By Angeles Ponpa
PEKIN, Ill. (25 News) – Pekin will begin enforcement of an ordinance limiting public comments at city council meetings that many times last more than two hours.
In fact, Monday night’s session lasted just over three hours.
At Monday’s meeting, Mayor Mary Burress read the ordinance, stating that speeches are limited to five minutes each, with a total public comment period capped at one hour per meeting, unless extended by consent of a majority of council members.
No more than 20 people can sign up to speak, and individual comments will be limited to three minutes. Currently, the city follows these regulations except for having limited public comment to an hour, according to the mayor.
25 News reports that the ordinance also requires groups to appoint a single “spokesperson” to speak.
This comes after multiple lengthy public comment sessions involving a proposed data center on the 1,000-acre Lutticken Property.
“We put in the time,” said Councilman Dave Nutter. “I don’t have a problem with putting in the time at all, but we need to get everything under control. And I’m not picking on the data center, because there could be stuff and other items coming up in the future.”
Nutter emphasized that he would appreciate respect and consideration of time for other items on the agenda, giving the example of Monday’s agenda which included 17 agenda items including executive session and votes afterwards.
Mayor Burress followed his remarks saying she wants to “move the city forward,” and move through city agendas, reassuring residents that their voices have been heard.
Councilwoman Peg Phillips shared her thoughts about the public’s data center concerns.
“We as a community have made it clear that that’s not the vision we have for the property, so I don’t want you to worry about it,” said Phillips. “And I know a lot of you have come here to remind us that you still don’t think it’s a good idea, and I think that that is generally the assessment of the community.”
Residents and members of the Tazewell County Data Center Opposition Facebook group said they understand the need for limited time on public comment but want more clarity on how the city will determine speakers representing groups or shared issues.
“They told us not to worry that they aren’t going through with the data center, and we need to trust them…but who can trust a governing body who snuck a data center plan in behind everyone’s backs?” said Julianne Golan.
“Until the contract is fully rescinded or they can put in place a moratorium – we will not stop showing up,” Golan continued.
Golan said she realizes some council meetings went on late into the night, but limiting one speaker per issue or group takes away the ability for some other residents to speak.
Pekin resident Mark Stevens said that he too understands that the city must make time for both business and public input, but he realizes that residents of Pekin believe their only option is to continue their dissent.
“The goal is never to frustrate or disrespect a council member or our mayor. The goal is to continue the work until there is no possibility of a hyperscale AI data center drawing down the resources of such a vibrant, thriving, and amazing community,” Stevens continued.
25 News reached out to Pekin City Manager John Dossey to explain why the ordinance is now being enforced, but he has not responded to the request.
The ordinance in full takes effect next month.
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