Illinois Valley Times

City of Peru City Council met April 21

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, April 21, 2025, at 7:30 P.M. (2nd Meeting).

City Clerk Jamey Mertel called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno present. Mayor Kolowski present.

FINANCE AND SAFETY COMMITTEE

Alderman Sapienza presented the following disbursements for payment on April 23, 2025:

FUND NAME TOTAL EXPENSES

General Fund $461,047.84

Garbage Fund 2,785.52

TIF Funds 28,894.00

Utility Fund 1,776,579.00

Landfill Fund 8,417.90

Airport Fund 14,397.99

Total $2,292,212.25

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 Mertel called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye. Motion carried.

PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE

Parks and Recreation Board Member and Summer Camp Director Seth Brannan addressed the council regarding the Peru Recreation Summer Camps and thanked the City of Peru, along with the community for the support over the past years. Mr. Brannan noted the camps are a fantastic opportunity for our area kids.

Mr. Brannan also reported that his great group of camp leaders continue to make the program successful.

Mr. Brannan then provided an overview of the camps provided:

• 5- 6 week camps that run June 9-26; off the week of 4th of July; then resume July 7-24

• 43 weekly camps

• 910 signups in 2024 with 400 different people with kids from all over the area. 82% of slots filled

• Noted majority of camps are free to Peru residents; $20 non-resident fee

• Sign up will be available on May 1st

Mr. Brannan announced the addition of the following camps:

• Let the Games Begin! Grades 3rd-5th

• Camp Can-Do! Grades 1st-4th

• Camp Can-Do! Grades 5th-8th

• Wilderness Survival Skills-Grades 6th-8th

• Bowling-Middle School & High School sessions

• Around the World in 5 Days-Grades K-2nd

• Global Street Art-Grades 6th-8th

Alderman Sapienza asked if there were camps for adults. Mr. Brannan reported that most camps are geared toward the K-8 demographic but there are a couple camps for high school students and pickleball is open to all.

Alderman Sapienza asked Mr. Brannan how he coordinates the camps. Mr. Brannan stated that being an educator gives him a lot of options for networking.

Alderman Edgcomb thanked Mr. Brannan for his efforts and work on the Parks board.

Alderman Lukosus reported on numerous positive comments and the fantastic job he does with the camps.

Adam Thorson, Director of Parks, Recreation and Special Events, reported that Mr. Brannan also runs the splash pad.

Alderman Edgcomb inquired about work at Washington Park. Eric Carls, Director of Engineering and Zoning reported that the work being performed at Washington Park is part of Contract 2 of the OSLAD grant (includes recreational paths, along with playground and exercise equipment). Mr. Carls reported it includes all base work for exercise equipment and an obstacle course by the ice rink.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Alderman Ballard made a motion to approve 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). Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion. Eric Carls, Director of Engineering and Zoning reported this is a capital, IEPA mandated project. Clerk Mertel 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 concur with the award of the ITEP Project, Rte. 251 Bridge and Shared Use Path to D Construction. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion. Eric Carls, Director of Engineering and Zoning reported D Construction was the only bidder for the project and can in approximately 6% over the Engineer Estimate. Clerk Mertel 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 approve quote from Putnam County Painting in the amount of $16,890 for frost vent replacement. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion. Clerk Mertel 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 approve Rte. 6 Water Main change order requests from D Construction in the amount of $112,436.92. Alderman Ballard seconded the motion. Eric Carls, Director of Engineering reported on the number of unforeseen issues during the progress of the project. Mr. Carls stated the majority of the change orders are due to sanitary sewer repairs and collapses. Mr. Carls also the state is continuing with trench repairs and patching, followed by milling and paving the streets. Mr. Carls reported all that will be left are punch list items, followed by IDOT permit for restoration. Mr. Carls stated he expects the project to be wrapped up sometime in May. Clerk Mertel 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 purchase of one complete Light pole and fixtures, 62 replacement brackets, and one street side replacement large fixture for $32,935 from Revere Electric. Alderman Moreno seconded the motion. Clerk Mertel called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye. Motion carried.

Alderman Lukosus made motion to authorize Human Resources to seek applicants for the position of Maintenance Operator within the Electric Department. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion. Clerk Mertel 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 the position of Apprentice Lineman within the Electric Department. Alderman Moreno seconded the motion. Clerk Mertel called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye. Motion carried.

REPORT OF CITY ATTOREY/ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:

ORDINACNE NO. 6933

AN ORDINANCE DECLARING SURPLUS REVENUE IN THE PERU DOWNTOWN TIF DISTRICT SPECIAL TAX ALLOCCATION FUND AND AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF THAT SURPLUS REVENUE TO THE LASALLE COUNTY TREASURER FOR DISTRIBUTION TO AFFECTED TAXING DISTRICTS ON A PRO-RATA BASIS FOR TAX YEAR 2023 PAYABLE 2024

Alderman Payton made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion. Clerk Mertel 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:

ORDINACNE NO. 6934

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING DATES AND TIMES OF CITY OF PERU COMMITTEE OF A WHOLE MEETINGS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025

Alderman Edgcomb made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion. Clerk Mertel 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:

ORDINACNE NO. 6935

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING DATES AND TIMES OF CITY OF PERU FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025

Alderman Payton made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion. Clerk Mertel 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:

ORDINACNE NO. 6936

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING DATES AND TIMES OF CITY OF PERU PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025

Alderman Edgcomb made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion. Clerk Mertel 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:

ORDINACNE NO. 6937

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING DATES AND TIMES OF CITY OF PERU PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025

Alderman Lukosus made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion. Clerk Mertel 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:

ORDINACNE NO. 6938

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT FROM JOHN J. RIVA AND JANE A. RIVA (Merdian/Dalzell Road– PIN: 17-07-332-000)

Alderman Lukosus made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Moreno seconded the motion. Eric Carls, Director of Engineering and Zoning reported this easement is in conjunction with the Dalzell water supply agreement. Clerk Mertel 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:

ORDINACNE NO. 6939

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 90 - SOLID WASTE, ARTICLE II. - GARBAGE AND REFUSE, SEC. 90-39. – CHARGES FOR COLLECTION, OF THE CITY OF PERU CODE OF ORDINANCES

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

Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented the minutes of the April 16, 2025, Planning/Zoning Commission hearing on the petition of William Norton concerning property located at 2428 7th Street, Peru, IL. Alderman O’Sadnick made a motion to receive the minutes, place them on file and concur with the recommendation. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion, motion carried.

Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:

ORDINACNE NO. 6940

AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A VARIANCE AS SOUGHT BY THE PETITION OF WILLIAM NORTON CONCERNING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2428 7TH STREET IN THE CITY OF PERU

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

Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented the minutes of the April 16, 2025, Planning/Zoning Commission hearing on the petition of Sharon Glynn concerning property located at 504 Pike 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:

ORDINACNE NO. 6941

AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE AND VARIANCE AS SOUGHT BY THE PETITION OF SHARON GLYNN CONCERNING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 504 PIKE STREET IN THE CITY OF PERU

Alderman Sapienza made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman O’Sadnick seconded the motion. Clerk Mertel 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 resolution entitled:

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-05

RESOLUTION APPOINTING THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT FUND AUHORIZED AGENT FOR THE CITY OF PERU, ILLINOIS (KIM REESE)

Alderman Payton made a motion the resolution be adopted as written and read. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion. Clerk Mertel 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 resolution entitled:

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-06

RESOLUTION APPROVING AND CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF POLICE CHIEF (SARAH RAYMOND)

Alderman Payton made a motion the resolution be adopted as written and read. Alderman Edgcomb seconded the motion. Clerk Mertel 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 resolution entitled:

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-07

RESOLUTION APPROVING AND CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF FIRE CHIEF AND FIRE MARSHAL (JEFF KING)

Alderman Edgcomb made a motion the resolution be adopted as written and read. Alderman Moreno seconded the motion. Clerk Mertel 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 resolution entitled:

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-08

RESOLUTION APPROVING AND CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF CORPORATION COUNSEL (SCOTT SCHWEICKERT)

Alderman Moreno made a motion the resolution be adopted as written and read. Alderman Edgcomb seconded the motion. Clerk Mertel 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 resolution entitled:

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-09

RESOLUTION APPROVING AND CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY MUNICIPAL CLERKS (STEPHANIE PISCIA AND TRINA STEVENS)

Alderman Payton made a motion the resolution be adopted as written and read. Alderman Edgcomb seconded the motion. Clerk Mertel 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 resolution entitled:

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-10

RESOLUTION APPROVING AND CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF A BUDGET OFFICER (TRACY MITCHELL)

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

PROCLAMATIONS

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Eric Carls, Director of Engineering and Zoning informed the council of the decision to reject the Well No. 9 bid and accept the second bid received and asked to accept bid from Great Lakes Water in the amount of $216,110.00 at the May 5, 2025, Regular Meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

MAYOR’S NOTES

Mayor Kolowski welcomed the newly elected City Clerk, Jamey Mertel to the city.

Mayor Kolowski noted the newly erected cemetery wall is complete and looks very nice.

Mayor Kolowski commended POC Fireman Kendra King for graduating from EMT school.

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 8:08 p.m.

https://www.peru.il.us/government/agendas-and-minutes/minutes/regular-council-meeting/regular-meeting-minutes-2025/6901-regular-meeting-minutes-04-21-25-2nd-meeting/file