City of Peru City Council met April 27.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
A budget hearing was held at 6:30 p.m. in the City of Peru Council Chambers.
In attendance were Aldermen Ferrari, Lukosus, Radtke, Sapienza, Payton, Ballard and Buffo, Mayor Harl, City Clerk Dave Bartley, Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert, City Engineer Eric Carls and Finance Officer Justin Miller.
Clerk Bartley called the hearing to order.
Clerk Bartley opened the hearing noting the following:
• Noted the Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program legal posting
• Substantially similar to the budget presented at the last Finance and Safety Services Committee meeting prior to COVID-19
Finance Officer Justin Miller presented the budget and noted the proposed budget was similar to the budget presented in mid March but it did not consider potential revenue impact due to COVID-19.
Alderman Payton asked if the decreased revenue estimates were reflected in the budget. Finance Officer Justin Miller stated no. Alderman Payton asked then why we were looking at it.
Alderman Radtke noted the expenditure side has not reflected any decreases either.
Alderman Ballard asked about revenue assumptions. Finance Officer Justin Miller noted a historic trend to conservative estimates 99 % of the previous years sales tax.
Alderman Payton asked when we would see the March sales tax numbers. Finance Officer Justin Miller noted the sales tax curve for March would be reported in June.
Alderman Sapienza noted his preference is to exclude expenditures and hope the best and add back if things improve.
Alderman Payton asserted a strong preference for being fiscally responsible and stated he doesn’t want to hear “it’s in the budget”. Alderman Payton stated he wants expenditures cut and added back in if revenues are supported.
Alderman Buffo asked what happened to the revenue decreases the Finance and Safety Services Committee agreed to and stated passing the budget would be irresponsible.
Alderman Payton re-asserted he didn’t want “if it’s in the budget” and vote it down.
Mayor Harl noted the aldermen already know, based on conversations with City Engineer Eric Carls, what project cuts are being proposed.
Mayor Harl asserted his case that regardless what budget is passed, changes will need to be made when more information is available. Mayor Harl noted his query with other municipalities that most are passing other budgets as previously prepared.
Alderman Radtke stated he appreciates the staff has done their job and reasonable assumptions have been made on revenue decreases. Alderman Radtke stated now it’s time to look at corresponding expenditures. Alderman Radtke noted the significant impact to sales tax based on over taxes.
Mayor Harl asked Alderman Payton to trust the staff. Mayor Harl noted other communities were doing and passing as is budgets and thinks it should be passed.
Alderman Buffo stated that a reasonable budget should be passed responsibly and disagreed with Mayor Harl. City Engineer Eric Carls commented on capital projects and discussion to modify and have a plan.
Finance Officer Justin Miller commented on access through Buxton to forecast trend and planning to put together an illustration.
Alderman Radtke requested there be a Finance and Safety Services Committee meeting on May 11th at 5:30 p.m. to discuss budget cuts and review Buxton data
Hearing adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
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, April 27, 2020 at 7:03 p.m.
City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ferrari, Lukosus, Radtke, Sapienza, Payton, Ballard and Buffo present; Alderman Waldorf absent; Mayor Harl present.
An invocation prayer was presented via video by Monsignor Soseman.
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 April 13, 2020. Alderman Ferrari 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 March 2020, City Clerk’s Report of Cash Received for March 2020, General Fund and Miscellaneous Funds Report for February 2020; Sales, Home Rule, Use and Telecommunication Tax Receipts for January 2020 and Utility Fund Report for February 2020. Alderman Radtke made a motion the reports be received and placed on file and asked for a distribution of the year-end sales tax. Alderman Payton seconded the motion; motion carried.
ACTIVITY REPORTS
Mayor Harl presented the Building Permits-First Quarter Report 2020. Alderman Buffo made a motion the report be received and placed on file. Alderman Payton seconded the motion; motion carried.
FINANCE AND SAFETY COMMITTEE
Alderman Buffo presented the following disbursements for payment on April 29, 2020:
FUND NAME
General Fund $388,057.25
Insurance Fund 93,431.18
Utility Fund 1,709,159.16
Landfill Fund 10,070.74
Airport Fund 11,716.95
Total $792,350.64
Alderman Buffo 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 Ferrari, Lukosus, Radtke, Sapienza, Payton, Ballard and Buffo voting aye; Alderman Waldorf absent; motion carried.
PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE
Alderman Ferrari made a motion to award the EWWTP Generator project to the lowest responsible bidder, JB Contracting Corp in the amount of $684,201.00. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion. City Engineer Eric Carls reported on the benefit of additional grant funds of just over $500,000. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ferrari, Lukosus, Radtke, Sapienza, Payton, Ballard and Buffo voting aye; Alderman Waldorf absent; motion carried.
Alderman Lukosus made a motion to receive and place on file the City of Peru Water and Sewer Acreage and Impact Fee report effective May 1, 2020. Alderman Ferrari seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ferrari, Lukosus, Radtke, Sapienza, Payton, Ballard and Buffo voting aye; Alderman Waldorf absent; motion carried.
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY/ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-12
A RESOLUTION TEMPORARILY SUSPENDING THE CITY’S YARD WASTE STICKER REQUIREMENT FOR THE DURATION OF THE COVID-19 CRISIS
City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ferrari, Lukosus, Radtke, Sapienza, Payton, Ballard and Buffo voting aye; Alderman Waldorf absent; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-13
AMENDED RESOLUTION PROVIDING TEMPORARY CHANGES TO STAFFING REQUIREMENTS OF CITY OF PERU EMPLOYEES DUE TO COVID-19
Alderman Payton made a motion the resolution be adopted as written and read. Alderman Radtke seconded the motion. Alderman Buffo noted all public works employees are working and practicing social distancing. Mayor Harl noted the likely and preferred cancellation of the TBM Avengers Reunion, fireworks and other recreation programs.
City Engineer Eric Carls updated the council regarding staffing in the Building and Zoning/Engineering Department.
• Melissa Carruthers and Eric Carls are working in office
• Anne Riva is offsite answering phones
• Ali Coutre is working from home and in and out of the office working on contractor licensing.
• Tyler Dobrich is working from home and is in the office when there is need for permits and inspections
• Eric Zborowski is working on the 7th Street construction project.
Clerk Bartley reported on staffing in the Clerk’s Office
• Utility Billing clerk in office from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Deputy Clerk in the office from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Meter readers in the office as needed
Finance Officer Justin Miller stated the bookkeepers are working staggered shifts
Mayor Harl noted Bob Vickrey 20% reduction and lobbyist 50% reduction
City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ferrari, Lukosus, Radtke, Sapienza, Payton, Ballard and Buffo voting aye; Alderman Waldorf absent; motion carried.
Finance Officer Justin Miller requested to table the following budget ordinance.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING MAY 1, 2019 AND ENDING APRIL 30, 2020, BOTH INCLUSIVE
Finance Officer Justin Miller requested to table the following budget ordinance until June 8, 2020. Alderman Radtke made a motion to table the ordinance. Alderman Radtke stated the council is committed to passing a balanced budget and determined to move forward and recommended passage at first meeting in June. Mayor Harl stated if the budget isn’t passed at this meeting then we should wait until the latest time. Alderman Payton thanked Mayor Harl.
Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion; motion carried.
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING MAY 1, 2020 AND ENDING APRIL 30, 2021, BOTH INCLUSIVE
Clerk Bartley presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6471
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF PERU AND ILLINOIS FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE LABOR COUNCIL REPRESENTING F.O.P. LODGE #137
Alderman Radtke made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Buffo seconded the motion. Mayor Harl thanked the police department personnel for the one-year contract. Alderman Radtke noted the 2% pay increase is constant among all groups. Alderman Payton also thanked the FOP. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ferrari, Lukosus, Radtke, Sapienza, Payton, Ballard and Buffo voting aye; Alderman Waldorf absent; motion carried.
Clerk Bartley presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6472
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ORDINANCE FIXING WAGES FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF PERU, ILLINOIS
Alderman Radtke made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Payton seconded the motion. Mayor Harl thanked the non-bargaining unit. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ferrari, Lukosus, Radtke, Sapienza, Payton, Ballard and Buffo voting aye; Alderman Waldorf absent; motion carried.
PROCLAMATIONS
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mayor Harl initiated a conversation regarding the pool study and noted he would send it out to members of the council for review.
Mayor Harl asked for feedback on the NCIEDC renewal and Alderman Radtke asked for it to be place on the next Finance and Safety Services agenda for discussion.
NEW BUSINESS
Clerk Bartley provided an update regarding recent changes in the Clerk’s office. The candidate that was approved for hiring at the Regular Council meeting of January 6th did not perform to our specified standard and was terminated on April 2nd. Human Resource Manager, Kim Reese, posted the position to be filled in internally. Current meter reader, Trina Stevens, inquired and applied for the utility billing position. Kim Reese, Justin Miller, and I interviewed Trina and consequently offered her the position. I can report that she has been working out great. Trina Stevens has been a meter reader for nine years. Note, some her meter reading will be shifted to the contracted meter reader. Mary Kramer, based on Council approval, will be asked to stay on with a new contract. The City will recognize a $30,000 savings based on advanced meter upgrades and this transition.
Alderman Lukosus made a motion to authorize Part Time Utility Meter-Reader Employment Agreement. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ferrari, Lukosus, Radtke, Sapienza, Payton, Ballard and Buffo voting aye; Alderman Waldorf absent; motion carried.
Alderman Buffo expressed his concerns with Gov. JB Pritzker and believes he overstepped his bounds by demanding steeper controls, such as wearing masks in public. Alderman Buffo stated the governor has unreasonably imposed the same strictures on smaller communities that are needed in more populous Chicago, and the time has come to explore legal avenues. Alderman Buffo stated he thinks it’s time to stop operating out of fear and start leading by example so that we can start getting back to normal. Alderman Buffo stated Gov. Pritzker’s demands “too restrictive” and “killing our small businesses”. Alderman Buffo stated he saw no reason why small businesses cannot operate by managing foot traffic as big-box stores have the right to do. Alderman Buffo stated we need to see what avenues there are out there to do our own thing. Alderman Buffo asked the council to be a leader. Alderman Lukosus asked if masks would be provided by the big box stores. Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert stated he shares some of Alderman Buffo’s beliefs on the impact of small business and not being fair but warned council members of a risk to disregard health and safety recommendations. Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert stated it’s just a sticky situation, because if we don’t follow the rules and somebody gets sick, could we be sued. Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert and stated it could be willful and wanton (conduct). Mayor Harl asked Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert to research.
Clerk Bartley stated he is working to partner with Tri County Opportunities Council for assistance with the COVID19 Relief Fund.
Mayor Harl asked for consideration for a donation to IVCIL.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert reported on the Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program hearing on May 4th.
Finance Officer Justin Miller reported receiving just over $78,000 for the watermain loop grant.
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Clerk Bartley presented a communication from Illinois Valley Herb Guild requesting permission to use the bottom shelter at Centennial Park, Saturday, May 23rd from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; curbside pickup only; there will be no congregating. Alderman Radtke made a motion the communication be received, placed on file and permission granted in conjunction with Governor Pritzker’s Shelter in Place order. Alderman Ferrari seconded the motion; motion carried.
Clerk Bartley presented a petition from the City of Peru seeking waivers and variances pertaining to the Peru Police Station development located at the southwest corner of Midtown Road an N. Peoria Street. Alderman Radtke made a motion the petition be received, placed on file and referred to the Planning/Zoning Commission for review and recommendation. Alderman Payton seconded the motion; motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Ferrari made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion and motion
carried. Meeting adjourned 8:20 p.m.
https://www.peru.il.us/city-government/minutes/regular-council-meeting/2020-rm/april-2020-cm/4879-regular-meeting-minutes-04-27-20/file
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