Illinois Valley Times

City of Peru City Council met June 30

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 30, 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

Mary Jo Credi and Pete Lawniczak of the Illinois Valley Food Pantry addressed the council regarding their move to 4133 Progress Boulevard

Mr Lawniczak thanked Eureka Savings Bank, Peru Federal, Hometown National Bank, LaSalle State Bank, Heartland Bank, Central Bank, Spring Valley City Bank for their support.

Ms. Credi reported the pantry serves 750 families a month and has a $750,000 fundraising goal. Ms. Credi stated that any club or school is welcome to help with the move.

Clerk Mertel stated the clerks office will be taking donations in August for the food pantry and welcomed the Illinois Valley Food Pantry to the City.

MINUTES/FINANCIAL REPORTS/ACTIVITY REPORTS

Mayor Kolowski presented the Regular Minutes of June 16, 2025, and Treasurer’s Report for May 2025.

Alderman Payton made a motion the minutes be received and placed on file. Alderman Edgcomb seconded the motion; motion carried.

FINANCE AND SAFETY COMMITTEE

Alderman Sapienza presented the following disbursements for payment on July 2, 2025:

FUND NAME TOTAL EXPENSES

General Fund $642,690.98

Insurance Fund 147,108.02

MVP TIF 84,100.00

Garbage Fund 81,451.20

Utility Fund 466,906.88

Airport Fund 385.55

Total $1,422,642.63

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.

Alderman Ballard made a motion to approve from Dimond Bros. Insurance, with National Fire Insurance Company of Hartford, for Boiler and Machinery coverage, in the amount of $95,857.00. 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 Tieman made a motion to approve $500.00 donation to Horizon House Road to Independence Campaign. 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 Payton made a motion to approve the following CD reinvestments/renewals:

• LaSalle State Bank $482,458.53 6-month renewal at 3.95% General Fund Reserves

• Bank of NY Mellon $240,000 9-month reinvestment at 4.25% Utility Fund Operating Reserve

• Bank of America $240,000 1-year reinvestment at 4.25% Utility Fund Operating Reserve

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 O’Sadnick made a motion to authorize purchase of Model 200 Zamboni in amount of $17,450.00 from Zamboni for Washington Park Ice Rink. 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.

Alderman Tieman made a motion to approve quote from 25/8 Xtreme in amount of $31,911.00 for Taste of IV Fun Zone - offset by event sponsor funds. Alderman O’Sadnick seconded the motion. Adam Thorson, Director of Parks, Recreation and Special Events reported the city has received $30,750 in sponsorship funds. Clerk Mertel called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye. Motion carried.

Alderman Sapienza initiated a discussion regarding creating a committee to address eBikes and state law to create regulations for City of Peru. Alderman Sapienza expressed his concern regarding several instances and feels the city needs to address the situation and properly educate the citizens on the operation of eBikes.

Alderman Sapienza stated that parents are purchasing eBikes for their children and proper education is a must. Alderman Sapienza stated he would like to see a small committee formed to discuss rules and regulations. Alderman Edgcomb stated he would prefer to discuss further at the next Committee of A Whole meeting before forming a committee, to promote responsibility and consequences. Alderman Edgcomb stated he wanted to give the city attourney time to review the requirements of a sub committee and reminded the council it needs to abide by the Open Meetings Act requiring posting of agendas and recording of minutes. Alderman Sapienza stated he welcomes the open meetings.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Alderman Ballard made a motion to approve the purchase of a Model 335V for PowerMaster 3 Series meter load tester for $14,695.00 from Powermetrix. 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.

Alderman Moreno made a motion to approve feasibility study proposal from The Sports Facilities Companies, in the amount of $58,500.00 for the proposed City Center & Regional Sports Complex. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion. Eric Carls, Director of Engineering and Zoning reported the company is a good fit for Peru for many strategic reasons and will give an honest review whether or not a sports complex will work or not. Clerk Mertel called the roll with Aldermen Ballard, Tieman, Payton, Edgcomb, Sapienza, O’Sadnick, Lukosus and Moreno voting aye. Motion carried.

Eric Carls, Director of Engineering and Zoning reported that traffic on Plank Road will flip on Tuesday. Alderman Lukosus made motion to hire selected candidate for the position of Maintenance Operator (Step 1) 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:

ORDINANCE NO. 6959

AN ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE ACQUISITION OF ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY FROM CHAPMAN FAMILY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP Plank Road Reconstruction Phase II – PIN: 17-06-410-000(pt)

Alderman Payton made a motion the ordinance be adopted as written and read. Alderman Lukosusseconded 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. 6960

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 6947 RELATING TO COMPENSATION FOR TEMPORARY PART-TIME EMPLOYEES OF THE PARKS, RECREATION, AND SPECIAL EVENTS DEPARTMENT

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.

PROCLAMATIONS

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Mayor Kolowski initiated a discussion regarding the N. Peoria water tower painting and stated he is uncomfortable with the Area 251 design. Alderman Edgcomb responded by stating the text he received from Mayor Kolowski made his position clear. Alderman Lukosus stated that all six aldermen at the  Committee of A Whole meeting on June 23rd were in agreement with the selected Area 251 design and were moving forward. Alderman Moreno stated that nothing has been withheld from the public and has been discussed at prior meetings. Alderman Moreno stated that many think it’s a fantastic idea and will get people off the interstate. Alderman Moreno stated the unique design will draw the attention and keep the city as the Leader of the Valley. Alderman Payton stated the discussion/decision had already been done in the open and the idea is different and has been talked about enough. Alderman Sapienza reminded the council of the Superman picture on Metropolis and that he is 100% behind the Area 251 design. Alderman Sapienza stated that the eight aldermen were elected to use their heads and they have. Alderman O’Sadnick stated he agrees with the other aldermen, and the Area 251 design is unique and fun. Mayor Kolowski asked if Peru would be on the tower. Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert stated Peru will be somewhere on it. Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert stated the lighting for the design has already been approved and ordered. Eric Carls, Director of Engineering and Zoning reported colors will be finalized.

Mayor Kolowski initiated a discussion regarding the replacement of the Baker Lake walking path and that it should move forward as planned. Eric Carls, Director of Engineering and Zoning reported the project must be identified by July 13th and reminded the council it was the recommendation of the committee to move forward. Mr. Carls stated the path will look identical to the path behind Pohar Crossing’s subdivision and other paths done around town. Alderman Payton stated there isn’t money in the FY26 budget for the project and uncomfortable with moving money around the project. Mr. Carls stated he will identify the project and talk to Mertel Gravel about pushing the project back.

NEW BUSINESS

Clerk Mertel reported a notice will go out in the August utility bills informing the residents that the clerks office will collect donations for the Illinois Valley Food Pantry in anticipation of their move to the City of Peru.

PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Clerk Mertel presented a communication from Matt Becker of Stone Jug Barbeque requesting permission to close Schuyler Street between 3rd Street and 4th Street on July 6th for their annual Shrimp Boil event.

Alderman O’Sadnick made a motion the communication be received, placed on file and permission granted. Alderman Sapienza seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Clerk Mertel presented a communication from Riverfront Bar & Grill requesting 1 hour extension of “Day Hours” and the 65 dba sound limit for outdoor music to 11:00 p.m. on July 3, 2025. 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

Adam Thorson, Director of Engineering and Zoning reported the Touch A Truck was a success and had a steady crowd for 3 hours.

Mayor Kolowski stated the First Responder night at the Pistol Shrimp game was a success and recognized CSO Blake Frund for his efforts in coordinating the event.

Mayor Kolowski stated that preparations have been made for the Rock the River, fireworks event and the event begins at 6pm.

PUBLIC COMMENT

CLOSED SESSION

ADJOURNMENT

Alderman Payton made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Alderman Edgcomb seconded the motion and motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:51 p.m.

https://www.peru.il.us/government/agendas-and-minutes/minutes/regular-council-meeting/regular-meeting-minutes-2025/6977-regular-meeting-minutes-06-30-25/file