City of Peru City Council met Dec. 7.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
A regular meeting of the Peru City Council was called to order by Mayor Ken Kolowski in the Peru City Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Buffo present; Aldermen Lukosus and Payton absent; Mayor Kolowski present.
All joined in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. PUBLIC COMMENT
PRESENTATION
PRESS RELEASE: Clerk Bartley read a prepared press release:
The Washington Park improvement will be 2,600 square feet building to provide restrooms, lockers, concessions, skate rental area, and warming fireplace next to the existing ice skating/hockey rink.
The Veteran’s Park improvements will be a substantial enhancement to the existing ball field to bring it to collegian and minor league baseball standards. The investment will bring new dugouts, group umbrella picnic areas, drink rails, 614 new stadium seats, new press box, and drop backstop netting to also clear lines of sight. The field will also service and a concert venue.
Doug Schweickert stated “our ancestors were brick masons from Germany and settled here in 1849. The market has been good to us, and my wife and I want to enhance the athletic, cultural, and educational facilities in the area for future generations”
Clerk Bartley: The City of Peru is thankful and excited about the opportunity to grow our recreational offerings. The Veteran’s Park improvements will serve the community for years to come and allow generations to visit Peru and comfortably enjoy, Prospect League, collegian, and high school baseball games. The Washington Park improvements will create a regional attraction for ice skating and ice hockey.
Mayor Ken Kolowski stated “the City of Peru is extremely grateful to the Doug and Rorie Schweickert Charitable Trust. Their $1,000,000.00 donation will afford the residents and visitors of Peru two amazing recreation spots to enjoy year-round family fun.” Mayor Kolowski further commented “Doug Schweickert’s dedication has been instrumental to the city’s success and growth over his 40 plus years of service to our community.”
Scott Schweickert, City of Peru Corporate Counsel and son of Doug and Rorie Schweickert presented a $1,000,000.00 check to the City of Peru on behalf of the Doug and Rorie Schweickert Charitable Trust for improvements to Washington and Veteran’s Parks.
City Engineer Eric Carls detailed the project design.
City Engineer Eric Carls stated we’re setting this up as a phased plan to improve upon the existing Veterans Field. In this phase we are leaving existing concession stands and restrooms in place and hoping to build upon this plan in the future. Mr. Carls stated fans of the Pistol Shrimp may see some changes before opening day of the 2022 season, but with the winter here and the many supply chain issues any project faces, the majority of the construction could be scheduled to take place before the 2023 season. Mr. Carls stated there are some potential changes that may take place before the season. Mr. Carls reported we may have some of the new backstop in and some of the nets may be able to be constructed along with some of the flatwork and concrete work for where the seating will be placed.
Mr. Carls reported the planned structure at Washington Park will be a building located next to the existing ice skating rink that will provide restrooms, lockers, concessions, skate rental area and warming fireplaces. Mr. Carls reported this building will be located in the location of an old existing garage, south of the Splash Pad. Mr. Carls stated tt will be a wonderful asset to the park and to more specifically hopefully draw in another youth sport into the city of Peru. Mr. Carls stated he is hopeful this project can be sent out for bid in the spring or summer of 2022. He said there is a possibility the structure could be completed by next winter.
The structure in Washington Park will fulfill many necessary purposes for its visitors and will be named the Schweickert Arena.
The city and Carls are excited for the opportunity these funds provide and look forward to creating these structures families will enjoy for many years to come.
Mr. Carls stated it’s a wonderful donation by the Schweickert family and I know it’s very much appreciated by everyone in my office and here with the city and that we’ve been pretty fortunate to be working with them on this project.
MINUTES/FINANCIAL REPORTS/ACTIVITY REPORTS
Mayor Kolowski presented the Regular Minutes of November 22, 2021, and Treasurer’s Report for October 2022. Alderman Waldorf made a motion the minutes and 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 December 8, 2021:
FUND NAME TOTAL EXPENSES
General Fund $719,222.30
Insurance Fund 64,299.37
Garbage Fund 70,664.13
Motor Fuel Fund 522,690.74
Utility Fund 650,586.28
Airport Fund 526.50
Total $2,027,989.32
Alderman Buffo made a motion the disbursements be received, placed on file and the bills be paid in the usual manner. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Buffo voting aye; Alderman Lukosus and Payton absent; motion carried.
Alderman Sapienza made a motion to approve Christmas Bonus for City Employees; $100 for full-time and $50 for part-time. Alderman Buffo seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Buffo voting aye; Alderman Lukosus and Payton absent; motion carried.
Alderman Sapienza made a motion to approve $100,000 donation to TBM Avengers-Salute to Veteran’s program. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Buffo voting aye; Alderman Lukosus and Payton absent; motion carried.
PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE
Alderman Waldorf made a motion to seek bids on 3 – 2500’ reels of 4/0 Okonite wire to restock inventory. Alderman Edgcomb seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Buffo voting aye; Alderman Lukosus and Payton absent; motion carried.
POLICE AND FIRE COMMITTEE
Alderman Edgcomb reported on a conversation with a local resident regarding speed and traffic concerns with Shooting Park Rad and Peoria Street. Alderman Edgcomb noted he understands the residents’ concerns and will address with the police department.
Alderman Edgcomb reported on a meeting with a resident regarding traffic flow at 28th Street and Marquette Road and not the police department is monitoring.
Alderman Edgcomb asked Eric Carls, Director of Engineering and Zoning about the feasibility of a striped bike path on Marquette Road.
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY/ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Corporate Counsel presented the minutes of Planning/Zoning hearing held on December 1, 2021, on petition of Barbara Needs, DC concerning property located at 2819 6th Street, Peru, IL. Alderman Buffo made a motion the minutes be received, placed on file and concur with the recommendation. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6604
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE AS SOUGHT BY THE PETITION OF BARBARA NEEDS, DC CONCERNING PROPERTY GENERALLY LOCATED AT 2819 6th STREET IN THE CITY OF PERU, ILLINOIS
Alderman Buffo made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Buffo voting aye; Alderman Lukosus and Payton absent; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6605
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING MEETING DATES FOR THE CITY OF PERU FIRE AND POLICE COMMITTEE FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2022
Alderman Buffo made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Buffo voting aye; Alderman Lukosus and Payton absent; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6606
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING MEETING DATES FOR THE CITY OF PERU PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2022
Alderman Sapienza made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Waldorf seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Buffo voting aye; Alderman Lukosus and Payton absent; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6607
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING MEETING DATES FOR THE CITY OF PERU PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2022
Alderman Waldorf made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Ballard seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Buffo voting aye; Alderman Lukosus and Payton absent; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6608
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING MEETING DATES FOR THE CITY OF PERU FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2022
Alderman Sapienza made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Buffo voting aye; Alderman Lukosus and Payton absent; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6609
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING CITY OF PERU REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2022
Alderman Sapienza made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Buffo voting aye; Alderman Lukosus and Payton absent; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6610
AN ORDINANCE ABATING 2021 TAX LEVY AS PROVIDED BY BOND ORDINANCE NO. 6188 ENTITLED: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PERU, LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, PROVIDING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2017” DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED OCTOBER 31, 2016
Alderman Sapienza made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Waldorf seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Buffo voting aye; Alderman Lukosus and Payton absent; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6611
AN ORDINANCE ABATING 2021 TAX LEVY AS PROVIDED BY BOND ORDINANCE NO. 6485 ENTITLED: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PERU, LASALLE AND BUREAU COUNTIES, PROVIDING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2020” DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED JUNE 8TH, 2020
Alderman Sapienza made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Buffo seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Buffo voting aye; Alderman Lukosus and Payton absent; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6612
AN ORDINANCE ABATING 2021 TAX LEVY AS PROVIDED BY BOND ORDINANCE NO. 6532 ENTITLED: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PERU, LASALLE AND BUREAU COUNTIES, PROVIDING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2021” DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED DECEMBER 21ST, 2020.
Alderman Sapienza made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Waldorf seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Buffo voting aye; Alderman Lukosus and Payton absent; motion carried.
Justin Miller, Director of Finance reported that almost $2,000,000 in taxes abated but at not taxed to the residents.
Council tabled ordinance authorizing execution of labor agreement between public works and local 150.
PROCLAMATIONS
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Alderman Waldorf made a motion to hire the selected candidate for the Motion to hire selected candidate for the position of Journeyman Lineman. Alderman Buffo seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Buffo voting aye; Alderman Lukosus and Payton absent; motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Clerk Bartley presented a communication from Illinois Valley Rodders Car Club requesting permission to hold the annual car show on Sunday, August 21, 2022 from 7am-4pm; close 13th Street from West Street to Putnam Street. Alderman Waldorf made a motion the communication be received, placed on file and permission granted. Alderman Edgcomb seconded the motion; motion carried.
MAYOR’S NOTES
Mayor Kolowski thanked all involved and the following with the very successful Christmas parade:
• Police Chief Bob Pyszka
o Department’s work on the float and the overall safety of the event. The security around the parade was absolutely top notch. “Amazing job done by the police department”
• PSM/Fire Chief Jeff King
o Decorations on the fire department’s trucks still are being talked about as he appreciated the effort they put into their work
• Thanked participants and guests
o I want to thank all of the participants that put a lot of effort into their floats,” Kolowski said. “It was amazing. It was a lot of fun. Thanks to the citizens for coming out. The whole route was packed.”
• Thanked Parks and Recreation
• Special thank you to Parks, Recreation and Special Events Director Adam Thorson o “You knocked it out of the park man.” “You did a great job. It was organized and well coordinated. We talked about it (Monday) and we tried to make notes about how we can improve on it. Well, I had a hard time coming up with notes for next year. That’s how good I thought it was.”
• Thank you to Public Works, Electric Department stating the city looks great
Parks, Recreation and Special Events Director Adam Thorson echoed the mayor’s thanks for all of those involved in decorating, creating floats, security, planning and for those that came out to enjoy it. Mr. Thorson mentioned he enjoyed helping to create this event and will now have a whole year to plan for next year’s event. Mr. Thorson thanked Sarah Raymond, Blake Frund, Park Board and PSM/Fire Chief Jeff King and Police Chief Bob Pyszka.
PUBLIC COMMENT
CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Tieman made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Alderman Buffo seconded the motion and motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:28 P.M.
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