“It doesn’t take a majority to win, just a tireless minority that will keep starting brush fires in the mind and hearts of their fellow men.”

Samuel Adams

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Another Form of City Government

Council–manager government From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (Redirected from Council-manager government) Jump to: navigation, search The council–manager government form is one of two predominant forms of municipal government in the United States; the other common form of local government is the mayor-council government form, which characteristically occurs in large cities.[1] Council–manager government form also is used in county governments in the United States and the governing body in a county may be called a council, a commission, freeholders, aldermen, and such. The council-manager form also is used for municipal government in Canada and in Ireland, among many other countries, both for city councils and county councils.

Under the council–manager form of government for municipalities, the elected governing body (commonly called a city council, city commission, or board of selectmen) is responsible for the legislative function of the municipality such as establishing policy, passing local ordinances, voting appropriations, and developing an overall vision.[2] County and other types of local government follow the same pattern, with a different title for the governing body members that matches the title of the body.

The legislative body, which is voted into office by public elections, appoints a professional manager to oversee the administrative operations, implement its policies, and advise it. The position of "mayor" present in this type of legislative body is a largely ceremonial title, and may be selected by the council from among its members or elected as an at-large council member with no executive functions.[3]

The city manager position in this form of municipal government is similar to that of corporate chief executive officer (CEO), providing professional management to the board of directors. Council–manager government is much like a publicly-traded corporation.[4] In a corporation, the board of directors appoints a CEO, makes major decisions and wields representative power on behalf of shareholders. In council–manager government, the elected council appoints a city manager, makes major decisions, and wields representative power on behalf of the citizens.

This system of government is used in 40.1% of American cities with populations of 2,500 or more, according to the 2011 Municipal Yearbook published by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA),[5] a professional organization for city managers and other top appointed local government administrators/CAOs.

Cottage Grove moves to make a splash with aquatic upgrade at park | South Washington County Bulletin | Cottage Grove, Minnesota

Cottage Grove moves to make a splash with aquatic upgrade at park | South Washington County Bulletin | Cottage Grove, Minnesota


The city had to close their aging pool and this is what they did and what they found out. Lots of good information here.

Newletter from the City of Peru

The Peru web site has introduced a news letter that includes a listing of events and also important information about burning, chipper service, yard waste etc.

Daycation trips offered by the city. Please click on the link to check it out.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

If You Like Country Great Video of the Late Earl Scruggs and his First Hit

28th Street Park Site of Pickle Ball Courts

Pickleball Clinic Pickleball is coming to Peru in April. Introduction to the fastest growing sport in the USA. The Peru Recreation Commission will hold 3 Pickleball Clinics beginning on April 15th (dependent on court resurfacing). Pickleball Court is located at the 28th Street Park just east of Marquette Road. See the flyer for additional information and who to contact for the clinics.(from the city web site)

According to the recently downloaded 2013 operating budget (on the city web site), $3,000 was spent on equipment for the newly established pickle ball program including nets, paddles and balls. Flyer is posted also on the city web site.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

IL Communities Honored for Fluoride Levels

IL Communities Honored for Fluoride Levels


While I personally am not a believer in fluoride,it is important to note that Peru is not on the list of honored cities in LaSalle County and my question would be why? I first picked up the story in the Bureau County Republican where there was an article about Princeton having a long time record of what the state considers the right thing. Most of the major cities in LaSalle county are on the list.

If you don't want to read the whole article, this is the listing from LaSalle County:

LaSalle Earlville Water Department *2005-2011
IL American Water Co. Streator *** 1993-2011
LaSalle Water Department **2000-2011
Leland Water Department *2003-2011
Leonore Water Department 2009-2011
Marseilles Water Department *2004-2011
Marseilles South Water Department
Mendota Water Department ***1994-2011 Ottawa Water Department 2010-2011
Rutland Water Department *2007-2011
Seneca Water Department 2009-2011

2009-2011 Land & Water Association Oaklane Subdivision Utilities Inc. Lake Holiday

Peru alderman and mayor suggest have aldermen at-large « AM1220 WLPO News

Peru alderman and mayor suggest have aldermen at-large « AM1220 WLPO News

Monday, March 26, 2012

Marseilles Public Comment Debacle

THUMBS DOWN TO… the Marseilles City Council's new ordinance invoking stricter rules for public participation at ANY Marseilles governmental meeting

Folks who want to be on ANY meeting agenda now must file a form five days in advance of the meeting with an explanation of what they wish to discuss.

"Many times people come in and we kind of get blindsided," said Commissioner Jim Hollenbeck.

Ironically, it's the City Council that has developed the system for blindsiding its own citizens.

Not too long ago it was the procedure to present an ordinance at one meeting and vote on it at the following one. That gave citizens an understanding of what was coming and an opportunity to respond.

Now the procedure for City Council members is to avoid public discussion of proposed ordinances. The only advance notice is a single line on an agenda issued with the state-mandated two-day notice. Typically, there is no discussion and only minimal explanation offered before a vote.

If the council members provided more transparency there would be less "blindsiding" all around.

We urge the council members to think more about what is best for their citizens than for themselves.

This is what happened in Peru the last time I wished to make a public comment prior to a vote. Citizens need to be watchful of their government and sure hope they straighten out this mess that the Marseilles city government has created. I see that Peru now has had Public Comment on each agenda since the time I was not allowed to comment. Remain watchful.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

City Park bandshell gets the go-ahead - MyWebTimes.com

City Park bandshell gets the go-ahead - MyWebTimes.com


Thumbs up, Streator is getting a bandshell! I am sure the residents of Streator are thanking you for this wonderful project and I believe that it will get lots of use and will be something the city can be proud of.

Voter turnout disappoints area county clerks - The Daily NewsTribune - LaSalle, IL

Voter turnout disappoints area county clerks - The Daily NewsTribune - LaSalle, IL

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Is It Time?

The unused and empty Peru Swimming Pool has become a topic of discussion again. Neighbors are wishing for it to be taken down since it is not and will not ever be used again. Some of the aldermen seem to be dragging their feet on the subject. Both of the aldermen in the second ward are ready for it to be demolished.

Unless some generous donor appears on the horizon, it seems that it might be some unknown number of years before Peru has enough cash to build once again.

The words Splash Pad appeared on the agenda for tonights Public Property Committee but that topic was quickly squelched. It appears that the city has no money to build a splash pad and numerous excuses were given as to why we should not have one in Peru. One thought was that it works better if built in conjunction with a swimming pool complex. Evidently none of those present have never taken a trip to Ottawa to see how well their Splash Pad functions.

I get the feeling that the aldermen come Hell or high water, want to wait until we have a pool before our kids will have any splashing water to cool off in. I did not see any enthusiasm from Mayor Harl either. Maybe if LaSalle or another of the cities decided to add a splash pad in one of their parks, Peru might get the idea that kids especially little one like to run around beneath spouts of water. Otherwise they are content to sit and wait for the pool fund to be large enough to build or perhaps they will figure out a way manipulate our funds to build.

There is a rumor at city hall that another Baseball diamond will be built at Veterans Park at a cost of $100,000.

Priorities, Priorities.

Princeton voters have spoken: 'No' to home rule - The Daily NewsTribune - LaSalle, IL

Princeton voters have spoken: 'No' to home rule - The Daily NewsTribune - LaSalle, IL


I remember when Peru instituted the home rule we have, it was voted upon when there was only a  school referendum on the ballot and not a major election like this. Princeton residents were well informed and made the decision they felt was best for them.  Interesting that Beck oil who also has a station in Peru did not seem to be in favor of Home Rule.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Metro Parks Tacoma > Volunteers

Metro Parks Tacoma > Volunteers


I know this is a big city and we don't have the need for so many volunteers but the point is that yes volunteers aren't only for picking up trash, they can provide much help and this web site shows how diverse the offerings can be. Tacoma also has police volunteers who offer their time at one of their substations and that info is on another web site, look it up if interested.  Our ESDA program is a volunteer effort that works. The city needs to realize that there is lots of available help that will work for free. We have a horticulturist who we pay but I am willing to bet that there are many residents with a green thumb and maybe even greener than that of our employee who would be willing to work in parks, in the green house etc. free.

Public Property Meeting Wed March 21

At 6:30 PM, the Public Property committee will meet at Peru City Hall and the agenda indicates that there will be a discussion of a Splash Pad and also on the demolition of the old Peru Swimming Pool.

And if you are interested in the airport, they will discuss a new hangar.

Groceries, Choices After Jewel Closing

Most people I believe go from grocery to grocery store shopping for the best buy in groceries. Thinking back, I remember my parents shopping in La Salle, Peru and even going to Lou's Super Market in Oglesby. The local small corner grocery which was often in the middle of the block existed into the 1950's and some even later and they supplied the people who did not drive or for the gallon of milk and pound of hamburger and home made sausage for those who lived close. At one time, Peru had Denlers first in the Mirror bldg location, then to Berry Bearing location and finally to the place where the Aldi store is located. Lou's Super Market and I believe Kroger before that. Piggly Wiggly, Eagle Foods and then Jewel followed. HyVee is the newcomer to the area. K Mart carries groceries and so does Wal Mart. Small but mighty is Aldi's.

La Salle had National Tea, A & P, LaSalle Super Market (Reviglios) followed by Ferretti's which has become Illinois Valley Foods & Deli. Sav A Lot supplies groceries for the east end of LaSalle and elsewhere which was Urbanowski's before that.

Do you find yourself traveling out of town, perhaps to Ottawa or elsewhere? I have heard that people even travel to the Naperville area to Caputos or Whole Foods.

Where have the Jewel customers gone? I believe many of them live close to that Location on Shooting Park Rd or they are our senior citizens who drive but like to avoid highway travel.

Should our economic director be looking about for another grocery?

Have your shopping habits changed? Do you go to Wal Mart? or out of town? or only to Hyvee?

Bob Vickery indicated in the N.T. article, that all freezers and counters have been removed from the Jewel location and that a grocery is unlikely to locate there. The entire strip is for sale. Price was listed in the N.T. but can't find my paper with the aricle.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Gas Jumps Over Four Dollars A Gallon « AM1220 WLPO News

Gas Jumps Over Four Dollars A Gallon « AM1220 WLPO News


Again LaSalle Peru is among the higher places in the Illinois Valley for gas. Last week when it was 3.75 in Ottawa and 3.83 in Granville, it was 3.99 in Peru. Looks like Ottawa is still lower than we are. This is nothing new as the same thing happened when the gas prices jumped a few years ago.

Get out and Vote!

Polls will be open at 6:00 a.m. with Primary contests for county, state and federal offices tomorrow, Tuesday March 20th. Remember to take a close look at your Voter I.D. card in order to make certain you know your correct polling place. Last year LaSalle County made some changes to the Precinct structure and Peru Precincts were changed quite a bit. For example, my precinct boundaries were changed and I have a different polling place now. I have been voting at Peru Eagles for more than 25 years but this year my polling place is St. Johns Lutheran Church. So be sure you know where you go to vote now. If you are unsure of your polling place you can call the County Clerks office at 815-434-8202 for assistance. I can also provide you with information on your polling place as well as transportation to the polls if you or someone you know needs some assistance. Please feel free to call me at 815-252-8050 / 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Cleaning Up Peru Thank You Ald. Ferrari & Crew

Early this morning I looked out on east 7th Street over the fill between Chambers and Monks Avenue and saw Ald. Ferrari and several young people filling bags with trash that has accumulated over the last year. If you read this blog you know I have complained about the trash and the lack of care by workers of our Street Department which is a part of the Public Works Department which is headed by Gary Bleck as SPW.

By now I believe most of the aldermen were aware of the problem area that was being ignored by the SPW. The excuse always is that we are short of workers. So we wait for children to go out and do the work of the well paid city employees. I find this unacceptable.

Thank you Tony and friends for taking this on and since the Mayor enjoys taking people to dinner on the cities dime perhaps he could find it in his heart to at least get the kids a gift certificate for a Happy Meal at McDonalds.

More Pictures

St Paddy's Day Parade LaSalle

I took a little time on this beautiful day to watch the parade in LaSalle and I was not disappointed. Thank you to the Peru Fire Department for sending 2 trucks. Rodney drove the tanker and I think Tim Riordan drove the fire truck. Someone will let me know if I'm wrong. Thanks to the LP band for bringing the great music that was very much appreciated. A few floats, lots of trucks pulling flatbeds with signs and people. Lasted about 45 minutes and it was lots of fun. Thanks to the organizers of the event, "you did a GOOD job". The Illinois Valley definitely needs more of this type of community oriented event that all ages enjoyed.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Public Meeting Sunday March 18

Rodney Perez

‎2nd Ward will host a grassroots meeting at city hall on Sunday, March 18th @ 3:00 The meeting will be open to the public and anyone from any ward in the city of Peru is welcome..
Budget Director- Gary Hylla will also be in attendance; available to answer any questions citizens may have in regards to city finance.

Hope to see you there!!

How Are Things in Your Ward? My Thoughts What About You?

Last nights city council brought up continuing issues about who is supposed to do what regarding our park equipment and maintenance of our city streets.

Who is responsible for checking all playground equipment for safety? Who is responsible for making sure our city parks have garbage cans and that they are emptied when full? Who is responsible for keeping our roads clean and in some cases where there are no homes, who is responsible for sidewalks, fences and areas in association with those items? Who was responsible for allowing the liner for the ice rink to be pulled up and tossed into a heap for at least 7 to 10 days?

It appears that the 28th street park has playground issues that are going untended? There are frequent complaints about overflowing garbage cans at Baker Lake and sometimes McKinley Park.

Complaints about areas near ravined or wooded areas in town have become laden with debris and garbage and numerous complaints since last fall have not produced any cleanup. Residents mostly do a very good job of keeping their own yards clean and in good repair

By the way, there is a petition being circulated to eliminate 4 aldermanic positions, one from each ward. The state has recently made changes in municipal government and cities are now allowed to place this concept on a referendum. Do you feel the need to have 2 people representing you on the city council?

Thursday, March 08, 2012

Opening Soon on the Peru Recreation Commission

One of the members of the Peru Recreation Commission (aka as the Peru Recreation and Park Board) is retiring after a long tenure on the board. The Mayor made the announcement at the Council Meeting last night. If you are interested in this volunteer position, please contact the Mayor or City Clerk for information and to put your name on their list.

Tuesday, March 06, 2012

Peru Council Agenda March 7

ROLL CALL 7:30 P.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

PUBLIC COMMENT

PRESENTATION

CENTRAL STATES REGIONAL TOURNAMENT REPRESENTATIVE TIM TREVIER TO DISCUSS 2012 CENTRAL STATES TOURNAMENT

COMMITTEE REPORTS ALDERMEN 1. ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE Potthoff & Radtke
(Wage-Negotiations, License)

Approve a $2,500 donation to the Central States Tournament

2. PUBLIC WORKS Waldorf & Lukosus
(Electric, Street & Alley, Water & Sewer)

Approve expenses for Community Development Director Bob Vickrey to attend the APPA Convention in Washington D.C.

3. PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY Ferrari & Perez (Fire & Police, ESDA, Health)

Motion to authorize the police department to purchase 2 new police vehicles form Schimmer Ford with governmental bid assistance with said purchase to be made with the use of drug fund monies and further that the vehicles being replaced are to used by the fire department and public works department

4. PUBLIC PROPERTY COMMITTEE Ankiewicz & Mayszak (Recreation & Parks, Airport, Buildings & Grounds)

REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY/ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT FOR PUBLICLY FUNDED REVOLVING FUND SERVICES WITH THE NORTH CENTRAL ILLINOIS COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS

UNFINISHED BUSINESS, NEW BUSINESS, PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS ITEM NO. 1 Communication from Rodney Perez of Operation Prom-ise requesting permission to close Peoria Street between 4th and 5th at 7:00 p.m. on March 27th for the filming of Operation Prom-ise

PUBLIC COMMENT CLOSED SESSION

MEETINGS HELD TO DISCUSS THE OPERATION BY A MUNICIPALITY OF A MUNICIPAL UTILITY OR THE OPERATION OF A MUNICIPAL POWER AGENCY OR A MUNICIPAL NATURAL GAS AGENCY WHEN THE DISCUSSION INVOLVES (i) CONTRACTS RELATING TO THE PURCHASE, SALE OR DELIVERY OF ELECTRICITY OR NATURAL GAS OR (ii) THE RESULTS OR CONCLUSION OF LOAD FORECAST STUDIES

ADJOURNMENT

Monday, March 05, 2012

News Tribune - News - NCI - Princeton hires city manager

News Tribune - News - NCI - Princeton hires city manager

I think it will be interesting to watch how Princeton will now be governed. This person seems to have the background and education to serve the city well. Princeton has had a city manager for a number of years but recently like many small towns, they have lost some long time large and small businesses. Similar in size and location to our city of Peru and even population but culturally quite different.

Friday, March 02, 2012

Is This Why No One Gives Us An Answer on the July 4 Fireworks

Anonymous Pyrotech said...

The comany in question that has been conducting the Peru display is Melrose pyrotechnics. They are "heavy hitters" of the fireworks industry in and around the Chicagoland area.

I myself work for another fireworks display company and I have inquired about the Peru show many many times...to no avail. Phone calls go unreturned, etc. Before Peru started using Melrose Pyrotechnics, they were using another firm, New Horizon Pyrotechnics, an ILLINOIS based company, however, they had a lot of issues with getting the show set up on time, etc.

I can say that Peru is going to be gathering 3 bids from 3 different companies, one of which is Melrose. Melrose will probably win the bid regardless of what the other two companies propose. I see this on a regular basis. I have come in $3,000 under budget with more product in a proposal and they still win the bid.

It has to do with their "reputation" and the fact that they do Navy Pier and EVERY professional sports team in Chicago and hundreds of displays throughout the state. Thats just on the 4th of July too! Yes they have won International Awards for their shows...BUT they don't put that same quality product in a typical $20,000 display. You need to spend about 50k before you get a show of that caliber.

They're all about quantity...NOT quality. I would love to have the opertunity to bid on the Peru display. We already do displays in Grundy and Will county...but whats the point?

12:31 PM, March 02, 2012