City of Peru City Council met Feb. 28.
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 7:04 P.M.
City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Lukosus present; Alderman Buffo absent.
All joined in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
PUBLIC COMMENT
PRESENTATION
Presentation of the the Odell, Arkels, Stopka Citizenship Award-Deputy Chief Sarah Raymond.
On January 25, 2022, at around 6:05pm, Peru Police officers were called to the report a female standing over the ledge of the Illinois Rt. 251 bridge over interstate 80, “ready to jump”. During this time of the evening there are numerous vehicles traveling in that area and the female was able to be visibly seen. In today’s climate, private citizens don’t feel it necessary to get involved in other people’s lives and business. The police department only received 2 calls on this incident, one regarding the vehicle being left on the bridge and the other from 3 young men, who made the effort to call 911 and report this female as in distress and “ready to jump”. The young men not only called but stayed in the area to assure the female was ok and to update dispatch on any new information. Officers arrived to find the female completely over the bridge, hysterical, looking down and contemplating ending her life. She was ultimately brought back over the ledge, extremely grateful for the efforts of all, and later received the help she so desperately needed.
In my nearly 18 years of law enforcement experience, I find it rare for 3 teenage young men, to express such care and concern for a stranger when they could have driven by like so many other people did that night. These 3 young men, Adam Odell, Logan Arkels, and Brandon Stopka, need to know that this type of effort, citizenship, concern, attention, and involvement does not go unnoticed. Members of the Peru
Police Department are extremely grateful to know that there are people out there like them, that have such a deep concern for humanity. Not only should the 3 of you be proud, but your parents should be honored to have raised sons in such a way that produced these exemplary members of society.
The Peru Police Department is pleased to announce the inception of the Odell, Arkels, Stopka Citizenship Award, created following your exemplary display of citizenship on January 25, 2022. These young men undoubtedly saved the life of a fellow citizen in Peru on that date and displayed effort, citizenship, attention, involvement, and deep concern for humanity, particularly the life of another. They are the first official recipients of the award, and their names will forever be engraved on this plaque which will be displayed in the Peru Police Department lobby for everyone to see as they enter the building.
It is with great hope that we one day can fill the plaque with the names of other citizens that have displayed such an example for all to follow. I look forward to being able to hand the award to other recipients and I’m honored to be able to create such an award to recognize citizens that display such selfless acts and are vigilant in the care of others.
Officer Matt Peters, currently assigned to the night patrol K9 division, brought this incident and these young men’s efforts to my attention and is here to present to each one their award. Adam Odell, Logan Arkels, Brandon Stopka, congratulations and thank you.
MINUTES/FINANCIAL REPORTS/ACTIVITY REPORTS
Mayor Kolowski presented the Regular Minutes of February 14, 2022, Treasurer’s Report for January 2022; Peru Volunteer Ambulance Service Activity Summary for January 2022. Alderman Waldorf made a motion the minutes and reports be received and placed on file. Alderman Payton seconded the motion; motion carried.
FINANCE AND SAFETY COMMITTEE
Alderman Sapienza presented the following disbursements for payment on March 2, 2022:
FUND NAME TOTAL EXPENSES
General Fund $733,279.39
Insurance Fund 655.15
Garbage Fund 70,714.14
Utility Fund 883,645.92
Airport Fund 3,008.64
Total $1,691,303.24
Alderman Sapienza 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, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Lukosus voting aye; Alderman Buffo absent; motion carried.
Alderman Tieman made a motion to authorize renewal of Illinois Valley Regional Airport liability insurance with AIG through Dimond Brothers Insurance for an annual premium of $13,291.00. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Lukosus voting aye; Alderman Buffo absent; motion carried.
PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE
Alderman Sapienza made a motion to award the base + alternate bid for 24 Street/Wenzel Road Improvement project to the lowest responsible bidder Advanced Asphalt Co. in the amount of $1,020,545.25. Alderman Waldorf seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Lukosus voting aye; Alderman Buffo absent; motion carried.
Alderman Edgcomb made a motion to authorize the initial expenditure of funds for the 24th Street/Wenzel Road Improvements as set forth in the project IGA between the Cities of Peru and LaSalle. Alderman Waldorf seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Lukosus voting aye; Alderman Buffo absent; motion carried.
Mayor Kolowski wanted to clarify that Faith Community Church, 800 Wenzel Road, will be open to traffic. Eric Carls, Director of Engineering and Zoning stated the rest of the roadway east of Marquette Road to the Peru city limit will be closed for the duration of the project. Mr. Carls stated construction will begin soon with a date yet to be determined and wrap up by mid-summer. Mr. Carls noted businesses west of Marquette Road will not be affected, such as Progress Boulevard. Mr. Carls also noted the low bid of $1,020,545.25 was a favorable bid and under contractors estimate.
Alderman Lukosus made a motion to purchase swing set from Cunningham Recreation in the amount of $21,529.83 (Washington Park). Alderman Waldorf seconded the motion. Adam Thorson, Director of Parks, Recreation and Special Events reported the existing set is out of code and date. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Lukosus voting aye; Alderman Buffo absent; motion carried.
POLICE AND FIRE COMMITTEE
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY/ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented the minutes of Planning/Zoning Commission hearing held on February 23, 2022 concerning the petition of Carlos Teran for property located at 2700-2702 May Road, Peru, IL. Alderman Payton made a motion the minutes be received, placed on file and concur with the recommendation. Alderman Waldorf seconded the motion; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6626
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A WAIVER AND SPECIAL USE AS SOUGHT BY THE PETITION OF CARLOS TERAN CONCERNING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2700- 2702 MAY ROAD IN THE CITY OF PERU, ILLINOIS
Alderman Ballard made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Lukosus voting aye; Alderman Buffo absent; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented the minutes of Planning/Zoning Commission hearing held on February 23, 2022 concerning the petition of Jeffrey and Julie Sloan for property located at 4 Pointe Boulevard, Peru, IL. Alderman Lukosus made a motion the minutes be received, placed on file and concur with the recommendation. Alderman Ballard seconded the motion; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6627
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A VARIANCE AS SOUGHT BY THE PETITION OF JEFFREY AND JULIE SLOAN CONCERNING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4 POINTE BOULEVARD IN THE CITY OF PERU, ILLINOIS
Alderman Lukosus 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, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Lukosus voting aye; Alderman Buffo absent; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6628
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND ADOPTING CITY OF PERU NET METERING AND INTERCONNECTION POLICIES
Alderman Lukosus made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Waldorf seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley noted this is due to the passage of recent energy legislation that has opened up capacity to any resident or business. The City already has a net metering policy but this will expand it and new participants will be calculated based on a net billing formula. Existing net metering customers will be grandfathered into the old program. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Lukosus voting aye; Alderman Buffo absent; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6629
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A LAND LEASE AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF PERU, LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS AND NORJIM, INC.
Alderman Lukosus 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, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Lukosus voting aye; Alderman Buffo absent; motion carried.
PROCLAMATIONS
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Clerk Bartley reported the practice of shutting off power for delinquent residents in Peru for 30 minutes at a time has been successful at getting residents attention. Clerk Bartley reported 22 residents this week with past due balances had their service disrupted for 30 minutes, with power being turned on and off in 30 minutes increments. Clerk Bartley stated all but four brought their accounts current. Clerk Bartley stated the power disruption option has been very effective.
NEW BUSINESS
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
MAYOR’S NOTES
Mayor Ken Kolowski commended the public works department for its snow removal this winter, noting the crew had five new members.
PSM/Fire Chief Jeff King reported the city has used 1,700 of its 2,500 tons of salt this winter to clear roadways of snow and ice. PSM/Fire Chief King stated he ordered 2,500 tons for next winter and anticipates having a full storage of salt for 2023.
Police Chief Bob Pyszka reported parked vehicles in snowfalls of 3 inches or more have not been a serious issue this winter. Chief Pyszka said police have issued some tickets, but PSM/Fire Chief King said the city has not towed anyone. PSM/Fire Chief King said the city has had success with convincing vehicle owners to move their vehicles to avoid citations or towing.
Finance Director Justin Miller reported the final budget will be approved on April 25th in order to finish bid figures.
Police Chief Bob Pyszka reported the IL Valley YMCA has a regional swim meet this weekend with over 1200 people expected. Chief Pyszka asked for residents to be aware of the parked cars and traffic.
Adam Thorson, Director of Parks, Recreation and Special Events reported the ice rink is closed for the season. Mr. Thorson stated the rink was open for 34 total days.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Clerk Bartley reported on six comments on the city’s Facebook page complimenting the three young men that were recognized (Odell, Arkels, Stopka Citizenship Award).
Clerk Bartley note a (Facebook) commenter asking the city to tow a car not in compliance with snowfall ordinance.
Clerk Bartley noted a (Facebook) commenter asking about a light at the boat launch.
LaSalle County Board Member Mike Kasap introduced himself and noted that based on legislative boundaries being redrawn, he will represent part of Peru.
CLOSED SESSION
Alderman Tieman made a motion to go into closed session to discuss meetings where the 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; meetings held to discuss litigation when an action against, affecting, or on behalf of the particular body has been filed and is pending in a court, or when the public body finds that such an action is probable or imminent; meetings for the discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the act either for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes required by the act. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Lukosus voting aye; Alderman Buffo absent; motion carried.
Closed session began at 7:44 p.m.; ended at 8:29 p.m.
Alderman Payton made a motion to reopen the meeting. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza and Lukosus present; Alderman Buffo absent; Mayor Kolowski present.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Tieman made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion and motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:32p.m.
https://www.peru.il.us/city-government/forms-and-documents/minutes/regular-council-meeting/2022-cm/february-2022-cm/5611-regular-meeting-minutes-02-28-22/file
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