04/10/2012 Meeting, City Hall
The meeting was called to order at 6:32 pm by Bryan Hartman, President. Board members in attendance were, Bryan Hartman, Janice Grabowski, Ray Zborowski, Ron Kelsey, Tom Stuart, along with Lynda Kasik, Recreation Director. Absent was John Deisbeck.
Guests in attendance were Mayor Scott Harl, Alderman Bob Ankiewicz, Jim Grabowski, representing the Pickleball Ambassadors, Larry Weide, Matt Lamps and Ron Keeney. The Recreation Commission was informed by Mayor Harl that Mr. Weide, Mr. Lamps and Mr. Keeney have all sent applications or letters of interest to him requesting placement on the Peru Recreation Commission filling the vacancy from the recent resignation of Barbara Pyszka. The three candidates were present to observe our meeting at the request of Mayor Harl.
Speakers: Bryan introduced Jim Grabowski as a Representative of the newly formed Pickleball Ambassador’s Club. Jim proceeded to update the Commission and guests of his progress since he last addressed our Commission on 1/10/12. At that meeting the Commission authorized Mr. Grabowski to initiate a Pickleball program in Peru and to order supplies necessary to conduct clinics and leagues. The equipment was ordered on 3/14/12 (invoice here filed). The cost for the equipment was invoiced at $1224.00. The Peru Recreation Commission issued a check to PickleballPaddlesPlus.com for $1224.00 on March 28, 2012 (5 Nets $725./ 20 Paddles $359./ 6 dozen Balls $140./ Total $1224.00.) Mr. Grabowski took delivery of the equipment on March 21, 2012 and, following the direction of the Commission, set up the portable Pickleball nets and experimented with tension, playability and proximity of net play. To fulfill his promise to the Commission to promote Pickleball, along with donating his time to run the initial clinics, a flyer was approved and placed on the City’s website. Also, the Recreation phone has an informational announcement for Pickleball. Jim provided his credentials for coaching/conducting the Pickleball clinics (here filed). He also announced that the Pickleball clinics will not begin until the resurfacing project is complete. The Commission was informed by U.S. Tennis Court Construction Co. that they require 8 straight days of temperatures not dipping below 50 degrees to apply their resurfacing product. Jim then provided the Commission with diagrams for placing 4 Pickleball Courts on one tennis court. On Monday, 4/9/12, U.S. Tennis Court Construction Co was in Peru preparing the courts for resurfacing. They assured our Commission that there would be no problem placing four Pickleball courts on the tennis court at 28th Street Park.
Bryan then led a discussion on converting the 28th Street Park tennis court to four Pickleball courts and striping it accordingly. The portable Pickleball nets would then remain up permanently and be welded or fastened with cables to the existing fence. This would allow Citizens to play anytime without having to assemble or store the nets. If the program is not successful after three years the court could be converted back to a tennis court. After weighing the pros and cons Ray made a motion to convert the 28th Street Park Tennis Court to four Pickleball courts, seconded by Ron, motion unanimously approved. Jim Grabowski then completed his presentation by stating that he spoke to numerous Pickleball Ambassadors from Illinois, Michigan, and Arizona, who informed him that these Ambassador Groups travel within their communities setting up Pickleball clinics and leagues. They all feel the success of a Pickleball program lies in giving free introductory lessons/clinics. They travel with their own Paddles and Balls for participants to use free of charge. They do all of the organization and promotion. Jim presented Bryan Hartman with a check for $500 representing the Pickleball Ambassador’s Club to purchase the 20 new Paddles and 6 dozen new Balls. Jim explained this would enable his volunteers to run clinics and leagues. He explained it would eliminate the cost of a storage box, possible theft of the equipment, and confusion over managing and distributing the equipment. Following discussion a motion was made by Tom Stuart to accept the Pickleball Ambassador’s Clubs offer to purchase the new paddles and balls for $500, funds to be deposited into the Recreation Fund Account. Motion was seconded by Ray and unanimously approved.
Minutes from the March 13, 2012 meeting were read by Janice Grabowski, and unanimously approved. Treausrer’s Report – Both February and March’s statements were reviewed. Balance available 3/31/12 $52,738.45 versus $6043.09 on 3/31/2011. Treasury reports approved. Communications – there were no new communications.
Lynda Kasik presented the Summer Rec brochure to proof. A few typographical errors were found and corrected. Brochure will be distributed with the April utility bills. Lynda announced that The Lorax (Movie in the Park selection) will not be available until August. Therefore, our second Choice of Toy Story 3 was selected. Lynda announced Run/Walk for the Rec will be held August 25, 2012 at 8:00 am. She is in the process of mailing out letters soliciting sponsors. Old Business: Ray announced, with the assistance of Gary Bleck, a truck load of black dirt was delivered to Baker Lake Soccer Fields for fill. This was requested by the Illinois Valley Youth Soccer League (IVYSL). Larry Weide, IVYSL officer, and a few other volunteers spread the dirt and at their own expense planted grass seed and fertilized. Larry stated if we don’t get rain soon it will need to be watered. Alderman Ankiewicz directed Larry to contact Mike Watts who has a watering wagon. Also, Larry is investigating safety bumpers for the adult Men’s Soccer Leagues goals, which the Recreation Commission will purchase. He will email information to Janice.
New Business Ray presented a Concept Plan for the City of Peru Veterans Park Softball/Baseball/Soccer Fields. Multiple items on the plan were discussed, including a new road, a north parking lot and investigating a right of way easement to the North for another potential road where currently there is a barb wire fence. Ray will pursue with the help of the City who owns that property and begin discussion with the land owner. Ray would like placed on the November 2012 agenda discussion of a White Sox Camp to be held summer 2013. Ron led a discussion on the July 3rd’s firework display. The cost will be $20,000. Ron presented three bids; Melrose Pyrotechnics, JM Displays, and Extreme Pyrotechnics. The Total Shell count respectively for the three bids is 2967, 2146, and 5162. Extreme Pyrotechnics submitted their bid but stated in a letter that they were not available on 7/3/12. Ron, also, contacted Ace Pyrotechnics twice, but they did not bid the job. Ron asked the Commission to move on a decision immediately to secure a vendor. After discussion Janice made a motion to hire Melrose Pyrotechnics for the 7/3/12 Fireworks display (rain date being 7/4/12). Motion was second by Tom and unanimously approved. Ron will manage details. Lastly, Bryan asked all Commission members to visit McKinley Park before the next meeting and be prepared to discuss what playground equipment should be replaced. Commission member Janice Grabowski made a motion to go into closed session. Pursuant to 5ILCS 120/2(c)(5) to discuss the employment and compensation of 2012 summer Recreation employees and the Recreation Director’s salary. Ray Zborowski seconded the motion. President, Bryan Hartman call the roll with Commission members, Grabowski, Stuart, Kelsey and Zborowski voting aye; John Deisbeck absent; motion carried.
The Peru Recreation Commission executive session was called to order by President Bryan Hartman in the Peru City Council Chambers on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 8:30 p.m. President Bryan Hartman called the roll with Commission Members Grabowski, Stuart, Kelsey and Zborowski present. Janice initiated a discussion on compensation for new and returning Recreation employees. Ray Zborowski made a motion to end closed session. Ron Kelsey seconded the motion. Motion carried. Closed session adjourned at 8:52pm. Respectfully submitted,
Janice Grabowski, Secretary
46 comments:
This is a group of UNELECTED residents of Peru who are put on this committee by the Mayor for life or whenever they tire of it.
If you think that your aldermen are in control of public property in this town and that changes are voted upon by the city council. You are wrong.
As you can see by the minutes of the committee, they can just take a piece of property used by many residents around the 28th Street Park and throw out all the people who place tennis because someone on the committee wants to convert it to a pickleball court. And the commission has agreed to do exactly this.
If you are one of the tennis players or know someone who does, please contact your alderman, either Ald. Mike Radtke or Ald. Tony Ferrari and lodge your complaint with them.
The city parks do not belong to a few people and decisions in how they are used should not be made by a few on a committee. At the very least it should be sent to the full council for a vote by an elected council member.
And you can also call Mayor Harl with your thoughts.
Something makes me wonder about the fireworks display, which has proven to be controversial before. Obviously they waited until the last minute to send out the bids, however the shell counts seem to speak for themselves. For the same amount of money, we could've had more than double the amount of fireworks?
How could the recreation department approve a bid for that amount? Lois-doesn't anything $20,000.00 need council approval?
A little overkill with the pickelball supplies?
Astounding! A committee and the only committee in Peru city government which is granted $75,000.00 per year and does not answer to the city council as to what it does with this $75,000 or existing park equipment. Has this sum of $75,000 been created because normal park maintenance such as tree trimming or cutting down of trees and stump removal,planting of grass is to be paid out of it?
What is the $75,000 to be used for and why is the Park Commission discussing the employment and compensation the summer help and the Recreation Directors Salary. Being a Home Rule government shouldn't the Alderman Committees and the city council do this?
I don't remember voting for a Park Commission members in any election, just Mayor, City Clerk, Treasurer and a city council member every 2 years. I was informed today that that election is less than a year away. Overall how have things been going the last three years in regards to the way the city has been managed?
Wouldn't it be great if that lady treasurer from Dixon would come down with her millions to help us out. She would get a lot of votes in Peru.
Why would you take a perfectly good tennis court that is used daily and turn it into Pickleball courts? I've been informed that the tennis courts at Sunset park are rarely used. Why not turn them into Pickleball courts? And, I've read in the minutes of the rec commission's meeting that pickleball equipment was purchased with our tax dollar but I still don't see how we get access to it. Do citizens get to use it only when the ambassador or his volunteers are holding clinics at their convenience? I personally think this is something that should be at least presented to full council and discussed before final decisions are made by certain individuals.
I would like to see their training certificates for the open meetings act training. They went into closed session to discuss the compensation for the "Summer Recreation Employees." It is my understanding that to go into closed session, they must be discussing a specifice the compensation for a specific employee or for union negotiations.
(c) Exceptions. A public body may hold closed meetings to consider the following subjects:
(1) The appointment, employment, compensation,
discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity.
(2) Collective negotiating matters between the public
body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees.
oops.. I just read paragraph two again. It looks like if the temp employees are considered a "class" of employee, I suppose they can discuss the compensation in closed session.
I just hope some of our aldermen read the minutes of these meetings and question whether or not this is a good move (eliminating a tennis court). I also hope they do something before the process and change is already over and done with.
Reading through the minutes once again as it takes several times to get all that information digested.
Last summer Ald. Perez talked with Extreme Pyrotechnics as well as others when a possibility existed of having a small family oriented fireworks display at Baker Lake. I believe that the company urged the city to ask for bids early for any display as their dates fill up quickly. The Recreation Commission has been aware of this all year long and it makes me believe they had a deal with Melrose all along and did not need to worry about the date not being open.
Think about it, you own a pyrotechnic company and July 4 is always your big event or even July 3 in the case of cities like Peru. Would you be keeping those dates open hoping that Peru might take your bid or would you fill your calendar as soon as possible. My question is that if Melrose was not sure of getting the job of doing Peru's fireworks, why was July 3 kept open. This does smell, it seems.
Its my understanding that $20,000 and above must get city council approval...Ron Kelsey would not be authorized to make a purchase of this amount on behalf of the city, What happened to being careful with OUR money this committee is a total waste of taxpayers money and should be disbanded. Recreation is not a government operation. Brian or Lois how can we disband and dissolve this wasteful part of our government? Also, I urge everyone to make their voices heard on government spending and abuse of power with committees like the 911 board and the recreation. These are not elected positions. The current 911 board in Peru spends money like has an unlimited supply of money.
Doesn't anyone on the rec commission realize that by converting a tennis court to a pickleball court you have limited it's use to ONLY PICKLEBALL SUPPORTERS AND PLAYERS? If left as a tennis court - both tennis players and pickleball players could utilize the facility. Let's leave our parks benefecial to many, not just a select group!
I have no problem with residents wanting to use the tennis court for a pickle ball game, but to do it permanently is a big mistake. That court will sit idle all day until the ambassadors come with the equipment three days a week at six o'clock. And to say you are going to do this for three years OMG. Resurface and stripe it for both so everyone can use the court. Aldermen Ferrari and Radtke please do something!
9:01 and you have to go speak with the ambassador to get the equipement you need to play the game. What if Mr.Pickel is not home how do you get the jar of pickels to play the game?
When is the dog park replacing Washington Park?
6-7 years ago neighborhood boys were playing baseball with a stick on that tennis court! A neighbor was mad because the tennis ball was going over the fence and into his yard. The boys were doing nothing wrong. If I remember the city was going to put a sign, only for tennis. NEIGHBORS and PARENTS went to council meeting and spoke!!!!!!! Look at minutes of that meeting!! Who remembers this????? It's a tennis court!!!!!!
Just a random question, how many other tennis courts are in the area compared to pickleball courts?
I remember it perfectly l:38 and you are exactly right on what happened. I will also remind you that Mr. Grabowski was the individual who collected signatures in the neighborhood when he wanted that tennis court! Anyone remember that?
That is right 1:38, it is a tennis court. Time to start rounding up those neighbors and parents!
Does Mr. Pickle have a dog?
4:00 PM
Maybe a better question is How many tennis players are there compared to pickle ball players? Just a thought.
The 28 th street park is the most used tennis court. Sunset Park has seldom used tennis courts, where should the pickle ball courts be now that you know that.
Why do we even have to have permanent pickle ball courts? The nets, according to pickle ball regulations, are supposed to be portable. I personally believe they want to permanently attach the nets because they purchased the equipment before they thought of a way to make it accessible to the general public. This is the only way they can think of so at least the nets are available for everyone (not just the pickleball club members)to use. They still haven't figured out how you or I can obtain the use of the paddles and balls our tax dollar paid for. As of right now it looks as though they will only be available when the ambassador and his volunteers hold clinics (Tues., Thurs., Sun.)
sunset park is not in the "right" neighborhood. You can tell it is for the "low rent" people by the way the city "maintains" it.
Would one think that there are a lot more tennis courts than pickle ball courts because tennis has been a popular sport for over 100 years and pickle ball started to climb in popularity with the local jet set a couple of months ago. Move over tennis players whomever who knows who just sucked you up with one big whoosh as Ross Perot would say.
Perez for Mayor !!!!!
ANYBODY BUT RODNEy!!!!!!!!
bob
How did this committee go out for bid regarding the fireworks. Upon reading the minutes of this meeting it appears that they contacted several pyrotechnics and asked them how many shells we could get for $20,000. Since I see no other amounts of money listed and I do see several different shell counts I have to assume such. If they wanted a specific shell count then submit that to the various suppliers and ask how much they would charge. And, more importantly why did they wait so long to put this out for bid??? It appears to me and to many others that this committee is taking our tax dollar and not spending it for the betterment of many but for the pleasure of a few. Many feel they are making decisions that full council should be making.
Many towns comparable in size to Peru have recreation committees, however they are generally advisory and are given little if any discretionary spending authority. If $20,000 is our budget for fireworks, it seems logical to contact various pyro companies and say "Ok, this is our budget. What can kind of show can you give us for this amount of money?" Obviously different types of shells cost different amounts, so sheer shell count alone can't be the deciding factor, however, something seems to be way off in the process here. If one company can give us over 5,000 shells and and our chosen company can only give us 2,100 for the same price, I think the City Council needs to look a little deeper into the authority this committee has. The other issue is the tennis/pickleball courts. The committee should be progressive in regards to recreational activities for citizens of our City, however taking the most utilized tennis courts out of circulation is not the answer. Decisions of this magnitude should be voted on by the full city council.
Business Sense, you are right on as usual. All they had to do was question some of the residents that live near the park as to the use of that court. They would have been told that on a daily basis there are people playing tennis. Not only when the weather is nice, but always. Even on some warmer winter days. Not only that there are tennis players receiving instructions. ALL THEY HAD TO DO WAS ASK!
Enough is enough! Little Jimmy has been caught with his hand in the pickle jar and the city reps have made a very, very bad decision. The public has expressed their dissatisfaction on the location chosen for pickle ball courts. Simple solution is to choice a different location. Is the parking lot across the street and behind the Mirror Building ever used, this would be a excellent location and make use of a blacktopped piece of city property which is presently non functional and it is in the middle of town with easy accessibility for all.
thank you for a wonderful alternative venue for pickle ball ANON 6:13
Anon 6:13 great idea and plenty city parking across the street. Does anyone else have a alternate idea?
6:35 PM
My friend suggested the ice skating rink at Veterans Park
Two very good locations that would not be disruptive to any present utilized sites. Any other locations that anyone can think of?
Speaking of Veterans Park when is the original Veterans Park now called Rotary Park going to be spruced up by 20 watts (the city flower guy)? This is a beautiful park and badly needs grass cutting, dandelion elimination, evergreen trimming and planting of flowers. Winter is over and weather has been friendly for two months but the horticulturist is still in hibernation. Last sighting of him on his two feet was
when the car crashed into the swimming pool. He, by the way drove the city truck through the park right next to the pool. Must have been ok since he did it to be next to all the city officials.
I specifically drove by there about 10 days ago when I happened to be in that part of town and was dismayed to see that lovely old park so neglected. I wrote to Ald Mayszak and she replied that the Peru Rotary was taking care of it
If you know any Rotary members maybe they could be approached as to whether this is still their project or not. When I saw it all the lovely little flower beds that overhang the south and east portion of that park were nothing but weed and dandelion beds it was a very sad feeling. Also that wood bench along the west side could use replacing with one of those nice benches from Advantage Logistics. All of those benches will have to be anchored to the ground or they will certainly be in someones back yard.
My husband just called alderman Perez regarding the sickening sight of the park off of West and First street. The besides the 2ft high grass and 3ft high weeds around stationed objects, that park is a disgrace to our community. I guess since that park is near the tracks it's considered the trash side of town.
Reading the open forum leads me to believe there can't be any micromanagement. There needs to be a manager or someone in charge to micromanage and I don't believe there's anyone managing the daily duties of this city. Alderman Perez assured my husband it would be taken care of it's just to bad a call to an alderman had to be made.
ANON 7:28 To the best of my knowledge, if you are referring to weed eating around trees and equipment, that task has not been performed yet this year in any park.
The rec. commission should be broken up and those positions should elected!!this pickle ball idea is another flop by the rec. board!! One individual pushing his own agenda again!! Is Mr. Grabowski related to Ald. Perez?
What parents on a regular basic are going to drive their kids to 28th street park to play pickle all? Not me and I have three children. Pickle ball is a fad! Tennis is not! Older people play tennis and have paid alot of taxes to Peru. Peru, if you cared about our children and community and our assets, it would and should have been a public pool. It's called priorities. The person who I would like to see as peru's mayor is POTTOFF. He seems to have what it takes.
What the hell is pickle ball? Our city if paying for something that 99.9% of the city taxpayers know nothing about. Who knew who in this deal? As for Potthoff being mayor. Probably not. I'm not sure he plays well with others. I've heard too many times that his staff is not fond of him let alone an entire city supporting him. Just look at the votes during the last mayoral election. Not saying we have it great now, but I don't think Pothoff is our answer either. Need to keep looking.
If it's not broke why fix it. Leave tennis court alone. This historical city has ALOT of other issues that needs to be addressed. Just drive around Peru and read blogs and newspaper. 2+2 is always going to be 4!
In a managerial position he/she, to run a business, etc.. Shouldn't be good friends with employees. Employees in many instances don't like to be told what to do by their bosses. The YMCA is a well run facility. Chiefs of any departments shouldn't be bf (best friends) with team members of a department. It's called favoritism. Pottoff has the experience to have this city's department heads be responsible for it's actions. Also, knows finances. All anyone has to do at city council meetings is observe. His brain is working.
Good managers are liked and respected. Not sure he fits in either shoes. Being honest. His constant condesending tones toward his peers is what drove me away from supporting him.
Good managers are respected but not necessarily popular. If you are going to enter a popularity contest run for political office. We have plenty of politicians who never say no or disagree and avoid confrontations in Peru. Thankfully Dave Potthoff is not one of them and I doubt if he ever will be.
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