Peru City Council met January 22.
Here is the minutes provided by the Council:
A regular meeting of the Peru City Council was called to order by Scott J. Harl in the Peru City Council Chambers on January 22, 2018 at 7:06 p.m.
City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Sapienza, Payton and Ballard present; Mayor Harl present.
All joined in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
Public Comment
Presentation:
Friends for the Peru Pool Members Claudia Mikyska and Gina Martin presented the council with a check in the amount of $1,035.86 from the Bergner’s Community Day fundraiser. Ms. Mikyska stated this is the 9th Bergner’s fundraiser and has raised $11,276.01 to date. Ms. Mikyska thanked the council, Sherry Mayszak and Bergner’s for participating.
Resident Gena Martin addressed the Council regarding the upcoming Special Olympics Polar Plunge on February 24th at noon at Lake Mendota. Ms. Martin stated she has been involved with Special Olympics for 35 years and asked for permission to put up a poster supporting the event. Council agreed.
Mayor Harl and Economic Development Director Bob Vickrey reported on their recent trip to China. Mayor Harl showed samples of slides that were presented in China that detailed the area’s health care services, schools, transportation logistics, downtowns, industrial sites and senior living facilities. Mayor Harl also noted they are interested in funeral homes as well. Mayor Harl stated all of the pamphlets Peru brought promoting the city were taken after the conference. Mayor Harl noted there’s no substitute for meeting a person face to face in order to develop relationships. Mayor Harl stated there is an interest in our area. Economic Development Director Bob Vickrey stated although there is interest they did not come home with a letter of intent, but maybe there will be ribbon cuts in the future, as one of the things they talked about was the growing of food. Mayor Harl stated they are rumored to be growing grain in the Gobi Desert. Economic Development Director Bob Vickrey noted the main focus of the trip was on food and agriculture. Alderman Radtke asked about Asian carp as a potential food source. Resident Gina Martin asked about how we would grow food in the desert. Mayor Harl also noted they were presented with a plate that was painted by hand. Mayor Harl also noted they made the national news when we visited the china factory.
Minutes:
Mayor Harl presented the minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 8, 2018. 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 December 2017; General Fund and Miscellaneous Funds Report for December 2017; Sales, Home Rule, Use and Telecommunication Tax Receipts for October 2017; Utility Fund Financial Report for December 2017 and Peru Recreation Fund Cash Accounts Summary for December 2017. Alderman Potthoff noted sales tax in October was $19,609.36 higher than last October and made a motion the reports be received and placed on file. Alderman Payton seconded the motion; motion carried.
Activity Reports:
Mayor Harl presented the Peru Police Department Monthly Report for December 2017; Peru Volunteer Ambulance Service Inc. Activity Summary for December 2017 and Peru Volunteer Ambulance Service Inc. Activity Summary for Year of 2017. Alderman Ferrari made a motion the reports be received and placed on file. Alderman Sapineza seconded the motion; motion carried.
Finance And Safety Committee:
Alderman Radtke presented the following disbursements for payment on January 24, 2018:
Fund Name; Total Expenses:
General Fund $502,809.00
Garbage Fund 16,445.90
Recreation Fund 414.05
Utility Fund 802,564.37
Landfill Fund 11,911.10
Airport Fund 3,564.81
Total $1,337,709.23
Alderman Radtke made a motion that the report be received, placed on file and the bills be paid in the usual manner. Alderman Payton seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke, Sapienza, Payton and Ballard voting aye; motion carried.
Alderman Potthoff made a motion to execute one-year agreement with Buxton in the amount of $50,000. Alderman Potthoff stated Peru’s a city of 10,000, so what we’re trying to do is prove to retailers we’re not a city of 10,000 people, we’re a city of 50,000 shoppers and information from Buxton can give us that face-to-face meeting. Alderman Potthoff noted it is a lot of money, but we think we need to spend in order to grow our retail base. Alderman Potthoff stated a representative from the company made a presentation before the council late last June. Alderman Potthoff stated during the presentation, the Buxton rep touted her company’s exclusive relationship with Visa that allows it to track transactions and spot areas of demand that are not being met locally and this relationship is one reason Peru decided to contract with Buxton. Economic Development Director Bob Vickrey outlined the services provided by Buxton:
• Drive time trade area of market
• Retail Site Assessment
• Retail Match List
• Pursuit Packages-specific retailer that fits-business model for expansion compared to opportunity showcasing what is a fit
• Local Business Retention and Expansion
• Retail Leakage/Supply Analysis provides an estimate of retail dollars flowing in or out of trade area
• Scout-ongoing analytic
o Demographics
o Psychographic profiles
o Retail supply and demand estimates
o Consumer propensities
• ISCS support and training-Use of booth space at the conference as well as Buxton staff and equipment. Buxton staff will cross reference the ICSC attendee list with retail match list for appointment setting during deal making events.
Economic Development Director Bob Vickrey stated Buxton will identify what people shop for in Peru and what Peru residents shop for when they travel outside the area. Alderman Potthoff stated the budget for economic development would be only about $20,000 more for this year than last year and estimated $140,000 compared to $120,000. Alderman Potthoff stressed the role sales tax plays in keeping Peru’s taxes down. Alderman Waldorf seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke, Sapienza, Payton and Ballard voting aye; motion carried.
Alderman Ferrari made a motion to approve $1,000 donation to Illinois Valley Rodders Car Club. Alderman Payton seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke, Sapienza, Payton and Ballard voting aye; motion carried.
Alderman Potthoff stated there will be complete details next week regarding the scavenger contract. Alderman Potthoff noted costs have risen since the last contract 5 years ago. Alderman Potthoff stated the goal is to keep the rates down and provide the best service possible. Alderman Potthoff stated the Council will insure group prices for City as opposed to private contracts with homeowners. Alderman Potthoff stated residents will be provided universal containers with separate recycle containers along with large item pickup.
Public Services Committee:
Alderman Lukosus initiated a discussion regarding problems and ongoing issues with the main service bucket truck. Electric Department Foreman Kye Kaszynski reported the engine and transmission has been very expensive ($50,000 in expenses from 2012 to present). Electric Department Foreman Kye Kaszynski reported the engine cannot be replaced and needs $8,500 to get road worthy. Electric Department Foreman Kye Kaszynski noted Altec will demo us a truck for 6 weeks until he completes his research.
Alderman Waldorf made a motion to approve Area 3 Phase 3 Bid in the amount of $577,466.67 to the lowest bidder, SKI Seal Coat and Maintenance Inc. City Engineer Eric Carls reported the project is an area south of Rt. 6 near the Pizza House and also noted it’s on the smaller end of our sewer separation phases. City Engineer Eric Carls stated eight bids were received. City Engineer Eric Carls reported this year’s portion of the multi-year, Environmental Protection Agency-mandated project is an area from Putnam Street at Rt. 6 to Second Street then from Second Street to Putnam Street to West Street, and Third Street from Putnam to Grant Street. Alderman Potthoff asked about.01 bid items. City Engineer Eric Carls stated.01 bid item are not uncommon but those aspects of the job do require careful on-site observation and measurements. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke, Sapienza, Payton and Ballard voting aye; motion carried.
Alderman Waldorf made a motion to approve demolition quote in the amount of $96,720.00 from John Pohar and Sons for 1721 Water Street, 1717 Water Street and portion of 1701 Water Street. City Engineer Eric Carls reported the following:
• 3 demolition contractors consulted
• (Demolition includes) Friday’s, former Delta Queen and part of a garage
• John Pohar and Sons was only qualified contractor
City Engineer Eric Carls stated the City asked the contractor to mobilize on Feb. 19th which is also the earliest the demolition could occur. City Engineer Eric Carls stated that ownership of the land occupied by the buildings is a work in process for the City. City Engineer Eric Carls stated the City is finalizing obtaining of the deed for (Friday’s) and there are discussions about getting the deed for the Delta Queen. Assistant Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert reported they negotiated cut-off point and received the judicial order to demo the properties which included a hold harmless clause for the City and contractor. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke, Sapienza, Payton and Ballard voting aye; motion carried.
Alderman Waldorf made a motion to execute architectural service agreement for pre-design and space needs assessment for the proposed police station with Basalay, Cary & Alstadt, not to exceed $70,000. Police Chief Doug Bernabei stated the City asked for Requests for Qualifications from architects last year when the city was still considering building a police station for Peru. City Engineer Eric Carls reported sixteen responses were submitted and four architect teams were interviewed. Chief Bernabei stated before a final selection was made, talks about a possible shared police station started to begin so the City delayed the selection. Chief Bernabei stated picking a firm now that the idea of a four-city station is public is a professional courtesy to the other 15 firms that sent in their qualifications. Chief Bernabei stated committees from LaSalle, Peru, Oglesby and Spring Valley will be formed and any cost associated with the work will be shared among the cities per capita. Mr. Matt Lamps of Basalay, Cary & Alstadt stated his team works with McLaren, Wilson and Lawrie-a group that specializes in public safety projects. City Engineer Eric Carls stated McLaren, Wilson and Lawrie is one of the most renowned public safety architects in the country. Alderman Radtke seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke, Sapienza, Payton and Ballard voting aye; motion carried.
Alderman Lukosus made a motion to authorize execution of Renewable Energy Credit Management Agreement with Blue Delta Energy, LLC. Alderman Waldorf seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley stated has a good working relationship with Blue Delta. Clerk Bartley was fortunate enough to be able to sell our renewable energy credits that were generated at the hydro-electric facility in upwards of $17.00 per credit at that time. Clerk Bartley stated that as legislation changed, and the market changed, and more capacity came online for green energy, the values went down, and the utility companies were able to find cheaper sources, so in recent years, the City has sold renewable energy credits as we have accumulated them in the $.25 to $.45 range. Clerk Bartley stated that recently some new legislation came on the books that may strengthen the market for the City, so rather than accumulating renewable energy credits and trying to find a market for them after the fact, the City will enter into an agreement with Blue Delta to monetize credits on our behalf. Clerk Bartley stated Blue Delta will be making all the arrangements with regard to the Letter of Credit and bidding into utility auctions on the City’s behalf and the City will pay a fee to them for the service. Clerk Bartley stated Corporate Counsel Doug Schweickert reviewed the agreement and made one change regarding if there would be any potential litigation that it would be in a local jurisdiction as opposed to a jurisdiction that they would name. Clerk Bartley stated he is hoping the market might be as $4.00 to $7.00. Clerk Bartley stated as an example, our hydro facility could generate as many as 4,000 renewable energy credits per month; but weather can impact the generation, also maintenance that is required. Alderman Potthoff noted 10% fee.based on their results. Clerk Bartley stated 0% of more is more. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke, Sapienza, Payton and Ballard voting aye; motion carried.
Report Of City Attorney/Ordinances And Resolutions:
Assistant Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
Ordinance No. 6269
An Ordinance Authorizing Execution Of A Cable Franchise Agreement Between The City Of Peru And Comcast Of Illinois/Indiana/Ohio, LLC
Alderman Radtke made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion. Alderman Potthoff noted the agreement is non-exclusive with no city involvement of pricing and programming. Alderman Waldorf stated he will be voting no based on the wishes of his constituents regarding poor service and rising prices. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari, Lukosus, Radtke, Sapienza, Payton and Ballard voting aye; Alderman Waldorf voting nay; motion carried.
City Clerk Dave Bartley presented a proposed resolution entitled:
Resolution No. 2018-04
Resolution To Include Cash Payments Related To Health Insurance As Imrf Earnings
Alderman Payton made a motion the resolution be adopted as written and read. Alderman Potthoff seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke, Sapienza, Payton and Ballard voting aye; motion carried.
Unfinished Business
New Business
Proclamations
Petitions And Communications:
City Clerk Dave Bartley presented a communication from Rita Studzinski, River Valley Chapter Leader of Compassionate Friends requesting permission to hold the 5th Annual Memory Walk for the Compassionate Friends on Sunday, September 30, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Baker Lake; reserve east shelter. Alderman Ferrari seconded the motion; motion carried.
Public Comment:
Resident Rodney Perez addressed the Council with concerns about official misconduct and illegal spending regarding Economic Development Director Bob Vickrey. Mr. Perez began by stating the last time he addressed the council he made a suggestion the council hire a forensic auditor to go over the books but since the council decided not to, they are stuck with him asking questions. Mr. Perez initiated a discussion regarding his latest FOIA request that made many questions with the credit card statements. Mr. Perez stated he learned there was alleged official misconduct in which an official was allegedly forced to resign due to personal use spending. Mr. Perez stated after his most recent FOIA request, Economic Development Director Bob Vickrey’s last several taxpayer paid trips to conferences has raised many flags. Mr. Perez noted a poorly drafted city contract by Economic Development Director Bob Vickrey/Oval Wacker has led to misappropriation of public funds. Mr. Perez stated that thankfully we have the Illinois Constitution with articles of how tax dollars can be spent and laws to protect us taxpayers from corruption. Mr. Perez stated that if the City does not take appropriate, immediate investigation action, then he will start with our state’s attorney, because she seems to be in to public corruption cases and if he gets no where with her, he has connections at the federal level. Mr. Perez then thanked the Council.
Resident Mr. Bob Szczepiank addressed the Council and stated he thinks it's a great idea to cooperate with the police departments and would like to see it go a little farther and maybe see all the municipalities combine so we would only have one mayor, once city clerk etc. Mr. Szczepaniak stated we would save a lot of money there too. Mr. Szczepaniak asked if the cities of LaSalle, Spring Valley and Oglesby are going to kick in $17,000 for this architect agreement for the proposed combined police station. Police Chief Doug Bernabei explained the process and reported work can't be done unless it's approved by committees from the cities of La Salle, Peru, Oglesby and Spring Valley, and any cost associated with the work would be shared among the cities on a per capita basis. Chief Bernabei reiterated that Basalay, Cary & Alstadt, cannot perform any work unless directed by City Engineer Eric Carls, and City Engineer Eric Carls won't direct them to do work that isn't approved by committees from La Salle, Peru, Oglesby and Spring Valley. Chief Bernabei stated that last year the City sought requests for qualifications last year to build a new police station, but after some discussion extended the offer to area communities to consider consolidating. Chief Bernabei stated if the city was planning on investigating moving forward with building a new police station then why not ask the other communities. Chief Bernabei stated it would be a historic in nature and yes the other communities were interested in discussions. Chief Bernabei stated that a commitment from every community who wants to participate will share on savings and cost. Chief Bernabei stated the shared station would save $250 million over 60 years. Chief Bernabei stated that last week police chiefs from LaSalle, Peru, Oglesby and Spring Valley met with police staff to inform them of their plans and reassure the employees their rank, pay or IMRF status would not change. Chief Bernabei stated they wanted to speak to their staff prior to announcing their intent to investigate whether a shared police station would be beneficial. Chief Bernabei stated he hopes the communities can come together and if they don't then we will welcome commitments from other towns; but again won't be spending any money unless the multi city committee approves.
Resident Sherry Mayszak addressed Mr. Lamps of Basalay, Cary, Alstadt and asked if he knew he wouldn't be paid for the work he was doing. Chief Bernabei again explained the RFQ process in which 16 firms responded to and stated City Engineer Eric Carls narrowed the firms down to 4. Chief Bernabei stated the selected firm will be paid on an hourly basis but cannot be paid until City Engineer Eric Carls gives approval with committee’s direction.
Closed Session
Adjournment:
Alderman Ferrari made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Alderman Radtke seconded the motion and motion carried. Meeting adjourned 8:34 p.m.
https://www.peru.il.us/minutes/regular-council-meeting/2018-cm/january-2018-cm/3924-regular-meeting-minutes-01-22-18/file
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