City of Peru City Council met March 22.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
A special meeting of the Peru City Council was called to order by Mayor Scott J. Harl in the Peru City Council Chambers on Sunday, March 22, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.
City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Alderman Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke, Sapienza, Payton, Ballard and Buffo present; Mayor Harl present.
All joined in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
Mayor Harl reported the purpose of the special meeting is for the discussion and potential action on a resolution pertaining to changes in staffing requirements and to address any matters that may come up in discussion related to COVID-19 and any and all matters related thereto.
Mayor Harl provided the following:
Timeline for 75% Reduction in Staff
Thursday, March 19, 2020 Myself and Staff assembled for Governor Pritzker news conference at 14:30 2:30PM scheduled time.
News conference starts a little late 14:40 2:40PM. Conference over approximately 14:55 2:55PM
Discussion with staff and updates regarding one employee recently back from vacation and working from home with VPN (virtual private network) computer connected to city hall.
Two city hall employees called in with fever, off sick.
Further discussion with staff concerning the angst among their employees.
After further discussion and knowing the inevitable I made the decision to send employees home with pay, basically on call for the protection of not only our employees but for our residents as well. Some are able to work remotely with computers in their home and some are on call should an emergency arise.
We already issued the safe personal space rule for everyone which is extremely difficult in some
situations. Example; water break and two men in an excavation fixing the break. Electric outage with two men in bucket. These are situations you can modify and work them out and our people have been doing just that.
With that being said, the obvious was coming like a freight train it just didn’t happen at the Governor Pritzker press conference on Thursday, 19 March. With staff being 100% behind the decision to change the way we handle daily duties for our employees and residents; I made the decision to reduce the health threat to our valued employees and called for a 75% reduction in on site employees.
I made the decision at 15:15 3:15PM
Everyone from their respective departments went to work and drafted memos and press release. Memos were put together with multiple edits and sent to Elected and Staff at 16:38 4:38PM. From the time the decision was made until the time Elected and Staff had on their e-mails or paper in hand was one hour and 23 minutes. I am proud of the staff for working so diligently to put this important release together in this short amount of time.
This past week was filled with decision to be made and that will not subside anytime in the foreseeable future. More will arise and must be dealt with.
As you can imagine, I have received many calls and talked with many regarding this situation that is in front of us. I am in contact with many Mayoral colleagues from across the state to monitor their situation and them ours. The only difference in the City of Peru, it’s Mayor and staff did on Thursday, 19 March was going to the reduction with pay 24 hours before many other communities, we should be proud.
As previously mentioned, many meetings took place the week of March 16th and I know many more will take place the week of March23rd. If we make it through today.
I took many calls, some good, some not so good, I have two that were like none other, the good news for me is, I now have clarity of the character of those two individuals, Thank you.
I have been in contact with owners of the GK Mall in Peru and given permission to use the Bergner’s and Penney’s building to be prepared for any contingencies. I have been in contact with the Kmart/Sears corporate real estate and gained full access to their facility on south end of Peru Mall as well.
One meeting that sticks out from the past week was this summary in terms everyone can understand. This requires a little thought. I have a pond that will be completely covered with lily pads on day 14; what day will the pond be half covered? The Governor Pritzker news conference on Tuesday 17 March, Illinois had confirmed 105 cases of COVID 19. Governor Pritzker news conference on Saturday, 21 March, Illinois had confirmed 753 cases of COVID 19, remember the lily pads on the pond.
The answer is 13, this virus multiplies two to one, please stay safe and practice social distance, wash your hands and wipe down surfaces regularly. Be kind to those around you and practice good responsible safe habits.
On Monday, 23 March Peru will comply with the state order given to shut down all playground equipment. You can still use parks to walk and enjoy the fresh air, but not the playground equipment due to the surface spread of COVID19.
The City of Peru Police and Fire under direction of Fire Chief Jeff King and Police Chief Doug Bernabei has set up the “EOC” Emergency Operations Center in the Ron Wren Community Room. We hope and pray this will not be needed; we are ready.
Mayor Harl noted he received many calls and two in particular that showed much character.
Alderman Lukosus asked for a method of rotating staff. Mayor Harl noted in accordance with the on call and necessary essential personnel.
Alderman Radtke asked about clerk’s office staffing. Clerk Bartley noted the following:
• Office will be staffed from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Rotating staff for utility billing
• Deputy Clerk will be in and out of the office; has access to Microsoft 365
• City Clerk will post to website and Facebook
Finance Officer Justin Miller stated he is rotating his staff for alternate weeks and at home employee will VPN into the system.
Clerk Bartley reported he had to call in staff on Friday for additional support. PUBLIC COMMENT
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY/ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Mayor Harl read an entire proposed resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-06
A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR TEMPORARY CHANGES TO STAFFING REQUIREMENTS OF CITY OF PERU EMPLOYEES DUE TO COVID-19
Alderman Waldorf made a motion the resolution be adopted as written and read. Alderman Payton seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke, Sapienza, Payton, Ballard and Buffo voting aye; motion carried.
Mayor Harl read an entire proposed resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-07
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A RELIEF FUND FOR THE BENEFIT OF PERU RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY THE IMPACT OF COVID-19
Alderman Ferrari made a motion the resolution be adopted as written and read. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke, Sapienza, Payton, Ballard and Buffo voting aye; motion carried.
Alderman Payton asked about 501C3 qualifications during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clerk Bartley noted he thinks organizations like Tri-County Opportunities Council will broaden of soften their qualification criteria to help the most amount of people.
Police Chief Doug Bernabei reported on the opening of the EOC (Emergency Operations Command). The EOC will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (Beginning March 23rd). Police Chief Doug Bernabei reported the following:
• Proactive approach
• No need to panic or be alarmed
• All departments will be represented
Police Chief read the following: CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
The different between normal day-to-day operations and emergency operations must be understood if emergency management is to be effective. During non-emergency periods, operational departments go about their daily business under direction of department heads or Chiefs. During a period of emergency or disaster the Mayor is held ultimately responsible for the preservation of life and protection of property, as outlined in Illinois state law. Department heads that previously provided direction to their forces continue to do so in time of
emergency. During a major emergency or disaster situation however, department heads function and coordinate response from the Peru Emergency Operating Center (EOC) located as defined in Annex A2. Departments and agencies tasked with response and recovery missions, under this plan, make up the Peru Crisis Management Team (CMT). These departments and agencies include:
Fire Chief Jeff King noted he directed his staff to use PPE-glasses, turnout gear, gloves and masks and noted the changes in protocol is to protect staff.
Alderman Ferrari asked about communications with IVCH. Chief reported there was a meeting with Executive Director Tommy Hobbs. Chief reported
PUBLIC COMMENT
Local contractor Ray Tomaszewski asked (remotely) when the General Fund Street Program will start. Mayor Harl noted the governor did not stop construction but the project may be delayed.
Alderman Payton proposed the committee chairs be invited to participate in staff meetings to filter information down to the other aldermen.
Mayor Harl noted all COVID-19 expenses are being tracked and a state of emergency may be called to facilitate reimbursement,
Remote request regarding fishing. Mayor Harl noted park equipment will be closed but parks are open, and residents are encouraged to enjoy and practice social distancing.
Mayor Harl noted there is not a shortage of food or paper products and encouraged residents to buy what they need and not hoard items.
Alderman Payton thanked the grocery stores and staff, CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Waldorf made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Alderman Ferrari seconded the motion and motion carried. Meeting adjourned 12:02 p.m.
https://www.peru.il.us/city-government/minutes/regular-council-meeting/2020-rm/march-2020-cm/4852-special-meeting-minutes-03-22-20/file
Alerts Sign-up