City of Peru City Council met Aug. 14.
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 on Monday, August 14, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.
City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno present; Alderman Tieman absent; Mayor Kolowski present.
All joined in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Jim Pozzi of Republic Services addressed the council to inquire about services provided by Republic Services. Mr. Pozzi thanked the city for their partnership
PRESENTATION
[PROMOTION OF OFFICER BRAD JONES TO SERGEANT]
Police Chief Sarah Raymond stated Sergeant Jones began his career with the Mendota Police Department in 2001 as a part-time officer and 911 dispatcher, and became a full-time officer in 2003. He joined the Peru Police Department in 2007 and worked in the patrol division before working with the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotics Team, a regional drug task force. Sergeant Jones served as the lead detective in the first in-house narcotics unit, Specials Investigations Unit, since its inception in 2012. Chief Raymond noted that during his tenure, he seized large quantities of illegal drugs and nearly $1 million in currency and the unit also produced a large number of felony drug arrests in our city. Chief Raymond stated that “more impressive” than Sergeant Jones’s arrests records is his ability to mentor other officers. Chief Raymond stated he has the ability to teach them all of the knowledge he has obtained during the course of his impressive career. Chief Raymond stated she has no doubt the leadership he possesses will reflect greatly on this police department and this city and honored to promote him to sergeant. Lieutenant of Administrative Services Doug Bernabei stated he believes Jones’s work ethic is second to none. Lieutenant Bernabei stated he has made Peru a much better and safer community with his work and I’m ecstatic to watch him get promoted to Sergeant. Sergeatnt Jones stated the promotion meant a lot to him as it has been something he has been working toward and looked forward to continuing to work with the department. Sergeant Jones stated he loves the people he works with the most and make his day worth coming into.
Police Chief Raymond swore-in newly promoted Officer Brad Jones to the rank of Sergeant.
[PRESENTATION BY PERU VETERAN’S MEMORIAL GROUP-DENNIS ZNANIECKI]
Mr. Dennis Znaniecki of the Peru American Legion Post 375 updated the council regarding the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall coming to the City of Peru, Thursday August 24th - Monday August 28th at Veterans Memorial Park. Mr. Znaniecki reported there will also be a replica of The Middle East Conflicts Memorial Wall from Marseilles, IL and The First Responders Memorial Wall to honor those who perished in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Mr. Znaniecki reported at 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, August 24th, they will escort the Vietnam Memorial Wall south on North Peoria St. to Peru Veterans Memorial Park. Mr. Znaniecki stated the Opening Ceremony will be on Saturday, August 26th at 11:00 a.m. Mr, Znaniecki reported that admission is free but donations are welcome with ALL monies going to LaSalle Veteran's Home for purchase of new van.
MINUTES/FINANCIAL REPORTS/ACTIVITY REPORTS
Mayor Kolowski presented the Regular Minutes of July 31, 2023, Public Hearing Minutes of July 31, 2023, and the Treasurer’s Report for June 2023. Alderman Payton made a motion the minutes and reports be received and placed on file. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion; motion carried.
FINANCE AND SAFETY COMMITTEE
Alderman Sapienza presented the following disbursements for payment on August 16, 2023:
FUND NAME TOTAL EXPENSES
General Fund $454,642.54
Utility Fund 2,204,643.82
Landfill Fund 2,414.50
Airport Fund 8,206.05
Total $2,669,906.91
Alderman Sapienza made a motion the disbursements be received, placed on file and the bills be paid in the usual manner. Alderman Payton seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; Alderman Tieman absent; motion carried.
Alderman Payton made a motion to approve the following investments: (CD Investments are being funded with transfers from an existing reserve savings account)
• $500,000 CD with First State Bank for 6 months at 5.25%
• $500,000 CD with North Central Bank for 6 months at 5.10%
• $500,000 CD with North Central Bank for 12 months at 5.05%
• $235,000 CD with Spring Valley City Bank for 9 months at 5.10%
• $235,000 CD with Illinois Valley Credit Union for 12 months at 5.22%
Alderman Ballard seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; Alderman Tieman absent; motion carried.
Alderman Payton made a motion to approve a treasury securities investment account agreement with Hometown National Bank. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; Alderman Tieman absent; motion carried.
Alderman Ballard made a motion to approve a $500 donation to Aden Lamps Foundation. Alderman Payton seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; Alderman Tieman absent; motion carried.
Alderman Ballard made a motion to approve a $100 donation to Peru Catholic School Golf Fundraiser. Alderman O’Sadnick seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; Alderman Tieman absent; motion carried.
Alderman Ballard made a motion to approve a $100 contribution to the LP Hoop Group Golf Fundraiser. Alderman Edgcomb seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; Alderman Tieman absent; motion carried.
PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
Alderman Moreno made a motion to an engineering service agreement with Chamlin & Associates for the Safe Routes to School project along Shooting Park Road. Alderman Ballard seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; Alderman Tieman absent; motion carried.
Alderman Moreno made a motion to an engineering service agreement with Chamlin & Associates for the Master Builder Way construction project. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; Alderman Tieman absent; motion carried.
Alderman Sapienza made a motion to award bid for the Master-Builder Way & Industrial Park Blvd., to the lowest bidder, Advanced Asphalt, in the amount of $2,438,092.35. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; Alderman Tieman absent; motion carried.
Alderman Sapienza made a motion to bid the paving/repaving the Baker Lake east side parking lots. Alderman O’Sadnick seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; Alderman Tieman absent; motion carried.
Alderman Ballard made a motion to approve the purchase of 2012 International 3-ton plow truck in the amount of $54,950 plus shipping cost of $1,200 for Crysteel Truck Equipment. Alderman Moreno seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; Alderman Tieman absent; motion carried.
Alderman Ballard made a motion to bid phase 1 (roofing, facia, and gutters) for the IVRD/Fire Department. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; Alderman Tieman absent; motion carried.
Alderman Lukosus made a motion to waive construction costs and fees for 3-phase service upgrade to LEASE School. Alderman Payton seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; Alderman Tieman absent; motion carried.
Alderman Lukosus made a motion to approve a training service agreement with Guys with Capes. Alderman Payton seconded the motion. Eric Carls, Director of Engineering and Zoning reported the agreement is for training modules in the electric department. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; Alderman Tieman absent; motion carried.
REPORT OF CITY ATTOREY/ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented the Planning/Zoning Commission minutes of August 9, 2023, on the petition of Dwayne and Amy Potthoff concerning property located at 516 Grant Street, Peru, IL. Alderman Sapienza made a motion the minutes be received, placed on file and concur with the recommendation. Alderman O’Sadnick seconded the motion; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 6790
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING VARIANCES AS SOUGHT BY THE PETITION OF DWAYNE AND AMY POTTHOFF CONCERNING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 516 GRANT STREET IN THE CITY OF PERU, ILLINOIS
Alderman Sapienza made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman O’Sadnick seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; Alderman Tieman absent; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented the Planning/Zoning Commission minutes of August 9, 2023, on the petition of James and Christine Pozzi concerning property located at 2115 7th Street, Peru, IL. Alderman O’Sadnick 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. 6791
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING VARIANCES AS SOUGHT BY THE PETITION OF JAMES AND CHRISTINE POZZI CONCERNING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2115 7TH STREET IN THE CITY OF PERU, ILLINOIS
Alderman Sapienza made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman O’Sadnick seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; Alderman Tieman absent; motion carried.
Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-16
RESOLUTION OF AUTHORIZATION FOR OSLAD GRANT PROGRAM WASHINGTON PARK ALL-SEASONS PROJECT
Alderman Payton made a motion the resolution be adopted as written and read. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; Alderman Tieman absent; motion carried.
PROCLAMATIONS
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Alderman Sapienza made a motion to approve Downtown TIF Commercial Renovation Program application of Dana Debo-Kuhne and award grant funds in the amount of $5,000 for TIF-eligible expenses at 1713 4th Street, Peru (Debo Hardware, Inc.). Alderman O’Sadnick seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; Alderman Tieman absent; motion carried.
Alderman O’Sadnick made a motion to approve Downtown TIF Commercial Renovation Program application of Nicole Tonioni and award grant funds in the amount of $5,000 for TIF-eligible expenses at 2428 4th Street, Peru (The Flower Bar). Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; Alderman Tieman absent; motion carried.
Alderman Lukosus made a motion to approve recommended maximum grant funds for additional Downtown TIF Commercial Renovation Program applications as follows:
| Applicant | Address | Maximum
Recommended Award |
| VMB Properties, LLC | 1718 Peoria St
PIN# 17-17-216-014 | $3,000 |
| Starved Rock Properties, LLC | 2000 4th St
PIN# 17-17-434-005 | $4,000 |
| Platform 31 (Platform10, LLC) | 901 Water St.
PIN# 17-16-336-012 | $4,000 |
| Platform 31 (Platform10, LLC) | 901 Water St.
PIN# 17-16-336-013 | $4,000 |
Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; Alderman Tieman absent; motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Lukosus made a motion to seek applications for part time IT support. Alderman Payton seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; Alderman Tieman absent; motion carried.
Alderman Moreno made a motion to seek applications for full time civilian evidence custodian. (Police Department). Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; Alderman Tieman absent; motion carried.
Mayor Kolowski stated he has received calls of concern regarding the panhandling situation exuberated by concerns of children on the roads. Mayor Kolowski asked Police Chief Sarah Raymond to report on the situation. Chief Raymond stated that panhandling is a constitutionally protected right and police won’t write citations. Chief Raymond stated that when the police department gets calls, they go out and make sure they are not in the roadways and that their kids are being safe, but there isn’t much we can do other than that. (In January 2021, a federal court in Illinois ruled the state’s panhandling law was unconstitutional, citing the First Amendment and saying it violates freedom of speech. The ruling followed a federal lawsuit filed by two homeless men in Downers Grove arguing the law prohibited panhandling but allowed for pedestrians who obtained a permit to stand in medians to collect political signatures and donations). Chief Raymond stated officers offer help and assistance when they can, including access to a trust that can provide money for meals and a place to stay, among other necessities. Chief Raymond stated there are things the police department can give them when they do see them and if a business owner doesn’t want them on their property, they are free to call us.
Alderman Sapienza asked Chief Raymond what percentage of those panhandling in Peru take the assistance offered by the police department. Chief Raymond stated the majority of them will take the help or ask for resources. Chief Raymond stated a lot of them, especially with kids, are truly on hard times. Chief Raymond stated she didn’t have data to provide the council on the number of people who follow through with resources, saying she would need some time to prepare it. Mayor Kolowski apologized for springing the conversation at the meeting. Alderman Sapienza stated it would be interesting to find out how many people follow through after receiving help, because “if they need something they would follow through, but if they didn’t, they probably don’t need anything. Alderman Sapienza stated he helped two or three people panhandling by pointing out two or three “help wanted” signs. Alderman O’Sadnick asked if the council could consider putting up a traffic sign that says “for traffic safety please don’t give to persons in the roadway,” similar to what he said is up in New Orleans. Alderman O’Sadnick stated it’s hard to say no, but it is ok to say no, stating there are other programs. Chief Raymond stated the city can’t put up signs on private property and said “you can tell people not to give all day long, but somebody’s going to give. Mayor Kolowski said if the public wants to see panhandling go away they have to stop giving them money. Mayor Kolowski if the public don’t give money to the panhandlers they are going to go away and move on to another stop.
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Clerk Bartley presented a petition from Jenelle Ward seeking variances for the property located at 2216 3rd Street, Peru, IL. Alderman Sapienza made a motion the petition be received, placed on file and be referred to the Planning/Zoning Commission for review and recommendation. Alderman O’Sadnick seconded the motion; motion carried.
Clerk Bartley presented a petition from Frank Mance seeking variances for the property located at 1024 Peoria Street, Peru, IL. Alderman Sapienza made a motion the petition be received, placed on file and referred to the Planning/Zoning Commission for review and recommendation. Alderman O’Sadnick seconded the motion; motion carried.
MAYOR’S NOTES
Adam Thorson, Director of Parks, Recreation and Special Events reported on the upcoming Music Under the Oaks event at Centennial Park. Mr. Thorson stated She’s A Maybe will play from 6pm-9pm and food options are to be determined.
Alderman Edgcomb asked about base positioning at Veteran’s Park.
Adam Thorson, Director of Parks, Recreation and Special Events thanked the aldermen, PSM/Fire Chief Jeff King and Human Resources Assistant Crystal Smith for their efforts making the Taste of the Illinois Valley a success. Mr. Thorson also thanked the sponsors and volunteers.
Mayor Kolowski asked Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert to comment on the August 16th opening of the relocated, renovated Lighted Way. Attorney Schweickert stated the Lighted Way is a great organization and great for the city.
Alderman Sapienza to help keep trucks on the truck routes and out of neighborhoods, curbs and yard.
Alderman Lukosus reported on the August 16th ribbon cutting ceremony at Annie’s Pancake House and Restaurant.
Mayor Kolowski introduced newly hired Electric Operations Manager Kevin Minnick.
CLOSED SESSION
PUBLIC COMMENT
ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Edgcomb made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion and motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
https://www.peru.il.us/government/agendas-and-minutes/minutes/regular-council-meeting/2023-cm/6196-regular-meeting-minutes-08-14-23/file
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