City of Peru Committee Of A Whole met Feb. 15.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
A Committee Of A Whole meeting was called to order by Mayor Scott J. Harl in the Peru City Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m.
City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke, Sapienza, Payton, Ballard and Buffo present; Mayor Harl present.
PRESENTATION
MINUTES
Mayor Harl presented the Committee Of A Whole Minutes of February 1, 2021. Alderman Waldorf made a motion that the minutes be received and placed on file. Alderman Payton seconded the motion; motion carried.
PRESENTATION
Prospect League Commissioner Dennis Bastien addressed the committee via zoom and provided an overview of league and its history. Mr. Bastien stated the team will be a part of the Prospect League, a summer collegiate wooden bat league that has 16teams scattered across seven states in the Midwest. Mr. Bastien stated the league serves as the summer home to many NCAA Division I baseball players from colleges across the country. Each team is equipped with a 32-man roster and plays a 60-game schedule, ending with the Prospect League Championship Series during the second week of August. Mr. Bastien stated the league is promoted nationally and offers a live broadcast of all of their games via Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, and several other platforms. Mr. Bastien said the league’s teams bring in an economic development impact between $1.5 and$2 million to the local economy every year. The money brought into the community can be seen through local businesses. Mr. Bastien stated this is done through visiting teams, restaurants, hotels, bus lines and fans, along with other cities visiting. A lot of times their fans travel as well. Mr. Bastien stated one of the main draws of Peru was its location. Being located in Central Illinois and in close proximity to major Interstates 80 and 39, it allows for easier travel accommodations.
Mr. John Jakiemiec, Pistol Shrimp Franchise owner, introduced himself and stated the team started in 2019, playing at Benedictine University. Due to COVID-19, Mr. Jakiemiec stated Mr. Bastien began searching for a place to play and salvage the at-risk season. Mr. Jakiemiec stated they got on Google Earth and came down and saw lights and a couple of fields. Mr. Jakiemiec stated they made a call, and it has come together really quickly. We are so very thankful for that. Mr. Jakiemiec stated that his team intends to work with the community as much as possible. Holding theme nights at the ballpark, donating time and resources to those in need and providing economic opportunity to local businesses all were mentioned as being top priorities. Mr. Jakiemiec stated he views our baseball club as a mesh point to build the social fabric of the community between the fans and the businesses, to come together around baseball and fun. Mr. Jakiemiec stated that Green River Lines of Peru will be the team’s official charter service for away games and loved the idea of partnering with the local business after hearing about its services from community members.
Mr. Jakiemiec stated that per Prospect League rules, the Pistol Shrimp will be in charge of scheduling hotel accommodations and a post-game meal for visiting teams and plans to keep all of these opportunities within the local community. Mr. Jakiemiec stated that as far as food during the games themselves, he is open to ideas and is hoping to have local caterers or food trucks provide food to ballpark visitors.
Mr. Jakiemiec stated they plan to have multiple theme nights and hopes to draw 600 fans. Mr. Jakiemiec stated evening games will begin at 7:05 p.m. and 1:05 p.m. on Sundays with practices beginning at 3:30 p.m. Mr. Jakiemiec stated opening day is May 27th with home opener on May 28th or 29th.
The council as a whole was in support of the league and thanked Parks, Recreation and Special Events Director, Adam Thorson, Director of Finance, Justin Miller and Director of Engineering and Zoning, Eric Carls for their efforts.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Buffo made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Alderman Ferrari seconded the motion and motion carried. Meeting adjourned 6:48 p.m.
https://www.peru.il.us/city-government/forms-and-documents/minutes/committee-as-a-whole-1/2021-cow-1/5223-committee-of-a-whole-minutes-02-15-21/file
