At a recent meeting, the Peru Public Services Committee discussed needed upgrades at the city's water-treatment plants.
The Peru Public Services Committee addresses all matters regarding water, meters, sewers, streets, alleys, building, ground, cemeteries, landfill/compost sites, city parks and city garages.
Below are the minutes from this meeting, as provided by the committee.
PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
DATE OF MEETING: Monday, September 12, 2016 TIME: 10:00 AM
PLACE OF MEETING: Peru Municipal Building
1901 4th Street, Peru, IL 61354
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Alderman Waldorf, Alderman Jim Lukosus, Alderman Mike Sapienza. ABSENT: Mayor Scott Harl and Alderman Becky Mueller.
OTHER PERSONS PRESENT: Alderman Tom Payton, Alderman Dave Potthoff, City Clerk Dave Bartley, PSM Jeff King, City Engineer Eric Carls, ASM Doug Bernabei, City Finance Officer Justin Miller, Electric Department Clay Huettemann, Economic Development Director Bob Vickrey, Code Enforcement Officer Josh Theisinger, Chris Perra and Don Kowalczyk of T.E.S.T., Mike Perry of Chamlin & Associates, and Roger Swenson and Herbert Kuryliw of NIU.
MINUTES Alderman Lukosus made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 15, 2016 Public Services Committee Meeting. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion; motion carried.
PRESENTATION Roger Swenson, Network Solutions Architect, and Herbert Kuryliw, Chief Netwoek & Technology Architect, from Northern Illinois University provided a presentation regarding IFiber. IFiber has a current relationship with the City and has hardware housed here. They suggested a partnership approach and to work with Internet Service Providers.
PUBLIC COMMENT None
WATER & SEWER City Engineer Eric Carls discussed ongoing improvements that have been taking place at the water treatment plants; two of the four high service pumps need to be upgraded, but we need to look at the network as a whole. Chris Perra added these pumps are a major part of the system. The four pumps are approximately 30 years old and are difficult to have spare parts for. A study was done in 2004 and needs to be updated. He believes if we have all four pumps identical they will be able to have spare parts available. Back-up power was also discussed for cases of catastrophes; groundwater would be able to be used if power was available. Chairman Waldorf asked if there was a number not to exceed for the service agreement. City Engineer Carls
explained he is working on it and the item can be added to the agenda for the Council meeting for discussion.
City Engineer Eric Carls reported on discussions that have taken place regarding the options for the trunk sewer for Arby’s lift station. He stated he wanted to open the discussion and start looking at costs and permitting; there may be some billings for outside consultation.
T.E.S.T. ASM Doug Bernabei asked about the ground storage tank work. City Engineer Eric Carls and Chris Perra of T.E.S.T. reported the contractor has mobilized; work will begin inside and then move to the outside of the tank. It is unsure the timeline and when it will be complete.
STREETS & ALLEY None
ELECTRIC None
LANDFILL None
AIRPORT City Clerk Dave Bartley prompted a discussion about cash farm rents. He explained he corresponded with Ed Keifer from Hertz Farm Management; there are challenges and it would be best to set it up for next year. There was a consensus to re-visit the item in June.
CEMETERY None
PARKS & RECREATION City Engineer Eric Carls reported about correspondence from NCICG to set up a checking account for funds from the OSLAD grant. A resolution will be added to the next Council agenda.
PSM Jeff King reported that tennis courts are being repainted today.
CODE ENFORCEMENT/ BUILDING & ZONING None
ENGINEERING
City Engineer Eric Carls provided updates on the following current projects:
• Area 3 Phase 1 – boring under Rt. 6 will be taking place this week, project is on track and set for completion in late fall.
• Venture Drive – project is near completion. To be completed it will need the final surface, signage, and some small landscaping.
• Public Works Building – office work is a little behind, but all else is moving forward. The rest of the building is full accessible and the moving process has begun. ASM
Bernabei added they are organizing their inventory and establishing a process for maintaining inventory for the Public Works department. He has gotten input from Finance Officer Justin Miller and plan to coordinate with the Electric Department.
• Plank Road – awaiting Omni Trax final approval. Hoping for a start date right after Labor Day.
City Engineer Carls also provided updates on planning for future projects:
• He plans to have the 2017 General Fund Street Program and 2017 MFT projects prepared by winter.
• There are areas in town that are not part of the long-term sewer separation projects that have had aging water mains and he is working on a plan for those areas.
• The design work for St. John’s subdivision storm sewer has begun. The project will be phased over a few construction seasons.
BUILDINGS & GROUNDS ASM Doug Bernabei reported the planters throughout town will be replaced with mums for fall.
OLD BUSINESS PSM Jeff King informed that a sewer line has collapsed on Plum St. He is not able to get in to look right now because it is too wet. Chairman Waldorf suggested using a camera to get a better look because of past issues in that area.
NEW BUSINESS City Clerk Dave Bartley initiated a discussion about hosting an electronic recycling event; options and budget were discussed. Clerk Bartley stated there is a strong demand for one. PSM Jeff King confirmed this by saying people are dumping t.v.’s around town. Different options were discussed to cut costs, including charging people. This item will be discussed at committee of a whole.
City Clerk Dave Bartley also discussed the replacement of a handheld meter reader device. One was replaced almost two years ago and is still working great. The cost is around $8,000. Chairman Waldorf asked if it is a necessity. Clerk Bartley responded, yes, and the old handheld would be an added benefit for the water department. This item will be added to the agenda for the next City Council meeting.
Alderman Sapienza informed rocks have been coming down on Rock St. PSM Jeff King added it is the hill between 3rd and 4th St.; adding blacktop will hold the rock back.
PUBLIC COMMENT None
CLOSED SESSION None
ADJOURNMENT Alderman Lukosus made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Chairman Waldorf seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned at 11:16 a.m.
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