City of Peru City Council met May 8.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
A budget hearing was held on Monday, May 8, 2023 at 6:45 p.m. in the City of Peru Council Chambers. Clerk Bartley called the hearing to order.
In attendance were Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno.
OPERATING BUDGET PRESENTATION-Presented by Finance Officer Tracy Mitchell. Hearing adjourned at 7:08 p.m.
A regular meeting of the Peru City Council was called to order by Mayor Ken Kolowski in the Peru City Council Chambers on Monday, May 8, 2023, at 7:10 p.m.
City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno present; Mayor Kolowski present.
All joined in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
PUBLIC COMMENT
PRESENTATION
Scott Schweickert presented on behalf of the Schweickert Charitable Trust a donation to Lighted Way towards a new Learning Center and to the City of Peru towards new Accessible Playground at Baker Lake.
A pledge of $1,000,000 has been made by the Doug & Rorie Schweickert Charitable Trust to Lighted Way Association, Inc. and the City of Peru.
For nearly 60 years, Lighted Way has operated its Children’s Developmental Center from its present location at 941 6th Street in LaSalle. During that time, Lighted Way established itself as a beloved local institution providing students with multiple disabilities, developmental delays, traumatic brain injuries, autism, intellectual disabilities, and other health impairments with individualized education programs by certified school staff.
Lighted Way’s logo prominently features a phoenix, the mythological bird known for its unique ability to combust, only to be reborn and rise from the ashes with renewed youth. Lighted Way’s Executive Director, Jessica Kreiser, says this symbolizes the organization’s mission “to value each child as an individual, capable of personal growth and development in reaching his or her highest potential cognitively, emotionally, physical, and socially.”
For Lighted Way, home to 47 students ages 3 to 22 whose needs are unable to be met by their home school districts, COVID-19 was a particularly challenging time. This was especially true given the proximity of students, medical equipment, and staff all crammed in the same 10,000 sq. ft. building, a two-story home constructed in the early 1900s with five additions since 1963. In early 2022, Lighted
Way’s Board of Directors began reviewing options to obtain additional space, either by expanding the current facility or moving to a new location.
Doug and Rorie’s son, Scott Schweickert, who serves as a Director on Lighted Way’s Board and Peru’s City Attorney, recommended Lighted Way purchase the former Heritage Manor nursing home facility at 1445 Chartres Street in LaSalle. The nursing home had been vacant for many years but offered over 33,000 sq. ft. of ADA accessible space, ample parking, and a terrific location next to Peru’s Baker Lake Park. Lighted Way proceeded to purchase the nursing home property in March of 2022. Shortly thereafter, the building was stripped down to the studs and, much like the phoenix, plans were formulated to design and reconstruct an entirely new education facility.
“To be involved with the new Lighted Way facility is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” Scott Schweickert said. “We have an incredible Board of Directors - Fran Brolley, Adriane Shore, Chris Vaske, Ellen Credi, Brandi Anderson-Maier, Leah Inman Erickson – all of whom have been 100% committed and have devoted their knowledge, experience, and time to making this project a reality.”
Schweickert emphasized this is truly a community project: “I am extremely grateful for our general contractor on the project, Tieman Builders, Inc., who has been amazing. Our architect, Anglea Kalsto of BCA Architects, and subcontractors JB Contracting Corporation, John’s Service and Sales, Inc., Chapman’s Mechanical Systems, Inc., Ficek Electric & Communications Systems, Inc., and other local companies have offered support to Lighted Way’s project, been generous with their pricing, and have done a wonderful job.”
Schweickert also acknowledged the outpouring of support from the community, “I also want to recognize the City of Peru, City of LaSalle, LaSalle County, Oglesby Elks, and the Knights of Columbus for their unwavering support of Lighted Way and this project. Thank you to Uptown Grill for making this year’s Spaghetti Fundraiser Lighted Way’s most successful to date. Last but not least, I would like to thank the countless individuals and businesses that donated to this year’s Light the Lighted Way and new building fundraising campaigns.”
If all goes to plan, Lighted Way’s new home on Chartres Street will be completed this summer in time for the 2023-24 school year.
The generous gift made by Doug and Rorie Schweickert’s Charitable Trust will become the lead private donation towards Lighted Way’s new learning center, which will serve the Illinois Valley Area for decades to come.
The City of Peru’s portion of Doug and Rorie’s gift will be used to construct a brand-new playground at Baker Lake located immediately north and adjacent to Lighted Way’s new location. The playground, being called a “Magical Park,” will be handicap accessible and feature a multitude of inclusive equipment that will provide sensory-rich experiences for children with disabilities.
“The City of Peru’s Splash Pad has become an extremely popular area-wide attraction, especially for families with disabled children. Lighted Way’s students already come from a 45+ mile radius. The intent of the Magical Park is to cement the LaSalle-Peru area, Lighted Way, Baker Lake, and the playground as a safe, inclusive, and regional destination for the care, education, development, and fun for disabled children,” Scott Schweickert said.
On Monday night, the Peru City Council approved a Cross Access Easement and Shared Parking Agreement as part of the Magical Park Playground. The agreement with Lighted Way provides the City with the right to construct additional parking facilities to serve the playground and park. Initial plans propose to add an additional 64 parking spaces, some of which will be constructed upon the north end of Lighted Way’s property and be integrated into the existing parking facilities. The public will have the right to access Lighted Way’s property and park in the new parking lot.
“I have had five brain surgeries, 357 shots of chemotherapy, and a host of other ailments but I have faced nothing compared to what these kids face on a daily basis. Rorie and I are pleased to hopefully bring some slivers of hope and joy with these new facilities,” said Doug Schweickert.
Peru’s Mayor, Ken Kolowski, said “This is an amazing addition to the City of Peru and the entire Illinois Valley region. The positive impact on our community is unmeasurable. I can only imagine the joy and happiness the children and families will have for generations. Thank you to the Schweickert Charitable Trust and the entire Schweickert family.”
“Receiving such a generous gift from the Schweickert family has allowed our organization to move forward with many exciting upgrades for our students,” said Jessica Kreiser. “We are blessed to have such loving people supporting the mission of Lighted Way. To honor and show our respect for Mr. and Mrs. Schweickert, Lighted Way’s new facility will bear the name Schweickert Learning Center,” Kreiser added.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert then gave a brief tribute of his father and mother, Doug and Rory. Scott noted their up ringing, background and education and noted of significance the fact that both were of very poor beginnings.
MINUTES/FINANCIAL REPORTS/ACTIVITY REPORTS
Mayor Kolowski presented the Regular Minutes of April 24, 2023 1st Meeting; Regular Minutes of April 24, 2023 2nd Meeting; Special Meeting Minutes of April 27, 2023; Closed Session Minutes Of June 13, 2022 (Special Meeting), August 18, 2022, August 29, 2022, September 26, 2022, November 7, 2022, November 15, 2022 (Special Meeting) December 5, 2022, January 3, 2023, February 13, 2023, February 27, 2023, March 13, 2023, April 6, 2023, April 10, 2023; Treasurer’s Report For March 2023; Building Permit Report-1st Quarter 2023 and Peru Volunteer Ambulance Service Inc. Activity Summary For March 2023. Alderman Payton made a motion the minutes and reports be received and placed on file.
Alderman Edgcomb seconded the motion; motion carried.
FINANCE AND SAFETY COMMITTEE
Alderman Sapienza presented the following disbursements for payment on May 10, 2023:
FUND NAME TOTAL EXPENSES
General Fund $669,453.78
Insurance Fund 144,724.39
Garbage Fund 75,773.25
Utility Fund 596,476.71
Airport Fund 9,150.87
Total $1,495,579.00
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. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; motion carried.
Alderman Payton made a motion to approve reinvestment of the Utility Fund-Midland bank account related closing on May 1st in the amount of $811,312 and to invest the following CD’s:
• ANCO Credit Union $250,000 @ 4.25% for 1 year maturing 5/1/2024
• Central Bank $280,000 for 9 months @ 4% maturing 2/2/2024
• Central Bank $280,000 for 13 months @ 4% maturing 6/2/2024
Alderman Tieman seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; motion carried.
Alderman Sapienza made a motion to approve $10,000 contribution to The Illinois SBDC at the Starved Rock Country Alliance. Alderman O’Sadnick seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; motion carried.
Alderman Sapienza made a motion to approve $2,500 contribution to the National Walleye Tournament in Spring Valley (IVAC). Alderman O’Sadnick seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; motion carried.
PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE
Alderman Lukosus made a motion to approve a proposal from Advanced Asphalt in the amount of $31,134.00 for the construction of the T-hangar pavement expansion. Alderman Ballard seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; motion carried.
Alderman Ballard made a motion to approve a proposal in the amount of $29,000.00, from Universal Asphalt & Excavating, Inc., for water main patching work along Water Street. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; motion carried.
Alderman Ballard made a motion to approve quote from Shearer Tree Service for hydro line trimming in the amount of $77,800.” This replaces the previously approved quote we had for Timberline Clearing in the amount of $78,500. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; motion carried.
Alderman Edgcomb made a motion to approve proposal from Ladzinski Cement Finishing Co., in an amount not to exceed $7,900 for concrete/sidewalk work at Wiggly Field (Veteran’s Park). Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; motion carried.
Alderman Edgcomb made a motion to approve proposal from Illinois Valley Fence and Pool, Inc., in the amount of $8,000 for fencing expansion at Wiggly Field (Veteran’s Park). Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; motion carried.
Adam Thorson, Director of Parks, Recreation and Special Events reported he is working on additional updates.
POLICE AND FIRE COMMITTEE
REPORT OF CITY ATTOREY/ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6754
AN ORDINANCE APPOINTING TRACY MITCHELL AS BUDGET OFFICER FOR THE CITY OF PERU
Alderman Payton made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6755
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE CITY OF PERU’S ANNUAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 (MAY 1, 2023, TO APRIL 30, 2024)
Alderman Payton made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6756
AN ORDINANCE ELIMINATING THE CITY OF PERU FIRE AND POLICE COMMITTEE, CREATING THE CITY OF PERU PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE, AND ESTABLISHING MEETING DATES FOR THE REMAINDER OF CALENDAR YEAR 2023
Alderman Edgcomb made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6757
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING MEETING DATES AND TIMES FOR THE CITY OF PERU PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE FOR THE REMAINDER OF CALENDAR YEAR 2023 AND CONFIRMING THE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS THEREOF
Alderman Lukosus made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6758
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING MEETING DATES AND TIMES FOR THE CITY OF PERU FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR THE REMAINDER OF CALENDAR YEAR 2023 AND CONFIRMING THE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS THEREOF.
Alderman Payton 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, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented the minutes of May 3, 2023, Planning/Zoning Commission Hearing on petition of Timothy Bott concerning property generally located at 2724 Fourth Street, Peru. Alderman Lukosus made a motion the minutes be received, placed on file and concur with the recommendation. Alderman Moreno seconded the motion; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-06
A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CROSS ACCESS EASEMENT AND SHARED PARKING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF PERU AND LIGHTED WAY ASSOCIATION, INC.
Alderman Tieman made a motion the resolution be adopted as written and read. Alderman Ballard seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6759
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO SALES AND PRE-DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF PERU, AN ILLINOIS HOME-RULE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, AND BUILDING MATERIALS MANUFACTURING CORPORATION, A DELAWARE CORPORATION
Alderman Lukosus made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; motion carried.
(Tabled from 4/24/23 Meeting - for action or discussion) AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE AS SOUGHT BY THE PETITION OF FRANCISCO SANDOVAL d/b/a PITA REY ESTATES LLC CONCERNING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4 CENTER PLACE, PERU, ILLINOIS
Mayor Kolowski asked for feedback on the Planning/Zoning Commission recommendation to approve vacation rentals. Alderman Moreno (spoke based on his experience on the on the commission) stated the testimony he heard explained a property that was once in disrepair, was improved with high end finishes to appeal to quality renters.
Alderman Sapienza voiced the following concerns:
• Noise
• Code enforcements
• Where and what neighborhoods would rentals be in
• How big, how many bedrooms
• Parking
• Completely against
Alderman Payton recommended more research and opportunity to review terms. Alderman Ballard stated the value is with the quality property and visitors to our community that spend money. Treasurer Jackson Powell asked if vacation rentals would hurt hotel growth and if they would be considered commercial property. Alderman O’Sadnick stated he acknowledges both sides of the argument and heard positives to improve rental properties but understands other concerns. PSM/Fire Chief Jeff King stated his brother has multiple rentals in the Nashville area and they have very strict rules and high standards. Police Chief Sarah Raymond stated that from a law enforcement perspective, she has no problem with proposed vacation rentals.
Mayor Kolowski expressed the following concerns:
• Supply of monthly rentals decline
• Impact on hotels
• Noise, parking, litter
• Current, no revenue
• Ultimately too many questions
PROCLAMATIONS
Clerk Bartley presented a proposed proclamation entitled: “National Teacher Appreciation Week May 8- 12, 2023; National Teacher Appreciation Day May 9, 2023” Alderman Sapienza made a motion the proclamation be received and placed on file. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion; motion carried.
Police Chief Sarah Raymond presented a proposed proclamation entitled: National Police Week May 14- 20, 2023; National Peace Officers Memorial Day May 15, 2023”. Alderman Edgcomb made a motion the proclamation be received and placed on file. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion; motion carried.
Clerk Bartley presented a proposed proclamation entitled: “Safe Boating Week (May 20-27, 2023)”. Alderman Sapienza made a motion the proclamation be received and placed on file. Alderman Payton seconded the motion; motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Payton made a motion to approve part time employment agreement for meter reader, Mary Kramer, effective May 1, 2023, in an amount not to exceed $32,778.70. Alderman O’Sadnick seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; motion carried.
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Clerk Bartley presented a communication from American Legion Post 375 Commander from Dennis Znaniecki requesting permission to hold the annual Memorial Day Services on Monday, May 29, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Washington Park. The service will be conducted by Peru Veterans Memorial Group, along with the local American Legion and VFW posts. The Veterans Memorial Group will line up at 10:45 a.m. Monday on the west side of Washington Park. They will march into the baseball diamond and observe a moment of silence at 11:11 a.m. in honor of fallen soldiers. Guest speaker is Tom Templeton, former LaSalle County Sheriff. This years’ service is dedicated to Michael Debo. In case of inclement weather, services will be held at Northview School. Alderman Sapienza made a motion the communication be received, placed on file and permission granted. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion; motion carried.
MAYOR’S NOTES
Mayor Kolowski thanked the Peru CSO for their efforts regarding veteran’s banners. Adam Thorson, Director of Parks, Recreation and Special Events thanked Liz Grzybowski for her efforts
Police Chief Sarah Raymond acknowledged Administrative Assistant Michelle Wagner on 30 years of service.
Alderman Lukosus promoted the TBM Avenger and Salute to Veteran’s Event (May 18-20). Alderman Tieman reported Taste of Illinois Valley raffle tickets are going out in utility bills this month.
CLOSED SESSION
PUBLIC COMMENT
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Tieman made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Alderman Ballard seconded the motion and motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
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