Illinois Valley Times

City of Peru City Council met Nov. 6.

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, November 6, 2023, at 7:06 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.

PUBLIC COMMENT

PRESENTATION

MINUTES/FINANCIAL REPORTS/ACTIVITY REPORTS

Mayor Kolowski presented the Regular Minutes of October 23, 2023. Alderman Payton made a motion the minutes be received and placed on file. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion; motion carried.

FINANCE AND SAFETY COMMITTEE

Alderman Sapienza presented the following disbursements for payment on November 8, 2023: 

FUND NAME TOTAL EXPENSES 

General Fund $970,111.38

Insurance Fund 158,734.29

Garbage Fund 75,791.10

Downtown TIF Fund 4,000.00

Utility Fund 551,171.81

Landfill Fund 12,275.82

Airport Fund 168.77

Total $1,772,253.17

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.

PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE

Alderman Edgcomb made a motion to approve a MOU by and between the City of Peru and the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council Lodge 137 relating to lateral entry. 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 Tieman made a motion to authorize the City of Peru Board of Fire and Police Commissioners to hire a new police officer to fill the position of School Resource Officer (lateral entry) Alderman Payton 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 O’Sadnick made a motion to authorize the City of Peru Board of Fire and Police Commissioners to seek lateral entry applications for an anticipated vacancy and/or future vacancies in the Police Department. Alderman Edgcomb seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; motion carried.

Police Chief Sarah Raymond initiated a discussion regarding the implementation of the Internet Safe Exchange Location at the Peru Police Department. Chief Raymond stated there has been an increase in calls for people who are buying things off the internet and safety concerns about meeting people they don’t know. Chief Raymond noted the exchange zones were implemented to provide a neutral, monitored meeting place to conduct face-to-face transactions; encourages residents to utilize the police station to safely complete transactions. Chief Raymond stated she hopes the program will be a deterrent to criminals looking to take advantage of an unsuspecting victim. Chief Raymond stated residents will be able to conduct their transactions in one of two locations at the police department at 2650 N. Peoria Street (lobby and parking lot). Chief Raymond stated the lobby will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and the parking lot will have two designated “Internet Purchase Exchange Locations” parking spaces on the east side of the building. Chief Raymond stated the area is recorded by cameras 24 hours a day and is a short distance to an emergency phone connected to a 24-hour dispatch center. Chief Raymond also reported there will be a metal sign in front of the two parking stalls at the police station. Chief Raymond stated the location would be open for anyone to use and an appointment is not necessary.

Alderman Sapienza stated he knows people who sold or bought items online and go to public places to make their exchange and thinks it is a very good thing to do.

Alderman Tieman agreed and stated his business has utilized the La Salle police a couple of times to come and monitor transactions. Alderman Tieman stated it is an excellent idea, being able to do this at our police station. Alderman Tieman stated he thinks it is an asset for not just Peru, but any community members that need it.

Chief Raymond stated the police department will be open for them to come in and while our telecommunicator will be sitting there. Chief Raymond stated the program will not be manned unless there is an issue, otherwise none of the police will come out or do anything. Chief Raymond stated it will just be a safe place for them to be able to do their transactions.

Alderman Payton made a motion to approve quote from Musco Sports Lighting in the amount of $99,800 for Sunset Park lighting improvements. Alderman O’Sadnick seconded the motion. Reported 75% of the cost will be funded by an IMEA grant. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; motion carried.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

PSM/Fire Chief Jeff King along with Alderman Sapienza reviewed the rules regarding leaf pickup noting the following:

• The day before

• On grass

• Do not park vehicles in front of leaves

REPORT OF CITY ATTOREY/ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:

ORDINANCE NO. 6810 

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF AN EASEMENT FROM JOHN J. RIVA AND JANE A. RIVA (PIN#: 17-07-330-000) 

Alderman Payton 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. 6811 

AN ORDINANCE GRANTING AN ADMINISTRATIVE VARIANCE UNDER THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PERU AS SOUGHT BY THE PETITION OF JOSEPH MOREL CONCERNING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1904 WEST STREET, PERU, ILLINOIS 

Alderman Payton made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Edgcomb 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. 6812 

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE PURCHASE AND/OR DEVELOPMENT OF CERTAIN CITY-OWNED SURPLUS REAL ESTATE - Lot 4 of Master-View Park Subdivision (15.439± acres) – PIN# 11-31-305-002 

Alderman Moreno 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.

Alderman Lukosus made a motion to authorize Application for Map Amendment and Rezoning of Territory. Alderman Payton seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye; motion carried.

PROCLAMATIONS

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Alderman Edgcomb made a motion to approve Downtown TIF Commercial Renovation Program application of VMB Properties LLC and award grant funds in the amount of $3,000 for TIF-eligible expenses at 1718 Peoria Street (PINS: 17-17-216-014 & 17-17-216-009). 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 O’Sadnick made a motion to approve Downtown TIF Commercial Renovation Program application of Maria’s Pizza And award grant funds in the amount of $1,000 For TIF-eligible expenses at 1819 4th Street (PIN: 17-17-428-012). 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.

Alderman Tieman made a motion to hire selected candidate for Evidence Custodian Civilian position within the Police Department. Alderman Edgcomb 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 Lukosus made a motion to hire selected candidate for Leading Journeyman Maintenance Operator within the Electric Department. Alderman Moreno 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 Lukosus made a motion to hire selected candidate for Maintenance Operator within the Electric Department. 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.

Alderman Sapienza made a motion to seek applicants for Apprentice Lineman within the Electric Department. 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 Payton made a motion to seek applicants for Staff Accountant position. 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 reinstate credit card processing fees (3% or $1.25 minimum) effective November 7, 2023. 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.

NEW BUSINESS

Alderman Payton made a motion to authorize the Mayor to execute Letter of Commitment for the North Central Illinois Council of Governments US EPA Brownfields Coalition Assessment Grant Application. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion. Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert reported the grant will help the city identify any impediments to future development on select properties and believes it would be money well spent. Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert stated the city would be partnering with Marseilles, Mendota and Streator to seek up to $1.5 million in grant funding further noting the city’s share of the application fee is $1,625. Corporate Counsel stated we’ve been looking at several areas of the city, including along the waterfronts and the location of the burnt-out portion of Westclox. Mayor Kolowski asked the if there were any questions or discussion to be had about the project, noting that it seemed like a reasonable investment. Alderman Payton stated he was all for city taking advantage of receiving a potential grant.

PSM/Fire Chief Jeff King reported on emergency NIMS training and will organize training for NIMS along with tornado scenario training.

At Mayor Kolowski’s request, PSM/Fire Chief Jeff King explained the MABAS model. PSM/Fire Chief King noted it is a mutual aid service agreement when there is an emergency

PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Clerk Bartley presented a communication from the City of Peru for annexation and zoning of territory located north of Shooting Park Road and west of the Peru City Cemetery. Alderman Lukosus made a motion the communication be received, placed on file and referred to the Planning/Zoning Commission for review and recommendation. Alderman Moreno seconded the motion; motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

CLOSED SESSION

ADJOURNMENT

Alderman Lukosus made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Alderman Edgcomb seconded the motion and motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.

https://www.peru.il.us/government/agendas-and-minutes/minutes/regular-council-meeting/regular-meeting-minutes-2023/6319-regular-meeting-minutes-11-06-23/file