At a recent meeting, the Peru City Council discussed rundown homes that violate city codes on blighted properties.
Below are the minutes from this meeting, as provided by the council.
CITY OF PERU REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 22, 2016
1
A regular meeting of the Peru City Council was called to order by Mayor Scott J. Harl in the Peru City Council
Chambers on Monday, August 22, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
Deputy Clerk Stephanie Piscia called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke and Payton
present; Aldermen Mueller and Sapienza absent; Mayor Harl present.
All joined in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
PUBLIC COMMENT
PRESENTATION
MINUTES
Mayor Harl presented the minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 8, 2016. Alderman Waldorf made a motion that
the minutes be received and placed on file. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion; motion carried.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
Mayor Harl presented the Treasurer’s Report for June 2016; Sales, Home Rule, Use and Telecommunication Tax
Receipts for May 2016 and Peru Recreation Fund Cash Accounts Summary for July 2016. Alderman Potthoff made
a motion that the reports be received and placed on file. Alderman Radtke seconded the motion; motion carried.
ACTIVITY REPORTS
Mayor Harl presented the Peru Police Department July 2016 and Peru Volunteer Ambulance Service Inc. Activity
Summary for July 2016. Alderman Ferrari made a motion that the reports be received and placed on file. Alderman
Radtke seconded the motion; motion carried.
FINANCE AND SAFETY COMMITTEE
Alderman Radtke presented the following disbursements for payment on August 24, 2016:
FUND NAME TOTAL EXPENSES
General Fund $374,083.44
Garbage Fund 16,038.83
Library Fund 12,227.96
Recreation Fund 430.76
Utility Fund 2,028,617.71
Landfill Fund 37,714.16
IV Regional Airport Fund 3,825.67
Total 2,472,938.53
Alderman Radtke made a motion that the report be received, placed on file and the bills be paid in the usual manner.
Alderman Ferrari seconded the motion. Deputy Clerk Stephanie Piscia called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff,
Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke and Payton voting aye; Aldermen Mueller and Sapienza absent; motion carried.
Alderman Potthoff made a motion to approve NCICG annual membership fees in the amount of $3,000.99.
Alderman Potthoff stated NCICG has benefitted the City in obtaining many grants and supports their efforts.
Alderman Waldorf seconded the motion. Deputy Clerk Stephanie Piscia called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff,
Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke and Payton voting aye; Aldermen Mueller and Sapienza absent; motion carried.
CITY OF PERU REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 22, 2016
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Alderman Potthoff made a motion to authorize the Mayor or City Clerk to execute Fiscal Sponsor Agreement with
Starved Rock Country Community Foundation for the Illinois Valley Regional Airport Tribute to Veteran’s event to
be held on May 20, 2017. Alderman Lukosus encouraged the Council to authorize the agreement and stated that
many companies wanted to donate to the cause but since the City of Peru is not a 501C3 organization, they were
unable to donate. Alderman Lukosus stated Starved Rock Country Community Foundation is the pass-through
foundation that can accept donations on our behalf. Alderman Radtke stated that Starved Rock Country Community
Foundation has many contacts to get us more sponsors. Alderman Lukosus stated that letters have already been sent
out seeking donations. Alderman Waldorf seconded the motion. Deputy Clerk Stephanie Piscia called the roll with
Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke and Payton voting aye; Aldermen Mueller and Sapienza
absent; motion carried.
Alderman Ferrari made a motion to purchase temporary classroom from Shooting Park Baptist Church in the
amount of $4,000 to be moved to the shooting range for training classes. Alderman Radtke seconded the motion.
Police Chief Doug Bernabei stated that our facility has the best firearms training in Illinois and has been looking for
a facility to hold classroom training. Police Chief Doug Bernabei reported the former Roosevelt School previously
had the trailer and it is in great condition. Police Chief Doug Bernabei stated it would be a great addition to the
range. Deputy Clerk Stephanie Piscia called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke and
Payton voting aye; Aldermen Mueller and Sapienza absent; motion carried.
PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE
Alderman Lukosus made a motion to award bid for the Illinois Valley Regional Airport Pavement Marking and
Crack Sealing Project to the lowest bidder Hi-Lite Airfield Services in the amount of $145,970.60. Alderman
Waldorf seconded the motion. Deputy Clerk Stephanie Piscia called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari,
Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke and Payton voting aye; Aldermen Mueller and Sapienza absent; motion carried.
Alderman Lukosus made a motion to seek bids for purchase of new digger/derrick truck for the Electric Department
for approximate cost of $280,000. Alderman Waldorf seconded the motion. Deputy Clerk Stephanie Piscia called
the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke and Payton voting aye; Aldermen Mueller and
Sapienza absent; motion carried.
Alderman Waldorf made a motion to execute Engineering Agreement with Chamlin & Associates for Washington
School Survey (Splash Pad). Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion. City Engineer Eric Carls reported the scope
of work has now changed along with the location and new survey work had to be prepared. Deputy Clerk Stephanie
Piscia called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke and Payton voting aye; Aldermen
Mueller and Sapienza absent; motion carried.
Alderman Waldorf made a motion to approve quote from Ladzinski Cement Finishing in the amount of $19,650 for
removal and replacement of sidewalk and curb. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion. Deputy Clerk Stephanie
Piscia called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke and Payton voting aye; Aldermen
Mueller and Sapienza absent; motion carried.
Alderman Waldorf made a motion to authorize emergency repairs for Arby’s Lift Station and structure. Alderman
Lukosus seconded the motion. Deputy Clerk Stephanie Piscia called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari,
Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke and Payton voting aye; Aldermen Mueller and Sapienza absent; motion carried.
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY/ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Assistant Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6177
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PROVISION OF THE CITY OF PERU CODE OF ORDINANCES,
CHAPTER 70, ARTICLE IV CANNABIS
Alderman Potthoff made a motion that the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Waldorf seconded
the motion. Police Chief Doug Bernabei reported on the decimalization of possession of 6 grams or less of cannabis
CITY OF PERU REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 22, 2016
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and therefore asked to pass an ordinance placing the civil offence in the current administrative adjudication system.
Deputy Clerk Stephanie Piscia called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke and Payton
voting aye; Aldermen Mueller and Sapienza absent; motion carried.
Assistant Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6178
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING CONVEYANCE OF 1008-1012 PEORIA STREET, PERU, IL (OLD
PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING) TO DG PARTNERS, LLC D/B/A DG PARTNERS MIDWEST, LLC A
MISSOURI LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Alderman Waldorf made a motion that the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Payton seconded the
motion.. Deputy Clerk Stephanie Piscia called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke
and Payton voting aye; Aldermen Mueller and Sapienza absent; motion carried.
Assistant Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-18
A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF JAIL FACILITY USE
AGREEMENTS TO BE ENTERED INTO BY THE CITY OF PERU WITH THE “ILLINOIS VALLEY
REGIONAL DISPATCH” THE CITY OF LASALLE, THE CITY OF OGLESBY, AND THE CITY OF
SPRING VALLEY (Peru Police Jail Facility, City of Peru, LaSalle County, Illinois)
Alderman Potthoff made a motion that the resolution be adopted as written and read. Alderman Ferrari seconded the
motion. Police Chief Doug Bernabei reported Phase 1 of the Illinois Valley Regional Dispatch will be in effect on
September 1. Police Chief Doug Bernabei stated the purpose of the resolution is to spell out the responsibilities of
each community since prisoners will be housed in the City of Peru. Police Chief Doug Bernabei stated the ordinance
states each agency will be responsible for the costs should any of the prisoners need medical attention. Deputy Clerk
Stephanie Piscia called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke and Payton voting aye;
Aldermen Mueller and Sapienza absent; motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Ferrari reported on the Open Forum in the News Tribune about run down houses. The Council asked that
Code Enforcement Officer Josh Theisinger report back to them on the status of run down homes. ASM Bernabei
stated it would be a good idea to have Code Enforcement Officer Josh Theisinger come to a committee meeting and
report on the numerous violation statuses. Mayor Harl noted the $50,000 demolition budget has increased to
$250,000. Alderman Radtke stated the focus of the Code Enforcement Officer is to hopefully prevent less eyesores
in the future.
PROCLAMATIONS
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Deputy Clerk Stephanie Piscia presented a communication from Peru Fire Department requesting permission to
conduct the annual Fill the Boot Campaign for Muscular Dystrophy Association on September 11th from 10:00 a.m.
to 2:00 p.m. at the intersection of Peoria Street and Shooting Park Road. Alderman Ferrari made a motion that the
communication be received, placed on file and permission granted. Alderman Payton seconded the motion; motion
carried.
Deputy Clerk Stephanie Piscia presented a letter from Amber Stohr and James Einhaus requesting permission to
hold their wedding at Centennial Park on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Alderman Payton made a
CITY OF PERU REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 22, 2016
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motion that the communication be received, placed on file and permission granted. Alderman Radtke seconded the
motion; motion carried.
Mayor Harl presented a letter of resignation from 1st Ward Alderman Becky Mueller effective August 31, 2016.
Alderman Waldorf made a motion that the letter be received, placed on file and accepted with regret. Mayor Harl
expressed his gratitude for her time served. Alderman Radtke stated that Alderman Mueller did a lot with the
cemetery and mausoleum which has not been addressed in a very long time. Alderman Potthoff stated all enjoyed
working with her. Mayor Harl stated Alderman Mueller also did a nice job in the float department. Alderman Ferrari
seconded the motion; motion carried.
Assistant Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a memo regarding procedures for aldermanic vacancy.
Assistant Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert stated Mayor Harl will need to appoint a new person to fill the
vacancy within 60 days after the vacancy occurs then the Council will need to act upon the appointment within 30
days. Assistant Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert stated this because there is more than 28 months remaining in
the unexpired portion of the resigning Alderman’s term and more than 130 days before the next general municipal
election on April 4, 2017, the person appointed by the mayor will serve the position of Alderman until the April 4,
2017 election. The winner of that election will then fill the vacancy left by the resigning Alderman and serve the
remaining 2 years of that resigning Alderman’s term. Mayor Harl concurred the appointment needs to be done right
away.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Resident Mike Hart inquired if the pump at the Arby’s lift station had just been replaced. PSM King stated the single
phase meter had been replaced with a 3 phase pump due to the amount of sludge being pushed through the system.
PSM King stated this was a completely different issue than the emergency repairs approved earlier in the meeting.
CLOSED SESSION
Alderman Ferrari made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion and motion
carried. Meeting adjourned 7:46p.m.
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