Wardcliffe Neighborhood Association - Elections will be held at the Annual meeting, May 16, 2026
"Brief description of job responsibilities"
President – Supervise and control all Association business, including setting up meetings, preparing agendas and presiding at meetings. Sign legal documents with the Secretary as needed. Respond to resident phone calls and communicate as needed with officers and members with his/her vision of Association activity.
Vice President – Perform duties of President in his/her absence. Special projects as assigned by the Board of Directors.
Secretary - Keep meeting minutes and post them. Provide notices and maintain Association records. Sign legal documents as required.
Treasurer – Maintain control and disposition of all Association funds. Pay all invoices in a timely manner and retain copies of receipts and expenses. Prepare annual budget.
Membership Chairman – Keep list of post office addresses of each Association member as well as an accurate record of dues payments received and transfer these dues to the Treasurer for deposit.
Directors – Attend Association meeting and be a voice for resident concerns in their section. Respond to questions and encourage participation in Association activities such as Neighborhood Watch/Call-Em-All. Serve as a leader on projects or committees. We need directors for Sections 1 & 4
Meeting Minutes from March 11, 2026
WARDCLIFFE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Meeting Minutes
March 11, 2026
Jun bh
1718 N Sterling Ave., Peoria IL 61604
AMT- Small Meeting Room
Members Present: Bob Beckenbaugh, Dave Billings, Jerry Quintiliani, Ron Givens, Karen Kortz, Steven Contos, Julie Beckenbaugh, Chris Everts, Barbara Jackson, Denise Jackson, Marguerite Everts, Chris Everts, Pat Palanza and Rachael Parker
Online Present: Marla Contos
I. Call to Order – Meeting was called to order at 6:06, Bob mentioned that this is the first meeting where we have been able to have neighbors join the meeting online and thanked Steven Contos for pulling that together and Aloysia Mitchell for suggesting it. The hope is to have more people join in as they are made aware of it.
II. Approval of the Minutes of January 14, 2026 – Motion to approve the minutes was made by Ron Givens and seconded by Jerry Quintiliani.
III. Treasurer’s Report – Marguerite – A detailed report was handed out by Chris Everts as Marguerite was running late. Balance in account as of 3/11/26 is $1,821.51 (See Attached Treasures report)
IV. Committee Reports
a. Membership – Chris Everts- Collecting dues is slow going, but 10 households had paid so far. Out of those 10 there were no new households. Last year was the worse year for collecting dues. We need to work on getting more residents to pay. He is still working on getting an online payment method set up.
b. Welcoming -Aloysia Mitchell – No report she was not present
c. Call Em All – Bob - He reported that when Aloysia gives him information on new residents he adds them to the list. He did not use call em all for a reminder of the meeting as he did not want to spend the money as he knew the funds in account were low.
V. OLD BUSINESS
a. April 18, general waste dumpster, 9 – noon - need volunteers- Bob has reached out to the city to get us signed up. He has not heard back yet. He mentioned we will need volunteers to help on that day.
b May 16, Annual Business Meeting, AMT 9 – noon – Bob asked Rachael to reserve the larger room for the annual meeting.
c. June 20, Garage Sales- Will be held on Saturday June 20th 9:00 – 3:00
d. Aug 8, Summer Landscaping Award Contest – The Billings have volunteered to be our judges again his year. We appreciate their willingness to continue to do this for us.
e. Need section directors for sections 1 and 4- Bob mentioned that we need section directors, but he does not know how we are going to reach out to get them. It was mentioned to put that request on the website. He was also disappointed with how the attendance has been at the meetings. It was stated that this is something we all can help with by reaching out to our neighbors to come join us at the meeting.
Ron stated that Bob does a lot of work on getting things prepared for the meetings and that his work is very much appreciated, all agreed.
VI. NEW BUSINESS-
a. City of Peoria – Mini Grant Program Rachael stated that the City of Peoria is offering mini grants again for neighborhood associations and that we should never pass up free money. She read off the eligible uses for the funds which are listed below.
Eligible projects include:
• Security cameras
• Block parties
• Tree-plantings (non-fruit bearing) and landscaping
• Public space improvements such as benches, picnic tables, shelters, or pergolas
• Outreach
• Placemaking
• Public art
Some suggestions for the use of the funds were: Ron mentioned that we may want to look at getting those large boulders again that were once at the entrance of Gilbert to protect the sign. Marla mentioned possibly getting a bench installed somewhere along the trail that leads from the park up to Sterling. Rachael mentioned possibly using some of the funds to get a few more signs so that we can notify residents of our meetings and the other events we have that are repeated and possibly help with the ongoing cost of the website. Julie asked if anyone knew who was taking care of the flowers at the entrance of Lehman Rd., no one knew.
b. City Councilperson – Denise Jackson – gave a brief update of the lawsuit with the Paradise Gambling Boat. That has been dropped as they no longer will be making it a land-based expansion. She also briefly mentioned what she knew about the closing of the Empire Lounge. They are officially closed. She also mentioned that she is talking with the City Manager about a possible TIF being established to help spark business development along Sterling before things get bad.
National Night Out will be Tuesday August 4 from 4-7. Karen will be leading the charge again this year. She reported that she was going to cut back on cost. Forrest Park Nature Center was $150. It was suggested by Barbara to possibly have unique twist instead this year. Also, she mentioned to possibly save money maybe we would promote local businesses that live in our neighborhood like popcorn heaven and Sweet Cakes by Rachael to be a part of the event. Chris suggested for her to not cut back due to the balance seen in the bank account as we were able to cover the bills last year and hope to get in more dues this year. Steven offered to cook the hotdogs again. Rachael mentioned that we could carve out some of the mini grant funds to help since “block parties” is one of the eligible expenses.
VII. Open floor for general discussion/Announcements- The topic of insurance was discussed again and a mention that we need to update our by-laws as the current ones do no state that we have co-presidents. Bob asked that those two items be put on the April Agenda along with election of new officers.
NEXT MEETING DATE: April 8, 2026 – (Ron will be chairing the meeting)
VIII. Adjournment- Motion to adjourn made by Dave and second by Jerry. Meeting adjourned at 7:15 pm.
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Wardcliffe Neighborhood Association map with sections
Wardcliffe Neighborhood Association map with resident addresses. Sections not shown.
WNA Agenda, March 11, 2026 AMT Building, 6 PM
WARDCLIFFE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION AGENDA, March 11, 2026, 6:00 pm
1718 N Sterling Ave., Peoria IL 61604, T- Small Meeting Room
I. Call to Order - Bob
II. Approval of the Minutes
III. Treasurer’s Report - Marguerite
IV. Committee Reports
a. Membership – Chris Everts
b. Welcoming -Aloysia Mitchell
c. Call Em All – Bob
V. OLD BUSINESS
a. April 18, general waste dumpster, 9 – noon - need volunteers
b May 16, Annual Business Meeting, AMT 9 – noon
c. June 19, Garage Sales
d. Aug 8, Summer Landscaping Award Contest – need volunteers
e. Need section directors for sections 1 and 4
VI. NEW BUSINESS-
a. City of Peoria – Mini Grant Program - Eligible projects include:
Security cameras, Block parties. Tree-plantings (non-fruit bearing) and landscaping,
b. City Councilperson – Denise Jackson – brief update + Q & A
c. Do we need another meeting before the Annual Meeting scheduled on May 16? Yes or No?
VII. Open floor for general discussion/announcements. Next meeting date _______ (Ron will be chairing)
VIII. Adjournment
Nov 12, 2025 WNA Meeting Minutes
WARDCLIFFE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MINUTES
November 12, 2025 6:00 pm , 1718 N Sterling Ave., Peoria IL 61604
AMT- Small Meeting Room
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:04 pm by Bob Beckenbaugh
II. Approval of the Minutes
Denise Jackson made us aware of a typographical error. The word Riverboat was noted to be corrected. The motion to approve the September 10, 2025, as meeting minutes as corrected was made by Rod Nelson and seconded by Jerry Quintiliani.
III. Treasurer’s Report
Marguerite distributed a report on the income and expenses. The reporting period was from April 1, 2025, to November 12, 2025. It showed income received of $1,845 and expenses of $2,312.83 leaving an account balance of $2,039.01. She also shared a proposed budget for May 2025- May 2026. The proposed budget showed a projected income of $2,445.00 and projected expenses of $4,015. Leaving a $1,570 short fall. Mowing is the largest expense that we have.
IV. Committee Reports
a. Membership – Chris Everts- reported that dues is very low. He stated that we have get more residents to pay their dues to make up that shortfall. This year 69 residents have paid their dues, which is only 17% - 18%. He mentioned that most of the dues paid is by residents who have been in the neighborhood for 14 plus years. Aloysia asked about possibly not waving that first year for new residents. Bob asked that the question be discussed under new business.
b. Welcoming -Aloysia Mitchell reported that 3 homes had been sold: 2819 N. Lehman Road, 2535 N. Rockwood Dr. and 2816 N. Kingston Drive. Aloysia stated that there have been consistently 2-3 new homes purchased between meetings.
c. Call Em All – Bob stated that he has added every phone number and email address to the data base for the call em all.
V. OLD BUSINESS
a. Website Status – Steve Contos stated that as far as he knows the website is up and running. The bill for the website has been paid and that was confirmed by Hosea. Bob would like to add a section that would show services offered in the neighborhood or services needed. So that more people would look to the website for help. Bob also stated that he was able to send out emails to all the 70 plus names he had in the data base to let them know about the meeting. He had not seen that option before.
b. Update on Mini Grant – Aloysia stated that December 19th is the deadline to use up the small balance that we have left. Rachael reported that the grant was broken into 3 parts, Website, Fall Festival and Landscaping. Marguerite & Chris stated that they already turned in all receipts from fall festival/cleanup.
c. Report on Fall Park Gathering/Clean-up – Bob thanked Chris for all his help getting things lined up for the cleanup and for those that showed up to help.
d. WNA Park liability/association insurance with American Family – Bob has reached out to the current insurance agent trying to get a copy of the policy and is having no luck. He wants to see what the details are in the coverage to make sure we have what we need. The currently policy is expiring the end of July.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
a. Dumpster Date- Fall clean up – Bob stated that we will plan for a spring 2026 general clean up. Steve asked about electronics pick up day.
b. Holiday lighting contest- The Billings will do the judging. They wanted to increase the number of awards, but our budget will not allow that at this time. We currently give out 3- $25 gift cards to the winners. Aloysia asked if the judges would take pictures so they can get put on the website.
c. Section Director open positions (Sections 2 & 4) – Need volunteers
d. Proposed 2025-2026 budget – Chris referenced the portion of the handout that is in the green (see attached) Its marked proposed Budget May 2025-May 2026. Chris is still working out kinks when looking to see what platform would be best to accept payments for dues online. He will report back once he finds what is most secure site. That feature will be a plus for our website. Chris proceeded to go over each line item on the proposed budget. Consensus was to accept the proposed budget.
VII. Open floor for general discussion/Announcements
Hosea Washington made a motion to make the dues optional on 1st year for new residents. Aloysia seconded. Hosea asked about possibly having our businesses pay neighborhood association dues for more revenue. It was also mentioned that maybe they purchase an add on our website and or put coupons on our website.
Council Woman Denise Jackson just gave a brief update on some city business. Most important thing is that budget was passed and no fee increases. They are possibly looking into having some benefits to attract new businesses to neighborhoods that have blighted shopping area.
NEXT MEETING DATE: JANUARY 14, 2026 – (Ron will be chairing the meeting)
VIII. Adjournment- Motion was made to adjourn by Rod Nelson and seconded by Chris Everts.
Agenda for 6 pm Jan 14, WNA meeting at AMT building, small meeting room
WARDCLIFFE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION AGENDA
January 14, 2026 6:00 pm 1718 N Sterling Ave., Peoria IL 61604
AMT- Small Meeting Room
I. Call to Order - Ron
II. Approval of the Minutes -
November 12, 2025 – Meeting Minutes
III. Treasurer’s Report - Marguerite
IV. Committee Reports
a. Membership – Chris Everts
b. Welcoming -Aloysia Mitchell
c. Call Em All – Bob B
V. OLD BUSINESS
VI. NEW BUSINESS
VII. Open floor for general discussion/Announcements
NEXT MEETING DATE: March 11, 2026 – (Bob will be chairing the meeting)
VIII. Adjournment
Winner 2025 Holiday lighting contest winner
Winner 2025 Holiday lighting contest winner
Thanks to the judging by Dave and Joyce Billings, here are the results of the 2025 WNA Holiday Decorating/Lighting Contest winners. Three $ 25 gift certificates were awarded.
Thanks to Dave and Joyce Billings, here are the results of the 2025 WNA Holiday Decorating/Lighting Contest winners. Three $ 25 gift certificates were awarded. CONGRATULATIONS...Thanks for lighting up our neighborhood!
Derrick Wenger, 2915 W. Kingston Dr.
Sue & Tom Skahill, 3315 W. Overbrook Dr.
Victor Pare, 2710 N. Kingston Dr.
2025 Holiday Decorating/Lighting Contest
The 2025 WNA Holiday Decorating/Lighting Contest winners will be chosen the weekend of Dec 12 by judges Dave and Joyce Billings. Three $ 25 gift certificates will be awarded to the winners. Winners must have paid 2025-2026 dues.
WNA Approved Budget for 2025 - 2026
Wardcliffe Neighbors Association
WORKING BUDGET May 2025 - May 2026
INCOME:
2025-26 Dues Received as of 11/2025 (70) $ 1,645.00 (Lower than Normal)
Additional Dues possible (20) $ 400.00
Website Grant Reimbursement $ 500.00
Night Out Reimbursement $ 200.00
PROJECTED 2025-2026 INCOME $ 2,745.00
PARK & ORGANIZATION EXPENSES $ 2,585.00
# Neighborhood Night Out $ 640.00
# Park Mowing & Landscaping $ 700.00
# Stormwater Assessment $ 30.00
Park & Neighborhood Insurance $ 1,200.00
# Organization Fee to IL Sec. of State $ 15.00
COMMUNICATION EXPENSES: $ 1,100.00
# Website Hosting & Maintenance (grant 2025) $ 500.00
Entrance Meeting Sign Update $ 250.00
Newsletter Printing $ 300.00
# Annual meeting (refreshments) $ 50.00
NEIGHBORHOOD AWARDS: $ 330.00
# Welcome Mats for New Residents $ 180.00
# Curb Appeal (NENA Hardware) $ 75.00
Holiday Decorations $ 75.00
PROJECTED 2025-2026 EXPENSES $ 4,015.00
PROJECTED: INCOME - EXPENSES $ (1,270.00)
# These items have already been expensed for the year
Nov 12 WNA Meeting, 6 pm at ATM meeting room
WARDCLIFFE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
AGENDA
November 12, 2025
6:00 pm
1718 N Sterling Ave., Peoria IL 61604
AMT- Small Meeting Room
I. Call to Order - Bob
II. Approval of the Minutes - Rachael
September 10, 2025 – Meeting Minutes
III. Treasurer’s Report - Marguerite
IV. Committee Reports
a. Membership – Chris Everts
b. Welcoming -Aloysia Mitchell
c. Call Em All – Bob B
V. OLD BUSINESS
a. Website Status – Steve Contos
b. Update on Mini Grant – Aloysia/Rachael
c. Report on Fall Park Gathering/Clean -up Bob/Chris
d. WNA Park liability/association insurance with American Family – Grant Gibson is contact (309) 683-3700 Bob
VI. NEW BUSINESS
a. Dumpster Date- Fall clean up – Need Volunteer to schedule/set up with City
b. Holiday lighting contest- Need Volunteers
c. Section Director open positions (Sections 2 & 4) – Need volunteers
d. Proposed 2025-2026 budget – Chris/Bob
VII. Open floor for general discussion/Announcements
NEXT MEETING DATE: JANUARY 14, 2026 – (Ron will be chairing the meeting)
VIII. Adjournment
WNA Nov 12, 2025 Meeting Agenda, 6 PM AMT Building, 1718 N. Sterling Ave.
Wardcliffe Neighborhood Association Nov 12, 2025
Meeting 6:00 pm AMT Building 1718 N Sterling Ave Peoria, Illinois 61604
AGENDA
Call to Order, Welcome: Bob B
Minutes of Sep 10, 2025, presented for approval: Rachael Parker
Treasurers Report, distributed and presented for approval: Marguerite Everts
Committee Reports:
Membership: Chris Everts
Update of the Mini Grant Programs: Aloysia Mitchell (Website paid, and we have until Dec 19 to spend down remaining funds)
OLD BUSINESS
Do we have a dumpster scheduled? Need volunteer to schedule/set-up with City of Peoria.
WNA Park liability/association insurance with American Family. Grant Gibson, 309-683-3700 is contact: Bob
Website Status: Steve Contos proposal/recommendation for on-going administration and funding.
NEW BUSINESS
Proposed 2025-2026 budget and vote for approval.
Need volunteer to manage Holiday Lighting contest.
Need volunteers to assume Section Director open positions (sections 2 & 4).
Next meeting date: Jan 14, 2026 Ron Givens will be chairing this meeting.
ADJOURN
Lyle S. Hallock Memorial Park Clean-up
Thanks for the residents who helped spiff-up our park on Sat Oct 18. Would not have happened without the leadership and multiple tools that Chris Everts brought to repair the fense. We had fun, fellowship and enjoyed the donuts, cup cakes, Avanti's sandwiches and pizza.
Sep 10, 2025 Meeting Minutes
WARDCLIFFE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL MEETING
MINUTES
September 10, 2025
6:00 pm
1718 N Sterling Ave., Peoria IL 61604
AMT- Meeting Room
Members present: Ron Givens, Rachael Parker, Bob Beckenbaugh, Chris Everts, Marguerite Everts, Barbara Jackson, Steven Contos, Pat Palanza, Karen Kortz, Aloysia Mitchell Joyce Billings, Dave Billings, Jerry Quintiliani, and Hosea Washington
Guest: Denise Jackson, Jeremy Hopwood, Sargent Chris White, Poala Mendez, John Sims and Curtis DeWeese
I. Call to Order – Welcome – Ron Givens
Meeting was called to order at 6:04 pm
II. Minutes from July 9, 2025, Meeting – Rachael Parker
Rachael Parker stated that everyone was give a copy of the July 9th minutes upon entering the meeting please take a few minutes if not already done so to read through them.
Motion was made to approve the minutes as presented by Bob Beckenbaugh and second by Steve Contos. Motion Caries.
III. Treasurers Report - Marguerite Everts
Marguerite Everts passed out the treasurers report (attached) Motion made by Jerry Quintiliani and seconded by Bob Beckenbaugh to approve the Treasurers report as presented.
IV. Committee Reports (updates/status)
a. Membership – Chris Everts – Still working on a way to reach more people so that more dues can be collected. Chris mentioned that the website once its in place will help with this along with getting some type of online pay service.
b. Welcoming -Aloysia Mitchell
Aloysia reported that she had made connections with 3 new residents. She stated that Bob gives her the list that shows in the journal star and that is how she knows who to reach out to. She also mentioned that one of the new residents had their car stolen right from their driveway (formerly Dennis’s Home).
c. Call Em All – Bob Beckenbaugh thanked Aloysia for always getting him the information on the new residents so he can add them to his list. He feels like this is a good system and that it does work when we need to get the word out about something quickly to all.
V. Report on National Night Out Event – Karen Kortz
Proclamation from the Mayor Rita Ali –
Ron Givens read the proclamation give to Wardclliffe Neighborhood Association that was not able to be delivered on the night of National Night Out.
Karen Kortz thanked all that helped that night in the various areas to make it a success. She reported that the total cost to put on the event was $635.37, reminding all that $200 will be reimbursed back to the association from the city. She mentioned that at one point they counted a little over 70 in attendance but because people were coming and going, she felt like it was closer 100 in attendance. She believes having all the chairs helped so it allowed people to stay longer. She also would like to see more games there for the kids next year. The games were popular. Bob Beckenbaugh mentioned that he took pictures and sent them to Hosea and he got them posted on the website. Ron Givins mentioned that we all need to help spread the word about the events so that we can continue to have good attendance and grow the attendance.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
b. Results of Landscaping Award Content – Joyce & Dave Billings
Joyce stated that her and her husband had a great time doing this task. She suggests that we increase the number of houses that get this award. Those that won were so excited about getting recognized. Each award was $25 each
c. Mini Grant update and approval of 2025 Mini Grant request
$1,170 additional landscaping, $1,030 Website enhancements, $300 Fall neighborhood Event
We have until December 19th to spend the funds.
Aloysia Mitchell wanted to emphases that the money needs to be spent prior to Dec. 19th
Ron Givens asked about possibly using some of those funds to help with the needs at the park. Chris Everts mentioned at the park there is landscaping work and repair of a post and some clean up. Mr. Sims volunteered to dig holes for post if needed. Rachael Parker suggest that we roll that work into our fall festival so to speak. Use that time to get the association to meet up do the work and then all eat lunch together. Invite everyone to come out for our fall meet-up and lunch.
d. Traffic Report Update: Sargent Chris White, Peoria Police Dept., Jeremy Hopwood and Poala Mendez, City of Peoria (Full Reports Attached)
e. Website status full report – Hosea Washington and Steve Contos
Hosea reported that the scope of the project was changed where items could be updated whenever a change on the site was requested for purposes of updates. He stated that there will be training sessions for a couple of people to know how to perform these updated. He suggested an administrator be assigned to do this and he will train the person or persons. Steve Contos volunteered to be the administrator/webmaster. Hosea will assist when needed.
f. Update of Information on Empire Lounge – Mr. John Sims
Mr. Sims shared what happened with his citation and why he withdrew his application at that council meeting. He also talked about several other concerns regarding keeping his business open. He stated he is committed to providing a safe and well-maintained establishment that will cater to an older crowd, with strict dress code. He continues to look for support from our association. He also mentioned that he is willing to help with getting residents to pay their annual dues by possibly passing out coupons to those that pay their dues.
Councilwoman Denise Jackson –
Denise spoke regarding what our city is going to look like in the next year or two and they are going into budget season are trying to plan accordingly. She talked briefly about the donation for the riverfront amphitheater. The city is looking for a new riverboard. In 2026 Boyd gaming will make their announcement if they go from boat to land or not.
VI. New Business
Proposed 2025-2026 Budget –
Vlll. Motion to Adjourn
There being no further business motion to adjourn was made by Aloysia Mitchell and second by Bob Beckenbaugh, meeting adjourned at 8:22pm
• Next meeting will be on November 12, 2025. Bob Beckenbaugh will chair that meeting
The next Wardcliffe Neighborhood Association meeting is scheduled for Nov 12, 6 pm, Advanced Medical Transport, small conference room.
Please join us. Let your voice be heard. Agenda will be posted in advance as well as minutes from our Sep 24 meeting. Key agenda item is the proposed budget for remainder of 2025 and 2026. Please email proposed agenda items to: rbeckenbaugh1@sbcglobal.net
Winners of Aug 2025 WNA Landscaping/Curb Appeal Awards
The following homes were selected for their great landscaping/curb appeal:
2705 W. Rustic Ridge
2334 W. Overbrook Dr.
2908 Wardcliffe
Each residence received a $ 25 gift certificate from Nena'sAce Hardware. Thanks to Joyce and David Billings for coordinating the event.