City of Peru City Council met May 23.
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, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf and Lukosus present; Aldermen Sapienza and Buffo absent; Mayor Kolowski present.
All joined in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
PUBLIC COMMENT
PRESENTATION
Police Chief Bob Pyszka initiated the swearing in of K-9 Officer Matt Peters to the rank of Sergeant, a move that takes effect May 29. Chief Pyszka stated he will succeed Sergeant. Rick Piscia, who is retiring June 9 after working at the Peru Police Department for more than 20 years. Chief Pyszka stated Sergeant Peters was selected after taking and scoring the highest on the sergeant’s test. Chief Pyszka stated Peters started his law enforcement career in 2005 with the Mendota Police Department and was hired by the Peru Police Department in 2008. Chief Pyszka reported that since being hired in Peru, he has worked in the patrol, detective and K-9 divisions. He is a member of the Peru Emergency Response Team. He’s a child safety seat technician, a lead homicide investigator and also a certified pistol and rifle instructor. Chief Pyszka stated he’s received numerous letters of appreciation and commendation throughout his career. Chief Pyszka stated he believes Sergeant Peters will make a great addition to the management team and looks forward to him taking his next step in his career here at the Peru Police Department.
Alderman Lukosus thanked all who supported and volunteered at the TBM Avengers and Salute to Veterans event. Alderman Lukosus specifically thanked PSM/Fire Chief Jeff King, Police Chief Bob Pyszka, Aldermen, CSO Member Chris Perra and all volunteers. Alderman Lukosus stated the volunteers really work their tails off. Alderman Lukosus stated it’s really a community event; you can feel the sense of community out there. Alderman Payton said the annual TBM Avenger Reunion has become Peru’s signature event. Alderman Payton stated the TBMs when they do their run up at night where they fire it up and the flames come out, those pictures have been on national magazines, and also thanked Police Chief Pyszka and PSM/Fire Chief King. Alderman Payton stated this is the only event across the country where it is free, and that’s because of all of the support that the city gives, all of our community. Mayor Kolowski stated Friday night was an amazing show. Alderman Lukosus stated he will have more concrete information about the TBM event after organizers have a debriefing meeting.
MINUTES/FINANCIAL REPORTS/ACTIVITY REPORTS
Mayor Kolowski presented the Regular Minutes of May 9, 2022 and Special Meeting Minutes of May 16, 2022. Alderman Waldorf made a motion the minutes be received and placed on file. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion; motion carried.
FINANCE AND SAFETY COMMITTEE
Alderman Payton presented the following disbursements for payment on May 25, 2022:
FUND NAME TOTAL EXPENSES
General Fund $706,711.39
Industrial TIF 11,565.84
Commercial TIF 6,409.95
Downtown TIF 6,744.39
Mall TIF 3,185.10
Utility Fund 2,681,977.16
Landfill Fund 6,419.00
Airport Fund 22,332.97
Total $3,445,345.80
Alderman Payton made a motion the disbursements be received, placed on file and the bills be paid in the usual manner. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf and Lukosus voting aye; Aldermen Sapienza and Buffo absent; motion carried.
Alderman Payton made a motion to approve $250,000 investment into Morgan Stanley B, CD at 3.10% for 3 years. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf and Lukosus voting aye; Aldermen Sapienza and Buffo absent; motion carried.
Alderman Tieman made a motion to approve $200 donation to the Boy Scouts of America LaSalle Peru Founders Patrol Breakfast (June 22nd). Alderman Payton seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf and Lukosus voting aye; Aldermen Sapienza and Buffo absent; motion carried.
PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE
Alderman Lukosus made a motion to approve the Ladzinski Cement Finishing Company final invoice for curb and sidewalk work along 11th Street from West Street to Grant Street in the amount of $15,974.00. Alderman Edgcomb seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf and Lukosus voting aye; Aldermen Sapienza and Buffo absent; motion carried.
Alderman Edgcomb made a motion to approve John Pohar & Sons final invoice for Wenzel Road water main improvements in the amount of $133,759.00. Alderman Waldorf seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf and Lukosus voting aye; Aldermen Sapienza and Buffo absent; motion carried.
Clerk Bartley presented a proposed resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-07
RESOLUTION FOR IDOT PERMIT FOR AREA 5 PHASE 1 SEWER SEPARATION
Alderman Ballard made a motion the resolution be adopted as written and read. Alderman Waldorf seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf and Lukosus voting aye; Aldermen Sapienza and Buffo absent; motion carried.
POLICE AND FIRE COMMITTEE
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY/ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Clerk Bartley presented the minutes of public hearing concerning property generally located north of Interstate 80 and west of Plank Road in the City of Peru, Illinois. Alderman Lukosus made a motion the minutes be received, placed on file and concur with the recommendation. Alderman Payton seconded the motion; motion carried.
Clerk Bartley presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6658
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT OF MASTER-VIEW PARK SUBDIVISION AND GRANTING WAIVERS AS SOUGHT BY THE PETITION OF THE CITY OF PERU, ILLINOIS
Alderman Lukosus made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Waldorf seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf and Lukosus voting aye; Aldermen Sapienza and Buffo absent; motion carried.
Clerk Bartley presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6659
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 110-93(a) OF THE CITY OF PERU CODE OF ORDINANCES CONCERNING STOP SIGNS
Alderman Tieman made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Ballard seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf and Lukosus voting aye; Aldermen Sapienza and Buffo absent; motion carried.
Clerk Bartley presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6660
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 102 – TAXATION, ARTICLE II, HOTEL OR MOTEL ROOM RENTAL TAX, OF THE CITY OF PERU CODE OF ORDINANCES
Alderman Tieman made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Ballard seconded the motion. Alderman Payton expressed his current decision to vote no under the present and economic conditions (inflation and higher gas prices), the optics of increasing the hotel tax would not be right. Alderman Payton stated believed the tax would be increased sometime down the road. Alderman Waldorf stated he will vote no because he believed people would view it cynically as another tax increase at a time when the city doesn’t need the revenue. Alderman Edgcomb stated he will vote no. Alderman Ballard noted the 2% increase is insignificant and a moot point. Alderman Lukosus stated understands but noted the TBM Avenger Reunion was a beneficiary of the hotel tax, and it’s that revenue source that allows the city to contribute to these types of events. Mayor Kolowski stated he is in favor but maybe the time isn’t the best. Mayor Kolowski stated he will vote yes and believes while the timing could be better but the positives outweigh the negatives. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, and Lukosus voting aye; Aldermen Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf voting nay; Mayor Kolowski voting aye; Aldermen Sapienza and Buffo absent; motion carried.
Clerk Bartley presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6661
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 50 – HEALTH AND SANITATION, ARTICLE II. NOISE, SECTION 50-32, EXEMPTIONS, OF THE CITY OF PERU CODE OF ORDINANCES
Alderman Tieman made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Ballard seconded the motion. Mayor Kolowski said the business (Riverfront Bar and Grill) admitted there is no monetary gain in having louder music, but it stands to make more money with prolonged live music. Mayor Kolowski said Riverfront would likely request four nights of an hour longer music, along with a live July 3 show. He said residents that live near the bar didn’t mind the proposal. Mayor Kolowski stated no special requests have been reviewed by the council yet. Alderman Tieman reminded his colleagues on the council the ordinance would apply for every business in the city, not just Riverfront, including ones within neighborhoods. Alderman Tieman stated the city will need to keep tabs on which permits it allows and follow through with the compliance to make sure it is implementing requests fairly. Police Chief Bob Pyszka said his department will have zero tolerance for any businesses granted special requests that go beyond their deadline for live music, or allowance for decibel level. Chief Pyszka stated businesses that violate the city’s ordinance normally receive a warning, but ones that receive special requests and violate those allowances from the council will be ticketed. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf and Lukosus voting aye; Aldermen Sapienza and Buffo absent; motion carried.
PROCLAMATIONS
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Clerk Bartley presented a petition from David M. Neill requesting annexation and zoning for property located at 35102 1500 North Avenue in unincorporated Bureau County, Illinois. Alderman Lukosus made a motion the petition be received, placed on file and referred to the Planning/Zoning Commission for review and recommendation. Alderman Waldorf seconded the motion; motion carried.
Clerk Bartley presented a communication from Crossbridge Community Church requesting permission to hold an event at Centennial Park on July 17th from 5pm-7pm; to include food trucks. Alderman Payton made a motion the communication be received, placed on file and permission granted. Alderman Ballard seconded the motion; motion carried.
Clerk Bartley presented a petition from Joe Jackson expressing interest in the vacant building east of 1517 Water Street, Peru, IL. Alderman Lukosus made a motion the petition be received, placed on file and referred to the Engineering and Zoning Department. Alderman Waldorf seconded the motion; motion carried.
MAYOR’S NOTES
Mayor Kolowski congratulated all the area graduates.
Mayor Kolowski reported the Splash Pad will open May 28th.
Mayor Kolowski stated banner and bunting for boy and girls little league will be up in the parks for Little League Week (June 6 -11)
Mayor Kolowski reported Peru Boy Scout Troop 123 picked up trash along Pike Street.
Mayor Kolowski reported June 2nd is opening day for the IV Pistol Shrimp.
Mayor Kolowski thanked all the volunteers of the TBM Avengers and Salute to Veterans program.
CLOSED SESSION
PUBLIC COMMENT
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Tieman made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion and motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
https://www.peru.il.us/city-government/minutes/regular-council-meeting/2022-cm/may-2022-cm/5715-regular-meeting-minutes-05-23-22/file
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