Township of Peru

The meeting covered several operational updates and financial discussions for the park facilities. Key topics included the announcement that bids for the water park work have been accepted, with a pre-bid meeting scheduled for April 22nd. There were extensive discussions regarding new revenue streams from advertising, specifically on golf carts (decal advertising), scorecard sponsorships, and tee box sponsorships. Updates were provided on golf cart inventory, noting the arrival of 14 new carts, bringing the total to 50, and improvements made to cart barn organization for better access. Furthermore, the board is moving forward with selling beer, having ordered a cooler and awaiting final license approval, noting the current license allows for beer and wine only (a two-way permit). Financial performance updates included current membership numbers (82 members) and total revenue from memberships and annual cart rentals, estimated around $76,220, excluding daily cart fees. An action item for the next meeting is to provide a total revenue figure for all sponsorships.

Key discussions during the meeting included the suspension of the reading of previous minutes and the approval of claims totaling $219,919.42. The board also accepted the regular payroll for the week of April 23rd and the monthly payroll for April 30th, along with the pension payroll for April 30th. New business involved opening fireworks bids, which resulted in the award of a $10,000 contract to Foreman Blasters Pyrotechnics LLC for the July 4th event. A request from Peru Glass and Screen incorporated for road closures on Canal Street and Hood Street for a customer appreciation cruise-in event on July 31st was approved, along with a contingency date of May 15th for a block party request on East 5th Street. The agenda was amended to officially accept Dylan Commons into the Indiana Public Retirement System and acknowledge his swearing-in as an officer. The City Attorney provided an update on property matters concerning George Ofsquid's properties.

The Downtown Revitalization Plan for The City of Peru, Indiana, serves as a comprehensive roadmap for the next five to ten years, guiding urban planning, development, and decision-making to prepare for future funding opportunities. Its core vision is to preserve Peru's safe, walkable, small-town ambiance while enriching its cultural heritage for residents and visitors through continuous investment in downtown aesthetics and infrastructure. The plan is structured around three strategic goals: Economic Vitality, which focuses on building a diverse economic base, attracting dining and retail, and encouraging residential development; Promotion, aimed at expanding programming and tourism, and making the local identity visible; and Design, which seeks to activate the riverfront, enhance trail connectivity, and invest in essential infrastructure improvements.

The meeting included the Pledge of Allegiance and invocation, followed by the election of the Council President Pro-Tem for 2023, resulting in Peter Sahaidachny's selection. Liaison assignments were reviewed, with modifications made to committee positions. Key committee reports included updates on the Cable Committee, Animal Control, and the successful approval of ambulance grants totaling $182,506. Under Old Business, Ordinance 34-2022, which increased the monthly trash collection fee from $15.00 to $20.00 to cover increased sanitation department expenses including salaries, was adopted. Ordinance 35-2022 was also adopted after being removed from the table. New Business saw the adoption of Peru Utilities Service Board Resolution 5-22, establishing salaries for elected officials and Utility Service Board Members for 2023, and the adoption of Ordinances 1-2023, 2-2023, and 3-2023, establishing non-reverting opioid settlement funds and a zoning change, respectively. A request for $40,000 for Municipal Golf Course irrigation system repairs was deferred pending a detailed list of required parts and supplies. Communications addressed concerns regarding emissions testing near the former Schneider Electric facility.

Prior to the regular session, a special public meeting was held regarding TIF for Wabash River Equities LLC and a hearing was conducted regarding raising the trash fee. A subsequent public hearing was held concerning additional appropriations for the Golf Course. During the regular session, the Council addressed several new business items, including the reappointment of Mary Costin to the Peru Utility Service Board. The Council approved the annual update of the Title VI Implementation Plan for 2023. Additionally, Resolution No. 16-2022 regarding additional appropriations was considered and adopted, and Resolution December 17-2022, establishing a rate tracking factor for the municipal electric utility, was also approved. A motion to consider Ordinance No. 30, 2022, authorizing an agreement with Wabash River Equities LLC, failed upon final vote. Ordinances #34-2022 and #35-2022 were both tabled for the next meeting. Councilwoman Plothow requested a continued financial report on PFD Station #2, which was followed by communications from Peru Utilities regarding testing being done around the city.