Illinois Valley Times

City of Peru City Council met June 16

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, June 16, 2025, at 7:00 P.M.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

PRESENTATION

Tim Trevier and Rob Ruppert of Senior League Central Region (Central States) addressed the council regarding the annual central states tournament and requested $5,000 donation.

Cary Miller provided a recap of the 2025 TBM Avenger and Salute to Veterans event and thanked Alderman Payton for connecting with Illinois Valley Auto Group with suppling SUV’s for pilots and shuttles for spectators, along with Jeff Perry for supplying cars. Mr. Miller reported they sold over $30,000 in merchandise. Mr. Miller stated they are looking for the younger generation to help keep the event going.

Mr. Miller also thanked Chris Perra and everyone in the City of Peru for their help.

Mayor Kolowski thanked Mr. Miller and his team for everything they do to make the event happen.

Alderman Lukosus thanked Mr. Miller for everything he has done for the event over the past few years.

MINUTES/FINANCIAL REPORTS/ACTIVITY REPORTS

Mayor Kolowski presented the Regular Minutes of June 2, 2025, Peru Police Department Monthly Report for May 2025, and Peru Volunteer Ambulance Service Activity Report for March 2025. Alderman Payton made a motion the minutes be received and placed on file. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion; motion carried.

FINANCE AND SAFETY COMMITTEE

Alderman Sapienza presented the following disbursements for payment on June 18, 2025:

FUND NAME TOTAL EXPENSES

General Fund $1,132,539.27

Midwest Industrial Nexus TIF 4,923.00

Utility Fund 2,468,773.88

Landfill Fund 6,408.12

Airport Fund 5,773.57

Total $3,618,417.84

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

Alderman Payton made a motion to approve proposal from J&M Displays in the amount of $40,000 for July 3rd. 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.

Alderman Edgcomb made a motion to approve hiring replacement for patrol position. 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.

PSM/Fire Chief Jeff King reported on ISO audit for Fire Department.

PSM/Chief King reported on putting a dumpster at boat launch.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Alderman Ballard made a motion to award bid for the demolition of 1410 8th Street to Illinois Valley Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $14,500.00 and alternate bid of $3,950.00 for topsoil removal and replacement with compacted aggregate (CA-6). 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 Moreno made a motion to approve the purchase of a 60’ aerial lift platform for $227,435.00 from Custom Truck One Source. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion. Electric Operations Manager Kevin Minnick reported this would replace a 20-year-old bucket truck and would be delivered quickly. 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 approve the purchase of a skid steer loader with multiple attachments for $178,930. Alderman Payton seconded the motion. Electric Operations Manager Kevin Minnick reported the skid loader would come with a shredder attachment and auger attachment. Clerk Mertel called the roll with Aldermen Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye.

Alderman Ballard abstained. Motion carried.

Eric Carls, Director of Engineering and Zoning addressed capital projects as discussed during the FY26 budget hearing on June 9th. Mr. Carls defended a large, budgeted amount of money for capital improvement projects, saying the city risks becoming a non-progressive community without carrying out these projects.

Mr. Carls says his office isn't just carelessly throwing projects in front of the council. Mr. Carls says capital improvement projects in his budget are very strategic.

REPORT OF CITY ATTOREY/ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented the minutes of the June 11, 2025, Planning and Zoning Commission hearing on the petition of William and Shirley Janz concerning property located at 1304 Fulton 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. Clerk Mertel called the roll with Aldermen Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye.

Alderman Ballard abstained. Motion carried.

Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:

ORDINANCE NO. 6952

AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE AND VARIANCE AS SOUGHT BY THE PETITION OF WILLIAM AND SHIRLEY JANZ CONCERING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1304 FULTON 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 presented the minutes of the June 11, 2025, Planning and Zoning Commission hearing on the petition of the City of Peru concerning real estate commonly known as Halm Farm generally located north of May Road and east of Illinois Route 251 in the City of Peru, IL. Alderman Payton made a motion the minutes be received, placed on file and concur with the recommendation. Alderman Edgcomb seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert presented a proposed ordinance entitled:

ORDINANCE NO. 6953

AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE AND VARIANCES AS SOUGHT BY THE PETITION OF THE CITY OF PERU CONCERNING CERTAIN REAL ESTATE COMMONLY KNOWN AS “HALM FARM” GENERALLY LOCATED NORTH OF MAY ROAD AND EAST OF ILLINOIS ROUTE 251 IN THE CITY OF PERU (PINs: 11-33-315-000 & 11-33-401-000 | 73.125± Acres)

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:

ORDINANCE NO. 6954

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE CITY OF PERU FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 BEGINNING MAY 1, 2024, AND ENDING APRIL 30, 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:

ORDINANCE NO. 6955

AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE CITY OF PERU’S ANNUAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 BEGINNING MAY 1, 2025, AND ENDING APRIL 30, 2026

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:

ORDINANCE NO. 6956

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT FROM 2930 MERIDIAN, LLC (2930 Merdian Road, Peru – PIN: 17-06-301-000)

Alderman Moreno made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Lukosus 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:

ORDINANCE NO. 6957

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT FROM DAVID J. SICKLEY, AS TRUSTEE OF THE DAVID J. SICKLEY TRUST

(Merdian/Dalzell Road, Peru – PIN: 17-06-110-003)

Alderman Lukosus made a motion the ordinance 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 ordinance entitled:

ORDINANCE NO. 6958

AN ORDINANCE CONSENTING TO THE DISCONNECTION OF CERTAIN TERRITORY CONSISTING OF 0.131± ACRES FROM THE CITY OF PERU AND ITS ANNEXATION TO THE CITY OF LASALLE PURSUANT TO 65 ILCS 5/7-1-24 (3350 Airport Road - Part of PIN 17-09-201-000)

Alderman Tieman made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Payton 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. 2025-11

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SIGNATURE AUTHORITY FOR AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION (EDA) GRANT PROGRAM-CITY OF PERU

Alderman Lukosus 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.

PROCLAMATIONS

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

Alderman Edgcomb made a motion to appoint Chris Vaske to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners.

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 commended Clerk Mertel for his quick grasp of handling the clerk position.

PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Clerk Mertel presented a communication from Chuck Studer requesting permission to close off 26th Street from Marquette Road to Prospect Street from 2pm-10pm on July 12th for a neighborhood block party. Alderman Edgcomb made a motion the communication be received, placed on file and permission granted. Alderman Tieman seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Clerk Mertel presented a communication from Merry Noonan to close 5th Street (adjacent to Lou’s LaGratto’s) for a DREAMWAVE Wrestling event on July 12th from 4pm-7pm. Alderman Moreno made a motion the communication be received, placed on file and permission granted. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Clerk Mertel presented a petition from the Illinois Valley Food Pantry seeking a text amendment, special use, variances for the property located at 4133 Progress Blvd. Alderman Payton made a motion the petition be received, placed on file and referred to the Planning/Zoning Commission for review and recommendation. Alderman Edgcomb seconded the motion. Motion carried.

MAYOR’S NOTES

Mayor Kolowski thanked the Boy Scout Troop 123 and the Peru Veterans Memorial Group for the retirement of flags during the Flag Day ceremony on Saturday.

Mayor Kolowski reported the Peru CSO will have a cookout for the first responders on Tuesday.

Police Chief Sarah Raymond reported on the Stone Jug Barbeque fundraiser supporting the Peru Police Department Junior Police Academy.

PUBLIC COMMENT

CLOSED SESSION

Alderman Payton 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. 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.

Closed session began at 8:16 p.m. and ended at 8:29 p.m.

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

ADJOURNMENT

Alderman Edgcomb made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Alderman Payton seconded the motion and motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p.m.

https://www.peru.il.us/government/agendas-and-minutes/minutes/regular-council-meeting/regular-meeting-minutes-2025/6959-regular-meeting-minutes-06-16-25/file