PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) — The City of Peoria is allowing the Spirit of Peoria’s owner to sell the boat instead of exercising its right of first refusal for a possible sale.
Following an emotional debate, the city council Tuesday night voted 8-3 not to stand in the way of Spirit owner Alex Grieves’ plan to sell the boat for $1 million to Florida-based Yacht Starship Dining Cruises LLC.
Council members Chuck Grayeb, Beth Jensen, and Zach Oyler all voted against waiving the city’s right to buy the boat, although Grieves, who’s the son of former Peoria Mayor Bud Grieves, said providing financial information and other data about the boat would violate the agreement he made with the Florida firm.
At-large council member Sid Ruckriegel voted with the majority.
“Our taxpayers do not want us in the boat business especially when we don’t even know what that business is,” said Ruckriegel, who noted the boat is no longer accepting reservations from potential customers.
“Effectively, the business has been shut down. That has nothing to do with the love that we have for the Spirit of Peoria and the legacy that it has provided,” Ruckriegel said.
Oyler invited Spirit of Peoria Capt. Alice Grady to speak to the council. Grady said like others, she was “blindsided” by the sale. She asked the council to take some more time to think about what the boat means to the community.
I myself have performed over a dozen marriages on the boat. I’ve witnessed many proposals and met my own fiancée through the work, and he proposed to me in the galley at one of the busiest times of a night during a murder-mystery cruise,” said Grady.
Oyler said the city’s is doing away with what he said is a “legacy” or “museum” piece for the community.
“It has been an effort from the beginning to let it set sail, and I’m completely disheartened how this entire thing has gone from day one,” said Oyler.
“It’s a poor, poor reflection on the City of Peoria and the leadership,” he added.
Council member Jensen said the city should have taken more time to convince Grieves to provide financial data and information about the boat’s condition.
