Illinois Valley Times

City of Peru City Council met Aug. 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 on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 7:00 P.M.

City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Sapienza, Payton, Edgcomb, Lukosus and Moreno present. Alderman O’Sadnick absent. Mayor Kolowski present.

PUBLIC COMMENT

PRESENTATION

Resident Toma Newburn stated she has been a resident for 18 years and thanked the council for letting her speak. Ms. Newburn also thanked the city for hosting the Music Under the Oaks program at Centennial Park and giving back to the community. Ms. Newburn stated she addressed the council two years ago about the need for a concrete slab/dance floor with no action taken. Ms. Newburn stated that adding a dance floor in front of the band shell would benefit the young and elderly alike. Ms. Newburn stated the addition would essentially be a one-time cost to the city and maintenance free. Ms. Newburn stated that bands like to connect with the crowd and know people like to dance and even encourage it at their concerts. Ms. Newburn stated elderly people have a risk of injury trying to dance on wet grass or uneven ground. Ms. Newburn stated that dancing enhances social skills, physical skills and mind and body. Ms. Newburn encouraged the council to consider the addition of a dance floor to be enjoyed by the residents of Peru and surrounding areas. Ms. Newburn stated music goers to the concerts would be happy and she was speaking on behalf of others also in favor of the addition.

Carol Alcorn, the executive director of Illinois Valley PADS, spoke regarding their request for funding assistance from the city for the creation of two new websites. Ms. Alcorn stated the current website is 10 years old and encompasses both Lily Pads and the shelters. Ms. Alcorn stated the homeless shelter will use the funds to develop two new websites, content creation, an integrated point of sale system for the retail stores, the hardware needed for the website point of sale system and training. Ms. Alcorn stated the website is pretty broken and not fixable and stated they have to take the stores out of that website and build their own domain and one for the shelter. Ms. Alcorn reported PADS is building a new website because the nonprofit organization wants more hits on its Lily Pads website to bring in more revenue – in contract, the nonprofit doesn’t want more hits on the shelter as it could bring an influx of patrons from Chicago or Springfield. Ms. Alcorn stated they want more awareness for our resale so we can generate income. Alderman Tieman stated he had a discussion with Alcorn a few weeks prior and opened his eyes to the issue. Alderman Tieman stated it is something that helps the people that need it, so he is in favor.

Ms. Alcorn stated the shelter has raised $9,000 to its website project, including the donation. Ms. Alcorn stated the shelter has received bids for the project ranging from $17,000 to $30,000.

MINUTES/FINANCIAL REPORTS/ACTIVITY REPORTS

Mayor Kolowski presented the Regular Minutes of July 29, 2024. Alderman Payton made a motion the minutes and reports be received and placed on file. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion; motion carried.

FINANCE AND SAFETY COMMITTEE

Alderman Sapienza presented the following disbursements for payment on August 14, 2024:

FUND NAME TOTAL EXPENSES

General Fund $636,815,90

Insurance Fund 137,353.85

Garbage Fund 78,626.79

Utility Fund 1,692,391.27

Landfill Fund 3,040.00

Airport Fund 202.39

Total $2,548,430.20

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, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye. Alderman O’Sadnick absent. Motion carried.

Alderman Tieman made a motion to approve a $5000.00 donation to Illinois Valley PADS for website development. Alderman Payton seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye. Alderman O’Sadnick absent. Motion carried.

Alderman Payton inquired about previous conversations on funding for the Veteran’s Park pickleball renovation. Alderman Payton noted the project would get funded this year. Mayor Kolowski stated that he was aware from speaking with Finance Officer Tracy Mitchell and favor further conversation at the next committee meeting.

PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE

Police Chief Sarah Raymond reported on the newly launched Linked Autism Safety Project, a free program that aims to build relationships between emergency responders and the autism and special needs community. Chief Raymond encouraged those in need to register for the program.

Alderman Tieman made a motion to approve the request from GMB for baseball diamond usage at Washington and Veterans Park on the weekends September 14th & 15th and 28th & 29th. Alderman Edgcomb seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye. Alderman O’Sadnick absent. Motion carried.

Alderman Payton made a motion to approve purchase of park playground equipment from GameTime - Cunningham Recreation in the amount of $106,727.65 for 28th Street Park. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza,

Lukosus and Moreno voting aye. Alderman O’Sadnick absent. Motion carried.

Alderman Edgcomb made a motion to approve 28th St Park playground installation from GameTime - Cunningham Recreation in the amount of $50,840.00. Alderman Payton seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye. Alderman O’Sadnick absent. Motion carried.

Adam Thorson, Director of Parks, Recreation and Special Events reported on the August 17th Music in the Park event featuring She’s A Maybe and closing out the season with Those Two Guys Plus One on September 6th.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Alderman Ballard made a motion to award the manhole lining project to Structured Solutions, LLC in the amount of $25,980.00. Alderman Moreno seconded the motion. Eric Carls, Director of Engineering and Zoning reported this is a pilot program to reline three manholes. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye. Alderman O’Sadnick absent. Motion carried.

Alderman Lukosus made a motion to approve the purchase of spare speed increaser gear box parts for $38,823.00 from DB Santasalo company. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye.

Alderman O’Sadnick absent. Motion carried.

Alderman Moreno made a motion to approve concrete work with Universal Asphalt and Excavating in the amount of $50,250.00 at the Fire Department at 816 West Street. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye. Alderman O’Sadnick absent. Motion carried.

Kevin Minnick, Electric Operations Manager reported on the need for under ground cable and received a quote from Anixter in the amount of $30,870.97.

Eric Carls. Director of Engineering and Zoning reported on the Rte. 6 project and stated that another concrete crew was starting on the west portion of the project (from Rte. 251 working back to West Street) along with pipe crew where the water main crew that’s working on the east side of Rte. 251 along with the state contract that is still ongoing. Mr. Carls stated there are a number of traffic control flips that are happening over the course of the next several weeks and urged extra caution to everybody traveling through the area. Mr. Carls also noted there is an increased amount of construction workers in the area.

REPORT OF CITY ATTOREY/ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented the minutes of the August 7, 2024, Planning/Zoning Commission hearing on the petition of Gloria Galindo concerning property commonly known as 421 5th Street, Peru, IL. Alderman Tieman made a motion the minutes be received, placed on file and concur with the recommendation. Alderman Ballard seconded the motion; motion carried.

Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:

ORDINANCE NO. 6873

AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE AS SOUGHT BY THE PETITION OF GLORIA GALINDO FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 421 5TH STREET IN THE CITY OF PERU, ILLINOIS

Alderman Lukosus made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Moreno seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye. Alderman O’Sadnick absent. Motion carried.

Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented the minutes of the August 7, 2024, Planning/Zoning Commission hearing on the petition of Cinthia R. Gonzales concerning property commonly known as 1815 Main Street, Peru, IL. Eric Carls, Director of Engineering and Zoning noted that anonymous objector was read into the record. Mayor Kolowski encouraged any residents with issues/complaints/objections on or about the hearings. Both Alderman Sapienza and Alderman Tieman spoke in favor of the request. Alderman Sapienza made a motion the minutes be received, placed on file and concur with the recommendation. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion; motion carried.

Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:

ORDINANCE NO. 6874

AN ORDINANCE GRANTING VARIANCES AND OTHER RELIEF AS SOUGHT BY THE PETITION OF CINTHIA R. GONZALEZ FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1815 MAIN STREET IN THE CITY OF PERU, ILLINOIS

Alderman Sapienza 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, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye. Alderman O’Sadnick absent. Motion carried.

Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:

ORDINANCE NO. 6875

AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND RATIFYING EXECUTION OF SECOND AMENDMENT TO TOWER LICENSE AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF PERU AND TMOBILE CENTRAL, LLC. (Water Tower – 3001 N. Peoria Street, Peru, IL)

Alderman Payton 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, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye. Alderman O’Sadnick absent. Motion carried.

Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:

ORDINANCE NO. 6876

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 6850 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE FIXING WAGES FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF PERU, ILLINOIS, COMMENCING APRIL 28, 2024 AND ENDING APRIL 26, 2025

Alderman Lukosus made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Payton seconded the motion. Clerk Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye. Alderman O’Sadnick absent. Motion carried.

PROCLAMATIONS

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

Alderman Payton commended Sherry Mayszak, the Mayor, and Alderman O’Sadnick on compiling over 500 signatures for your pool referenda. Alderman Payton stated he believes that something of this magnitude, that you have campaigned on, and you want the city, the citizens to do is to restrict the Hotel/Motel funds to pay for a pool. Alderman Payton asked to have a town hall Facebook live meeting where you your team can bring your plan to Facebook and let everybody see what you want to do, where you want to put it, how much it will cost, and how much to get in? Alderman Payton stated that just thinks that asking our constituents to blindly approve and restrict our hotel tax dollars is not what we should be doing. Alderman Payton asked what projects are we going to not do in the future because of this. Alderman Payton stated we all have to realize that if we lock this money up, (Hotel Motel Tax Fund) somewhere along the line, the City will raise your taxes to pay for other projects. Alderman Payton noted we have to also look at what bonding options that can be used with non-guaranteed source of income.

Mayor Kolowski stated it’s not his referendum and that he had nothing to do with this and made that very clear from the start. Clerk Bartley noted today was the last day for objectors and there were none, so it will be presented to the County Clerk and will be placed on the ballot. Alderman Payton stated he believes we owe our constituents to let them know what they’re voting for. Alderman Sapienza stated that he spoke with a resident that was presented the idea and asked her if she signed the petition and she smiled and said she signed it stating why wouldn’t I want a pool. Alderman Sapienza stated the question isn’t whether we want something, the question is whether it is fiscally responsible. Alderman Sapienza agreed there should be an informational meeting. Alderman Sapienza stated if it’s going to raise my taxes down the road, I’m willing to pay taxes to that, but I’m not sure everybody will and that’s why residents need to hear both sides of the story. Clerk Bartley noted that when Sherry Mayszak asked that we include the flyer (information pool referendum) in the utility bills to solicit residents to support the referendum, I made it perfectly clear that this is a political issue, not an issue that should be in front of the utility bills that it’s not an issue to be debated through our utility bill. Clerk Bartley stated now that she’s been successful in the endeavor to secure the necessary signatures, we’re going to turn it around and we’re going to make a political issue leading up to up to up to the residents voting. Clerk Bartley said he thinks it’s up to the residence to vote and then the earnest is on the council to respond and formulate a plan based on their recommendation. Alderman Payton stated, “so you’re going to ask the general public to restrict the Hotel Motel Tax Fund without having any other information in front of them?” Clerk Bartley stated that “all I’m saying is they politicized to get the referendum, now you politic against it?”. Alderman Payton stated it is his job as Finance Chair to bring this to light. Alderman Payton stated if you think it’s right to ask our constituents to vote on a referendum without having all of the information in front of them, then you are wrong. Alderman Sapienza stated he doesn’t look at this decision as political but looks at it as informing the public. Alderman Sapienza stated this is not political, what I’m doing is informing the public so they can make an informed decision. Alderman Edgcomb asked to clarify if this was an effort led by the public body? Clerk Bartley stated the effort was led by Sherry Mayszak. Alderman Edgcomb noted the information being passed out talks about the spending of City funds and outlines a funding strategy. Alderman Edgcomb asked where she would get this date. Alderman Edgcomb said it has to be backed by someone and they don’t have the authority to put that in writing about spending City money. Clerk Bartley stated it is only an advisory referendum. Alderman Edgcomb asked why they can say how the city is going to spend money. Alderman Sapienza stated he just wants people to be informed when they make decisions. Alderman Sapienza said, “I see people voting for things that they’re not informed about and they’ve only heard one side”; “I’m not solid one way or the other, but I do have some facts and I want to share with the public to make an informed decision”.

PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Clerk Bartley presented a communication from Abundant Life Fellowship requesting to hold an event at Centennial Park October 8th through October 12th. Mayor Kolowski requested the communication be referred to Parks, Recreation and Special Events Director Adam Thorson to request more information.

MAYOR’S NOTES

Mayor Kolowski thanked all involved with the Taste of the Illinois Valley. Adam Thorson, Director of Parks, Recreation and Special Events thanked Alderman Tieman, Police Chief Sarah Raymond, PSM/Fire Chief Jeff King, Human Resources Assistant Crystal Smith and city departments on their efforts on another successful Taste of the Illinois Valley. Alderman Tieman also thanked everyone involved.

Mayor Kolowski congratulated the 2024 Prospect League Champions, Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp.

Mayor Kolowski reported 2600 people attended the championship game and thanked city departments for their efforts in preparing for the tournament.

Mayor Kolowski reported on the positive news regarding OSF St. Elizabeth- Peru adding 7 medical surgical beds and 4 intensive care beds along with OB and ICU services. Mayor Kolowski reported the Peru campus will be the re hub which secures the future of healthcare in the city of Peru. Alderman Moreno noted the favorable feedback from surrounding communities.

PUBLIC COMMENT

CLOSED SESSION

ADJOURNMENT

Alderman Lukosus made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Alderman O’Sadnick seconded the motion and motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

https://www.peru.il.us/government/agendas-and-minutes/minutes/regular-council-meeting/regulhttps-www-peru-il-us-administrator-index-php-option-com-docman-view-category-ar-meeting-minutes-2024/6630-regular-meeting-minutes-08-12-24/file