City of Peru City Council met March 17.
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 at 6:30 p.m.
Mayor Harl read the title Guidance to Public Bodies on the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act during the COVID-19 Pandemic as it pertains to waiving physical presence of a quorum of members of public body and allowing for remote access.
Requirement for a Physical Presence Quorum for Members of a Public Body OMA requires that a quorum of members of the public body be physically present at the meeting location and allows for limited circumstances in which remote access is acceptable. Executive Order 2020-07 suspends the in-person presence requirements and eliminates the limitation on remote access. If a meeting is necessary, public bodies are encouraged to utilize remote access as allowed by the Executive Order. Open and Convenient Meetings OMA requires public meetings to be “open and convenient” for members.
Additionally, the Order suspends the requirement of the Open Meetings Act requiring in-person attendance by members of a public body. The Governor has encouraged that public bodies postpone the consideration of public business when possible and to allow for a process for video, audio and/or telephonic access for members of the public when a meeting is necessary. You may wish to cancel all regular public meetings during the next two-week period. Emergency or special meetings could be called as needed. This is a local decision and should be made according to the best interests of your individual community.
City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Alderman Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus (present remotely), Radtke, Sapienza, Payton, Ballard and Buffo (present remotely) 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 actio on an ordinance pertaining to Local State of Emergency and to address any matters that may come up in discussion related to COVID-19 and any and all matters related thereto.
PUBLIC COMMENT
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY/ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6470
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 34-CIVIL EMERGENCIES, OF THE CITY OF PERU CODE OF ORDINANCES TO ADD ARTICLE III.-DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY
Mayor Harl stated there is not an emergency at this time and will just be an ordinance keeping up to date with the Illinois Municipal League (IML) along with stated and federal mandates and recommendations. Alderman Radtke stated it is his understanding this ordinance allows for the mayor to declare an emergency and take action for seven days or until the regular meeting essentially just bridging the time that we get together as a group and provide further direction. Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert stated the ordinance would allow the mayor to have the authority to perform certain powers and functions and gives him the power to act quickly during this ever-changing situation. Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert stated there was a meeting with attorneys from the cities of LaSalle, Oglesby, Spring Valley and Utica and all will be passing similar ordinances which from state statute that says by ordinance we can go ahead and provide when the mayor can declare an emergency and what actions he can take during an emergency and also wanted to mention the ordinance is only good for seven days and can be renewed. Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert stated immediately upon declaration of emergency the mayor is to call for a special emergency meeting called within 24 hours if reasonably practical. Corporate Counsel stated if such meeting is called the council can adopt another ordinance that outlines exactly what powers or regulations are needed going forward. Mayor Harl asked if the 48-hour notice is relaxed during this time. Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert stated there is a difference between special meeting and emergency meeting to where a 24-hour notice is suffice.
Alderman Ferrari asked about an emergency succession should the mayor be sick. Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert stated the ordinance states the senior alderman would be in charge. Alderman Ferrari stated the proposed ordinance does not list city officials. Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert stated the proposed ordinance amends ordinance number 4381 adopted in 2006 which lists city officials would be next in line to make decisions. Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert stated this ordinance gives power to hire temporary employees, temporary city officials and expend funds as necessary. Police Chief Doug Bernabei stated that if an emergency should be declared by the mayor then an COVID-19 ordinance would come before the council and that ordinance is being drafted as a precautionary measure. Alderman Waldorf made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Radtke seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke, Sapienza, Payton, Ballard and Buffo voting aye; motion carried.
CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Waldorf made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Alderman Ferrari seconded the motion and motion carried. Meeting adjourned 6:44 p.m.
https://www.peru.il.us/city-government/minutes/regular-council-meeting/2020-rm/march-2020-cm/4854-special-meeting-minutes-03-17-20/file
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