Illinois Valley Times

City of Peru Public Works Committee met April 14

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

ROLL CALL: Chairman, Aldermen Lukosus, Sapienza, and Moreno present. Alderman Ballard absent.

MINUTES

Alderman Lukosus made a motion to approve the Public Works Committee Minutes of March 31, 2025, and Closed Session Minutes of July 10, 2023, August 7, 2023, August 21, 2023, October 30, 2023, January 8, 2024, January 22, 2024, February 5, 2024. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion; motion carried.

PRESENTATION

Mr. Rafeal Blanco of CL Real Estate was in attendance to address the flooding issues at Carus Chemical. Mr. Blanco noted the archaic system did work and also noted the agreed upon scope of work was not clear.

Present on behalf of the City of Peru was Water Department Foreman Justin Nambo and Engineering Technician Eric Zborowski along with Adam Ossola of Chamlin and Associates. Mr. Zborowski stated that the communication wasn’t that the tunnel would be capped was not accurate and the tunnel is not the city’s. Mr. Blanco disputed the findings and questioned the source of the water. Mr. Blanco asked the city to pay for all the remediation and corrective actions.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

IT REPORT

IT Director Stephen Rounds reported on preliminary phone system upgrades with encryption allowances.

WATER & SEWER

Committee discussed and recommended artwork for the N. Peoria water tower. Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert discussed marketing strategies for the for the area and sports complex “Area 251”. Committee was in support.

Committee discussed and recommended an engineering service agreement with Fehr-Graham for the East and West Waste Water Freshwater Mussels Study in accordance with the IEPA NPDES Permit requirements. ($34,000). 

T.E.S.T.

None

AIRPORT

PSM/Fire Chief Jeff King expressed his concern over traffic with the construction restrictions on Plank Road.

BUILDING & GROUNDS

Committee discussed issues with 1716 Brewster Street. Alderman Sapienza noted the property has been an issue that has been kicked down the road and needs to be demolished. It was consensus of the 3rd Ward to recommend demolition.

PSM/Fire Chief King initiated a discussion regarding summer employees driving gator/mower on city streets and asked for committee feedback. Alderman asked about senior personnel. Clerk Bartley asked about checklists. PSM/Fire Chief King suggested better supervision. Committee agreed on zero tolerance.

STREETS & ALLEYS

None

ELECTRIC

Kevin Minnick, Electric Operations Manager, noted a pending retirement and the need to fill maintenance operator position.

ENGINEERING

Engineering Technician Eric Zborowski discussed and recommended the following Rte. 6 Water Main change order requests:

• 1000 - Various Sanitary Sewer Repairs ($14,443.29)

• 1003 - Unknown Sanitary Sewer Repair @ Prospect Street ($15,423.80)

• 1004 - 6" Sanitary Sewer Repair @ Pulaski Park ($14,902.20)

• 1005 - Unknown Collapsed Sanitary and Water Service Repair @ 517 5th Street ($17,227.44)

• 1006 - Repair Water Main Break @ St. Louis Street for Public Works ($4,524.47)

• 1007 - Water Main Repairs at the Rte. 251 Bridge ($27,478.30)

• 1010 - 5-foot Sanitary Structures ($2,750.85)

• 1011 - Additional 6-foot Sanitary Manhole @ Buffalo Street ($15,685.57)

OLD BUSINESS

Committee discussed and did not recommend participation per the request of 315 5th Street and stated the city went above and beyond in efforts to prevent/solve the water issues.

NEW BUSINESS

Mayor Kolowski initiated a discussion regarding combining the committee meetings and having just one Committee of A Whole meeting. Committee was in favor.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

CLOSED SESSION

None

ADJOURNMENT

Alderman Sapienza made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Moreno seconded the motion; motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 4:42 p.m. 

https://www.peru.il.us/government/agendas-and-minutes/minutes/public-works-committee-minutes/public-works-committee-minutes-2025/6897-public-works-committee-minutes-04-14-25/file