City of Peru Committee of a Whole Met Aug. 2.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
A Committee Of A Whole meeting was called to order by City Clerk Dave Bartley in the Peru City Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m.
City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza, Lukosus and Buffo present; Mayor Kolowski present.
PUBLIC COMMENT
MINUTES
Mayor Kolowski presented the Committee Of A Whole Minutes of July 19, 2021. Alderman Waldorf made a motion that the minutes be received and placed on file. Alderman Payton seconded the motion; motion carried.
INFORMAL COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
Adam Thorson, Director of Parks, Recreation and Special Events discussed an opportunity to apply for an OSLAD grant to help expand amenities around the Washington Park skating rink. Mr. Thorson reported process is in the early stages and much more planning and decisions need to be made moving forward. Mr. Thorson stated that himself along with Finance Director Justin Miller, Mayor Kolowski have started the groundwork. Mr. Thorson stated initial thoughts were to do some maintenance on our existing tennis courts at Washington Park. Mr. Thorson stated research suggests that the representatives that score the projects you’re wanting to do, maintenance on an existing structure just don’t score as high and the more unique the recreational developments are, the higher they are traditionally scored and have a better chance of receiving the funds. Mr. Thorson stated that knowing this information, the recommendation was to focus on expanding the newly-developed ice skating rink. Mayor Kolowski stated that being different, I think, is going to be the key to getting this thing. Mayor Kolowski stated a lot of people are asking for certain things like tennis courts to be replaced, but ours is completely different and would be more of a winter thing and that should attract people to award us this grant. Mr. Thorson stated planned presentation for the OSLAD grant includes chillers and a possible roof structure for the ice rink as well as additional recreational activities, such as bags, fireplaces, bocce ball and an indoor heated bathroom and locker room facility. Committee stated they would like the facility to serve many purposes for the recreational area including possible skate rentals, concessions, locker rooms and bathrooms. Mr. Thorson stated to move forward, we are going to get a plan in place, get some support letters out to the schools and have a public meeting and we’ll go from there and apply for the grant. Mr. Miller stated with council approval the city would like to use time during council meeting to field input from members of the community.
Mr. Thorson asked about earlier donations for the pool. Eric Carls, Director of Engineer and Zoning noted none of the funds were used or benefited to receive the OSLAD grant.
Kim Reese, Director of Human Resources reported on an IPBC preliminary rate information. Ms. Reese stated the plan would be transferred from KBA (Key Benefit Administrators) to IPBC through Gallagher. Ms. Reese stated employees will see a 2.3% decrease in contributions when switching to Blue Cross Blue Shield. Alderman Payton thanked Justin Miller, Director of Finance, Kim Reese, Director of Human Resources and City Clerk Dave Bartley. Ms. Reese thanked the City of Peru Health and Wellness Committee.
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Kolowski asked for a motion to go into closed session to discuss collective negotiating matters between public employers and their employees or representatives and purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body is being considered, including meetings held for the purpose of discussion whether a particular parcel should be acquired, or where the public body is considering the setting of a price for sale or lease of its property; Alderman Waldorf made a motion to go into closed session. Alderman Payton seconded the motion. Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza, Lukosus and Buffo voting aye; motion carried.
Closed session began at 6:25 p.m. and ended 7:02 p.m.
Alderman Buffo made a motion to re-open the meeting. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza, Lukosus and Buffo present; Mayor Kolowski present.
ADJOURNMENT
https://www.peru.il.us/city-government/forms-and-documents/minutes/committee-as-a-whole-1/2021-cow-1/5375-committee-of-a-whole-minutes-08-02-21/file
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