jobs and encouraging further development.

Pekin Mayor, Mary Burress expressed optimism about the positive momentum:
“Pekin is pleased to see these well-known retailers choose East Court Village for their new locations. Their arrival means more shopping options, more convenience, and more employment opportunities right here in our city. We appreciate Cullinan Properties’ continued commitment to improving our retail environment and look forward to the benefits these new stores will bring to our community and the surrounding region.”

As preparations move forward, Cullinan Properties will continue to share updates on property improvements and the progress of these retailers. East Court Village is positioned to be a practical and reliable destination for residents seeking everyday goods, reflecting Pekin’s ongoing transformation and strengthening its role as a resource for the region.

About Cullinan Properties
For more than 35 years, Cullinan Properties has been a leading developer of real estate specializing in commercial and mixed-use developments and acquisitions. With offices in Peoria, IL, Chicago, IL, St. Louis, MO, and Tampa, FL, Cullinan Properties is a multi-disciplined real estate firm that develops, manages, and owns mixed-use, retail, multifamily, office, governmental, and healthcare properties throughout the United States. Cullinan is certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). For additional information about Cullinan Properties, visit CullinanProperties.com and on LinkedIn.

12/19/2024

Garbage Pickup will be delayed the week of Christmas and New Year's after each holiday!