Illinois Valley Times

City of Peru City Council met July 15

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, July 15, 2024, at 7:00 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

Police Chief Sarah Raymond introduced new Patrol Officer Zane Behrens and provided a brief biography. Chief Raymond reported that Ofc. Behrens, a La Salle-Peru native, worked in Bureau County as a correctional officer for 1.5 years before transferring to Spring Valley for three years. Chief Raymond stated Ofc Behrens was a great addition to the team and brings experience and a desire and passion for law enforcement, which is clearly recognizable in his experience so far. Ofc. Behrens stated that he transferred to Peru because he grew up in the area and the growth opportunities. Ofc. Behrens stated it’s a nice town and somewhere where he could come and raise a family one day. Ofc. Behrens stated he chose a career in law enforcement to lend a helping hand in the community. Ofc. Behrens stated he is most looking forward to serving the community, getting to know the officers and the opportunity to learn. 

Police Chief Sarah Raymond conducted the swearing in of Ofc. Zane Behrens.

MINUTES/FINANCIAL REPORTS/ACTIVITY REPORTS

Mayor Kolowski presented the Regular Minutes of July 1, 2024, and Peru Police Department Monthly Report for June 2024. Alderman Payton made a motion the minutes and reports 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 July 17, 2024:

FUND NAME TOTAL EXPENSES

General Fund $1,361,160.47

Insurance Fund 143,063.02

TIF Funds 29,258.00

Utility Fund 3,171,845.08

Landfill Fund 3630.22

Airport Fund 31,577.47

Total $4,740,534.26

Alderman Sapienza made a motion the disbursements be received, placed on file and bills 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 Tieman made a motion to approve invoice from NCICG for annual membership fees in the amount of $2,968. 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 Ballard made a motion to approve $5,000 donation to Central States Baseball Tournament.

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.

PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Alderman Ballard made a motion to approve purchase of 2023 Ford F250 4x4 from Lake Ford in the amount of $59,988. 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 Moreno made a motion to authorize the mayor to execute confirmation letter for purchase/lease of new Elgin Broom Bear Street Sweeper from Standard Equipment. 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 Lukosus made a motion approve the purchase of a 22k gallon vertical tank with digital level indicator from Illinois Oil Marketing Equipment Inc for the sum of $109,598. 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. (Replaces the tank on Plank Road Generation Station)

Alderman Lukosus made a motion to approve the purchase of a fuel cooler for the new diesel tank from Altorfer for the sum of $17,405. 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 Lukosus complimented the electric department on their rapid response to restore power (in approximately 1.5 hours) during the Sunday evening storm.

REPORT OF CITY ATTOREY/ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:

ORDINANCE NO. 6868

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING MAY 1, 2023 AND ENDING APRIL 30, 2024, INCLUSIVE

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.

PROCLAMATIONS

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Clerk Bartley presented a petition from Gloria Galindo seeking a special use for property located at 421 5th Street, Peru, IL. Alderman Tieman made a motion the petition be received, placed on file and referred to the Planning/Zoning Commission for review and recommendation. Alderman Ballard seconded the motion; motion carried.

Clerk Bartley presented a communication from Zack Cinotto of Riverfront Bar and Grill requesting 1 Hour extension of “Day Hours” and the 65 dBA sound limit to applicable thereto for outdoor music to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 24th. Alderman Sapienza made a motion the communication be received, placed on file and permission granted. Alderman O’Sadnick seconded the motion; motion carried.

MAYOR’S NOTES

Mayor Kolowski reported on the following:

• Mike Konieczki’s retirement after 35 years in Public Works Department

• Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp Luncheon

◦ Thanked Alderman Sapienza

◦ Thanked Council

• Central States Baseball

◦ Nine states will be in attendance

◦ Show off how nice the city looks

• July 3rd Fireworks

◦ Thanked Adam Thorson, Director of Parks, Recreation and Special Events

◦ Thanked Public Works

◦ Thanked Electric Department

Mayor Kolowski reported the storms of July 14th were challenging but our crews did a great job.

Treasurer Jackson Powell congratulated the 9-10 Girls Softball team on their District 20 win.

Treasure Jackson Powell reported he lost power at his house during the July 14th storm.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Resident Ilene Helwig of 2410 Main Street addressed the council concerning water issues on Main Street between Church Street and Cross Street. Ms. Helwig stated she has been trying to get her water main changed for 35 years. Ms. Helwig reported she received 34 signatures in support of the replacement. Ms. Helwig also expressed her concerns with the sidewalks and Water Street.

Resident Jake Kotecki of 1875 Sycamore Street addressed the council with concerns regarding water/mud damage that his basement had obtained during the significant rainfall on that occurred in the overnight period of March 31st and April 1st. Mr. Kotecki noted there had been no issues with water until the new sidewalk was installed adjacent to his home (Safe Routes to School project-sidewalk connecting Parkside School to Sycamore Lakes). Mr. Kotecki stated he contacted the city and the city requested that Chamlin & Associates inspect the area. Mr. Kotecki stated he met with the mayor and city clerk regarding the damage and a claim was sent to the city’s insurance company. Mr. Kotecki noted the city’s insurance company denied the claim stating the city had no prior knowledge of any issues with the sidewalk installation. Mr. Kotecki stated he feels that the city should take responsibility and assist with the claim.

Mr. Kotecki stated he has called the mayor’s office numerous times with no response and claims the mayor is hiding behind tort immunity. Mr. Kotecki again asked the council to consider assisting in paying for the damages. Mayor Kolowski stated he was unaware of him contacting his office and would be happy to speak to him after the meeting.

CLOSED SESSION

Alderman Sapienza made a motion to go into closed session to discuss meetings where the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body is considered, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired; meetings where setting of the price for sale or lease of real estate owned by the public body is being considered. 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.

Closed session began at 7:39 p.m. and ended at 7:46 p.m.

Alderman Payton made a motion to reopen the meeting. Alderman Ballard seconded the motion. City Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno present. Mayor Kolowski present.

ADJOURNMENT

Alderman Ballard made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Alderman Edgcomb seconded the motion and motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:19 p.m.

https://www.peru.il.us/government/agendas-and-minutes/agendas/regular-council-meeting-agendas/regular-council-meeting-agendas-2024/6591-regular-meeting-packet-07-29-24/file