Peru Committee of the Whole met Monday, Dec. 12.
Here are the minutes as provided by Peru:
COMMITTEE OF A WHOLE MEETING DECEMBER 12, 2016
A Committee Of A Whole meeting was called to order by City Clerk Dave Bartley in the Peru City Council Chambers on Monday, December 12, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.
City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke, Sapienza and Ballard present; Alderman Payton absent; Mayor Harl present. Alderman Ferrari arrived at 6:40 p.m.
MINUTES
City Clerk Dave Bartley presented the Committee Of A Whole Minutes of November 28, 2016. Alderman Waldorf made a motion that the minutes be received and placed on file. Alderman Potthoff seconded the motion; motion carried.
PRESENTATION
FINANCE AND SAFETY SERVICES COMMITTEE
Alderman Potthoff initiated a discussion of the façade program. Finance Officer Justin Miller reported $33,000 of the budgeted $50,000 for FY 17 is available. Alderman Potthoff proposed options for the remaining $33,000 including raising the amount of reimbursed funds. Alderman Potthoff noted the Westclox building as an example, and their multiple addresses and large scale need for façade improvements such as windows. Alderman Waldorf confirmed Peoria Street is included. Alderman Radtke suggested matching 50% up to $15,000-$25,000. Alderman
Potthoff noted the downtown TIF will eventually fund the program. Finance Officer Justin Miller proposed reducing the demolition budget by $50,000 in order to increase the façade program to $100,000.
Alderman Potthoff initiated a discussion of how to convert the former $81,000 from the DCEO revolving loan program to a grant program. Alderman Potthoff suggested the following:
· Downtown
· Sales tax/jobs
· No chains
· $15,000-$20,000 per new business
· Minimum capital commitment
Assistant Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert suggested tying the funds to job creation. Alderman Waldorf stated he would be supportive of giving up total amount of $81,000 for the proposed distillery. Economic Development Director Bob Vickery suggested not taking out chain stores. The Committee proposed $21,000 to the proposed distillery and the remaining $60,000 split into $20,000 blocks.
· Job creation
· Minimal capital investment to be considered sales tax
· Sales tax generation
Finance Officer Justin Miller reported on the budget process with prioritizing projects and early bid estimates.
City Engineer Eric Carls reported on a FEMA mandated environmental study prior to the awarding of the flood wall project which will result in a nine month delay. Engineer Carls noted that while the nine month delay is significant,
the overall grant benefit is big, $75% of $370,000 to $470,000.
Alderman Potthoff reported on the abatement of G.O. Bonds ($1.75 million) ordinance for calendar year 2017.
Alderman Potthoff noted if they are not abated the funds would go onto residents property tax bills.
Alderman Radtke noted the reduction of the IMRF employer contribution by 2%.
PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE
Alderman Waldorf recommended filling the part-time receptionist vacancy and there were no objections.
Alderman Potthoff noted for the record that POJO LLC will be demolishing the former Econolodge at no cost to the City.
PUBLIC COMMENT
CLOSED SESSION
Alderman Waldorf made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Alderman Potthoff seconded the motion and motion carried. Meeting adjourned 6:50 p.m.
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