City of Peru City Council met Sept. 12.
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, Sapienza, Lukosus and Buffo present; Mayor Kolowski present.
All joined in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Mayor Kolowski asked the Council remain standing for a moment of silence to honor the sacrifices of September 11th.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Martin Rue addressed council asking why there is a new policy for food trucks and asked if it was based on a complaint.
Mr. Rue addressed the council as to why they would hire an employee when the appointed position already exists. Mr. Rue inquired about the following:
• Suggested cronyism
• Why no application process
• Why no salary evaluation
• Stated city money is not Alderman’s personal piggybank
• Questioned spending practice
• Asked to table motions
PRESENTATION
Eric Carls, Director of Engineering and Zoning and Mr. Jim Clinard of Chamlin and Associates presented a proposed ITEP grant project that will create a new shared-use path connecting Baker Lake with Veteran's Park and will also include a shared-use bridge over US Rt. 251. Mr. Carls reported the grant would be funded at 80% by the state and 20% by the city with a $3 million max. Mr. Carls reported the submittal deadline is September 30th.
MINUTES/FINANCIAL REPORTS/ACTIVITY REPORTS
Mayor Kolowski presented the Regular Minutes of August 29, 2022; Special Meeting Minutes of September 1, 2022 and Peru Police Department Monthly Report for August 2022. Alderman Waldorf made a motion the minutes and report be received and placed on file. Alderman Payton seconded the motion; motion carried.
Alderman Payton made a motion to approve the Closed Session Minutes of 02/28/22, 03/14/22, 03/28/22, 04/11/22, 05/9/22, 06/6/22, 06/13/22 and 07/5/22. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion; motion carried.
FINANCE AND SAFETY COMMITTEE
Alderman Buffo presented the following disbursements for payment on September 14, 2022:
FUND NAME TOTAL EXPENSES
General Fund $440,829.37
Garbage Fund 73,226.25
Utility Fund 384,563.74
Landfill Fund 28,132.60
Airport Fund 893.41
Total $927,645.37
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. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza, Lukosus and Buffo voting aye; motion carried.
Alderman Tieman made a motion to approve reinvestment of $250,000 into a Santander Bank CD for 1 year at 3.4%. Alderman Payton seconded the motion. Finance Director Justin Miller reported on the competitive rates from national market are very positive. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza, Lukosus and Buffo voting aye; motion carried.
Alderman Tieman made a motion to approve reinvestment of $250,000 into a Morgan Stanley Bank CD for 4 years at 3.6%. Alderman Buffo seconded the motion. Finance Director Justin Miller reported on the competitive rates from national market are very positive. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza, Lukosus and Buffo voting aye; motion carried.
Alderman Payton made a motion to approve $500 sponsorship to The Perfectly Flawed Foundation Golf Outing. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza, Lukosus and Buffo voting aye; motion carried.
PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE
Alderman Lukosus made a motion to approve a quote from T&R Electric for nine pad mount 167 single phase transformers in the amount of $82,494.00 (3 Dimond Development). Alderman Waldorf seconded the motion. Eric Carls, Director of Engineering and Zoning reported on the 50-week lead time. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza, Lukosus and Buffo voting aye; motion carried.
Alderman Lukosus made a motion to approve a quote from Anixter for a recloser in the amount of $33,335.00 (GAF). Alderman Ballard seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza, Lukosus and Buffo voting aye; motion carried.
Alderman Lukosus made a motion to approve a quote from Anixter for a primary meter cabinet in the amount of $26,502.48 (GAF). Alderman Edgcomb seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza, Lukosus and Buffo voting aye; motion carried.
Alderman Lukosus made a motion to approve a quote from Anixter for 15 kV 750 MCM Copper Okonite wire in the amount of $138,489.00 (GAF/MVP TIF District). Alderman Waldorf seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza, Lukosus and Buffo voting aye; motion carried.
Eric Carls, Director of Engineering and Zoning reported the GAF expenses are TIF eligible.
Alderman Lukosus made a motion to approve $21,271 from Utility Equipment Company for water main materials through Veteran’s Park. Alderman Edgcomb seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza, Lukosus and Buffo voting aye; motion carried.
Alderman Edgcomb made a motion to award the NE Watermain materials contract to the lowest responsible bidder, Core and Main LP in the amount of $144,130.00. Eric Carls reported we (the City) was changing things up a bit in order to hopefully save money by separating the materials and labor bids. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza, Lukosus and Buffo voting aye; motion carried.
POLICE AND FIRE COMMITTEE
Police Chief Bob Pyszka reported he received 10 applicants to test for patrolman. PSM/Fire Chief Jeff King reported 2 tests were administered for position of firefighter. REPORT OF CITY ATTOREY/ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Special Counsel Herb Klein presented the minutes of Planning/Zoning hearing held on August 31, 2022 regarding the petition of Crystal Loughran, executor of the estate of Carol J. Piwonski concerning 1202 Chambers and 830 in the City of Peru, IL. Alderman Ballard made a motion the minutes be received, placed on file and concur with the recommendation. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion; motion carried.
Special Counsel Herb Klein presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6683
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING DIVISION OF REAL ESTATE AND WAIVER OF REQUIREMENTS OF SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE AND VARIANCES AS SOUGHT BY THE PETITION OF CRYSTAL LOUGHRAN, EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF CAROL J. PIWONSKI
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, Sapienza, Lukosus and Buffo voting aye; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 26 – BUSINESSES OF THE CITY OF PERU CODE OF ORDINANCES TO CREATE A NEW ARTICLE IX. – MOBILE FOOD VENDORS AND MOBILE FOOD VEHICLES
Alderman Edgcomb made a motion to table the ordinance to have more time to review it and explore options. Alderman Edgcomb stated he wants to explore local parks being an opportunity for trucks to do business at and wants to go through the ordinance and have an in-depth discussion before taking action. Alderman Payton agreed citing action Princeton took to make parks a place food trucks can do business.
Alderman Buffo seconded the motion; motion carried. Alderman Buffo stated he wanted to further review the proposed ordinance and make sure we’re making a prudent decision with the food trucks, especially because they’re becoming more popular.
Corporate Counsel presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2 – ADMINISTRATION, ARTICLE III. - OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES, DIVISION 3. – LEGAL COUNSEL, OF THE CITY OF PERU CODE OF ORDINANCES
Alderman Payton 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, Sapienza, Lukosus and Buffo voting aye.
Corporate Counsel presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE EXECUTION OF AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH SCOTT J. SCHWEICKERT, ESQ.
Alderman Lukosus made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion.
Alderman Payton stated he is in favor of having in-house corporate counsel full time (Scott Schweickert) for the following reasons:
• Progressive move for the State and City
• Save money long term with set price
• Amount of work done in-house would be tremendous
• Opportunity to hire young professional talent
• Solid decision
Alderman Buffo stated he doesn’t disagree with statements saying Scott has done good work for the city. Instead, he stated he disagrees with the agreement as it originally stands because there were no negotiations and he viewed it as a first draft. Alderman Buffo stated he wishes to seek applicants. Stated he would be voting no.
Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza, Lukosus voting aye; Alderman Buffo voting nay.
Mayor Kolowski stated that there is an 7-1 vote and in accordance with State statute and City of Peru code of ordinances he intends to veto the ordinance and will provide his written objections at the next regular council meeting.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-09
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN ILLINOIS CASH FARM LEASE BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF PERU, ILLINOIS, AND JOHN LAMPS (HALM FARM – 70.6 ACRES).
Alderman Lukosus made a motion the resolution be adopted as written and read. Alderman Edgcomb seconded the motion. Corporate Counsel noted the per acre rate was increased to be in line with other farm leases in LaSalle County. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza, Lukosus and Buffo voting aye; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 6657 ENTITLED: AN ORDINANCE FIXING WAGES FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF PERU, ILLINOIS COMMENCING MAY 1, 2022 AND ENDING APRIL 30, 2023
Alderman Payton 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, Sapienza, Lukosus and Buffo voting aye; motion carried.
Mayor Kolowski asked Clerk Bartley to review the veto procedure. Clerk Bartley stated based on State statute and the City of Peru code of ordinances the process is those ordinances which the mayor vetoes shall be returned to the City Council, with the Mayor's written objections, at the next regular meeting of the City Council occurring not less than 5 days after their passage. For the City Council to pass over veto, every ordinance that is returned to the City Council by the Mayor shall be reconsidered by the City Council at the next regular meeting following the regular meeting at which the City Council receives the Mayor's written objection. If, after reconsideration, two-thirds of all the alderpersons then holding office on the city council agree at that regular meeting to pass the ordinances, notwithstanding the Mayor's refusal to approve it, then it shall be effective.
PROCLAMATIONS
Clerk Bartley presented a proclamation proclaiming September 17-23, 2022 as Constitution Week.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Payton made a motion to hire selected candidate for Finance Officer. Alderman Buffo seconded the motion. HR Director, Kim Reese, noted the hire is to replace Justin Miller. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Waldorf, Sapienza, Lukosus and Buffo voting aye; motion carried.
PSM/Fire Chief Jeff Kong reported on contacting Shearer Tree Service for Oakwell disease in Centennial Park affecting 22 of 44 oak trees. King asked for motion (on next regular agenda) to approve quote from Shearer Tree Service in the amount of $19,480.00 to treat 21 trees and remove one.
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Clerk Bartley presented a petition from Anthony Cielenski seeking variances for property located at 2016 12th Street, Peru, IL. Alderman Lukosus made a motion the petition be received, placed on file and referred to Planning/Zoning Commission for review and recommendation. Alderman Buffo seconded the motion; motion carried.
Clerk Bartley presented a communication from LaSalle-Peru High School requesting permission to hold the annual homecoming parade on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. beginning at Rotary Park; no parking signs be posted around the park. Alderman Tieman made a motion the communication be received, placed on file and permission granted. Alderman Buffo seconded the motion; motion carried.
MAYOR’S NOTES
Human Resource’s Director Kim Reese reported on the great turnout for golf outing to benefit The United Way. Human Resource’s Director Kim Reese thanked the sponsors and the volunteers. Mayor Kolowski thanked Human Resource’s Director Kim Reese for her efforts.
PSM/Fire Chief Jeff King reported on the retirement of Firefighter Rick Abbott after 42 years.
Recreation Director, Adam Thorson, reported on the Halloween in the Park event on October 29th from 1pm to 3pm at Washington Park.
Thorson also reported Trick-or-Treat will be October 31st.
Alderman Edgcomb thanked the council for the donation to The Perfectly Flawed golf outing.
CLOSED SESSION
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ms. Julie Ajster commented on the Alderman Payton assertion to hire young men.
Ms. Evelyn Wenzel asked about the procedure for applying for a grant on private property. Eric Carls, Director of Engineering and Zoning reported this is the first public meeting and stated his office was contacting adjacent homeowners.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Buffo made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion and motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
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