The Peru Committee of the Whole met July 25 to identify projects for EDA and state funding.
Here are the meeting's minutes, as provided by the committee:
COMMITTEE OF A WHOLE MEETING JULY 25, 2016
1
A Committee Of A Whole meeting was called to order by City Clerk Dave Bartley in the Peru City Council Chambers
on Monday, July 25, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.
City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Mueller and Payton present;
Mayor Harl present. Alderman Radtke arrived at 6:15 p.m. Alderman Sapienza absent.
MINUTES
City Clerk Dave Bartley presented the Committee Of A Whole Minutes of July 11, 2016. Alderman Radtke made a
motion that the minutes be received and placed on file. Alderman Waldorf seconded the motion; motion carried.
PRESENTATION
Nora Fesco of NCICG presented the Council with an overview of the services they provide:
ÿ Personnel
ÿ Coverage Area (County)
o LaSalle
o Bureau
o Stark
o Putnam
o Marshall
o Grundy
ÿ Grant Writing
ÿ Planning Services
o City of Marseilles Comprehensive Plan-Adopted 2014
o Village of Coal City Comprehensive Plan-Adopted 2014
o Village of DePue Comprehensive Plan-Adopted 2014
o Planning Team member-City of Ottawa
ß Comprehensive Plan-Adopted 2014
o Five County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan
ÿ iFiber
ÿ Human Services Transportation Planning
ÿ Illinois River Road National Scene-By way
ÿ Recent Peru Grant Projects
o FEMA/IEMA Application-Total Project Cost: $612, 237-Grant Request: $459,178
o IDOT-Economic Development Program Grant-Water Street-Grant Amount: $285,935
o IDOT-Economic Development Program Grant-Plank Road etc.-Grant Amount: $1,514,755
o Illinois Bond Fund-Grant Amount: $150,000- $36,000 received to date
o OSLAD-Parkland Development Grant-Splash Pad-Total Project Cost: $513,601.00-Grant
Amount: $236,800
ÿ Economic Development District-Kevin Lindeman presented the following:
o Working to support and enhance economic development across the region
o Have received EDA funding since 2006
o Economic Development Summits, training, webinar hosting, support to North Central Illinois
Logistics Council
o Completed 2012 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) 5-Year Update
o Working with communities to identify projects for EDA and state funding
o Assisted in funding an Area Underemployment Study
o Meeting and assisting area Economic Development Groups
ÿ Other Services
o Coordination Services
o Enterprise Zone Administration
o Revolving Fund Management
o Technical Assistance
o Demographic and Statistical Data
o Surveys
Ms. Fesco reminded the Council of the Revolving Loan Fund and the State’s desire to allocate for projects and close out
funds.
COMMITTEE OF A WHOLE MEETING JULY 25, 2016
2
FINANCE AND SAFETY SERVICES COMMITTEE
Alderman Potthoff reported that video gaming revenue has increased by 29.85% year to date and sales tax has increased
by 4.15%. Alderman Potthoff stated the increase in sales tax is particularly impressive to him because it is building on a
record. Alderman Potthoff also reported the city is on budget.
Committee discussed the proposed 90 trial of Concur for accounts payable work flow.
Alderman Potthoff initiated a discussion of the resolution to place an advisory referendum dissolving the Peru
Township.
Resident Cynthia Carus addressed the Council and urged the following:
· vote no to the resolution
· not a function of the City it is the responsibility of the Township
· Coordinate our mutual attorneys to determine feasibility
· What are the savings?
Alderman Potthoff noted the sole desire is to save the citizens on taxes.
Resident Bob Sczepaniak asked to quantify the tax savings. Alderman Potthoff noted the 80 plus percent of the
administrative budget is made up of elected salaries. Council also reiterated any potential savings have not yet been
identified, and November’s referendum is to gauge the public’s interest in whether an in-depth study is desired. Mr.
Sczepaniak asked for additional details on savings. Alderman Potthoff stated the referendum would be a first step to
gaining public opinion. Ms. Carus noted the Peru Township is not co-terminus. Ms. Carus asked if the voters of
unincorporated Peru are part of those voting on the matter. Mayor Harl stated at this point, it seems the referendum
would only appear on ballots for residents within Peru’s corporate limits, but the township board of trustees could
approve its own resolution to have the question appear on ballots for unincorporated residents. Mayor Harl stated the
County Clerk had not made a determination. Township Clerk Steve Weberski asked for the reading of the exact
language. Corporate Counsel Doug Schweickert read the ballot question noting the term dissolve. Alderman Payton
addressed the Township request for language between dissolve and consolidate. Alderman Payton stated it is splitting
hairs to decide between asking if the township should be dissolved or consolidated and also stated that in his opinion
there’s no difference. Alderman Payton stated our goal is to eliminate another taxing body in the state of Illinois. Mayor
Harl also stated “that’s the only reason we’d do it”. Mr. Weberski addressed the Council asking “At this point, there’s
no cooperation between the entities being proposed?” “It’s simply a matter of dissolving the township?” Alderman
Potthoff confirmed that was the case. Ms. Carus restated her concern with demonstrating reducing taxes and
additionally her concerns with boundaries.
PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE
Alderman Waldorf reported on the amended motion to award the Northwest Peru 2016 Road Improvement project to D
Construction. Alderman Waldorf reported Universal Asphalt did not meet pre-qualification with IDOT. City Engineer
Eric Carls reported the contracts also need to be approved by the developers.
Alderman Waldorf reported on the purchase of road salt for the 2016-2017 winter season from River Docks Inc.
Alderman Mueller reported the Public Services Committee discussed and recommended to Melotte Morse Leonatte
Parker, Ltd. coordinate the Mausoleum rehabilitation. Alderman Mueller explained that once City Engineer Eric Carls
negotiates the fee structure there will be a motion to contract on the Regular Agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Alderman Ferrari made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Alderman Potthoff seconded the motion and motion
carried. Meeting adjourned 6:56 p.m.
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