This blog is maintained for the sole purpose of allowing the people of Peru and those interested in the cities of the Illinois Valley to express their views.
“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
Friday, April 12, 2013
May Answer Numerous Questions That Have Come Up
85 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Fire department should consider selling 325 it would help offset cost of new rescue pumper
I wonder who proposed the restroom at the east end of Baker Lake Park. I'm pretty sure that request was on the letter sent to "concert for a cause" by the Park Board. I would assume it's because of soccer being played at that end of the park. I'd personally would rather see a porta-potty at Baker Lake than at the 28th Street Park that is located in the middle of a well established subdivision.
Stated above that a pumper truck and a rescue truck cost of approximately $525,000, city will pay for over several years at $80,000 per year. How much money is in the Liberty Fire Company account(fundraising organization for fire department, annually Liberty has a donation drive in a mailer requesting donation of taxpayers who have already paid property taxes (which includes fire protection) that donated money is used to buy equipment, pay for training, etc.. How much money from Liberty is going towards this purchase? How much money has Liberty received from the mailers for donations in the last several years? What is the fire department doing with all the donated money? We taxpayers never hear or see what the fire department does with the donation money. Somebody also asked how much is the old pumper truck that is being replaced with a new one being sold for? Should that money go towards the new one?
What did Harl say about department heads prior to the election? So, a department head go to council requesting a LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY TO PURCHASE A PUMPER TRUCK AND RESCUE VEHICLE,(purchased a brand new command vehicle that the assistant chief drives a few months ago for approximately $30,000),, what kind of questions did the alderman and mayor ask of the department head. Meaning the fire chief?? 9:41's POST HAS SOME VERY GOOD QUESTIONS!! What kind of answers will be given to those questions? Remember what Harl said about department heads prior to election. Does Harl really care about the city and it's finances? 6:57's blog us good also. Offsetting cost should be a top priority.
I bet this bathroom facility won't be close to the property line of any of the houses surrounding Baker Lake, unlike the loud noise from the PICKELBALL players down the street a hop, skip and a jump from their backdoors.
EVERYBODY-----READ 9:41's BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT IS OUR MONEY SPENT ON (DONATIONS) by the fire department? Isn't fire apparatus considered equipment? Donation letter sent out, doesn't it say equipment? $80,000 a year isn't a drop in the bucket.
@6:57 am. Is 325 the old pumper truck? If so, selling it makes since to offset the cost of this new one. Does E-ONE (fire truck brand) do trade ins, to also offset costs?
For $30,000, does this include a concession stand? It should. Like Washinton park for baseball, in case soccer organization wants to have a concession stand. THIS WOULD BE SOMETHING FOR FAMILIES AND THE KIDS. LOOK TO THE FUTURE OF SOCCER. Fishing expo also may like to have concessions available at a stand.
Can anybody see where this is going? The next thing is that the FD is going to say is they need a new firehouse because of too many trucks. Like a station #2. Lol. And Harl will want and get credit under his newely elected term. It's called getting ducks in a row. My opinion and prediction. 325 truck? Which one is this?
6:57 to know what 325 is, makes me think that you are a fireman now, retired one or no longer a fireman. Maybe you can let us know what the fire department actually has done and does with the donation money for Liberty Fire/FD from taxpayers. Also, does Peru FD actually really need this pumper and rescue vehicle at this time? In you opinion. Don't departments in mutual aid have pumper trucks also? Seems there should be alot if money in donation account. How much is in that account? Shouldn't that be used to offset costs also?
Since it is 4 years until the next election, does anyone want to form a PAC as Justin suggested. I have asked Lois before if facilitating something like that was of interest, but maybe someone else wants to coordinate it. Sherry M comes to mind? There are experienced organizations outside the area that can help mobilize and effect change. Vetting candidates and raising money can counter some of the power consolidating. The blog is great for suggestions and discussions, but resistance.needs to be organized and battles picked. It is easier to work together for a fair and progressive future from a position of strength.
9:40. So the recreation board is asking for donations from concerts for a cause for a bathroom on the west side of Baker Lake and a Pickleball court for a location to be determined later. Do they realize the concerts usually raise between $20,000 and $25,000 for the cause? It will be interesting to see if they are chosen to receive money from the concert, if they will choose a new Pickleball court for a very select few Peru residents or a new bathroom that would be used by many residents?
Whoever wrote this budget does not even know that there is a restroom already on the east side of Baker Lake? And you can be sure that the neighbors around the lake will have a say where that restroom will be located. Unlike the neighbors at 28th St. Park that got pickle ball shoved down their throats without so much as visit as to how this would affect them. Sad days in Peru with more on the way I am afraid.
Been reading this blog for a while and was interested in the rec board situation. At Monday's council meeting it was announced that the rec board would meet as usual on the second Tuesday of the month. However, I assume because of the election, the meeting was apparently changed to Thursday night. No notice was given of this change and several people went to city hall to attend the usual meeting. Obviously, no one was there.
I was a little confused 7:01. If I lived adjacent to 28th park I would not want a bathroom at that park. No matter what. Those residents at this park have been through enough with PICKELBALL! How bout taking that 30k and put in pool fund.
Old pumper fire truck being sold?? That $600 that perus fire chief donated to Harls war chest would have been better spent on donating it to Liberty Fire Company to be spent on the new fire truck. Wonder if fire chief donated $600 to Liberty Fire too, I'm sure he got the mailer from liberty in his HOME box. LOL
It is unsettling that the cost of a park restroom is 30k, especially at that location. Also after reading the proposal, I noticed that nothing was mentioned about donation money also being put towards the 2 vehicles for the fire department to help keep the cost down. How and what on is the donated money to the fire department) from taxpayers and businesses ) spent on? Nobody seems to answer this question not just in the last two days. but many times this has been asked. What's being hidden about these donations? Makes a taxpayer wonder.
What I can't figure out is why no government official, in any capacity, who is capable of answering questions on this blog isn't doing so. Yes, I know many of them feel this blog is a pack of lies and useless information but there have been many legitimate and intelligent questions asked on this forum. Why would an official be afraid to tell the citizens the truth unless that truth is ugly. Didn't the mayor say he had an open door policy and that all questions would be answered? Why not use this tool as a place to set the record straight?
Very well said 12:21. The truth is ugly. Also. Regarding open door policy, I think that means have a meeting with me in an office, so I can close the door and maybe talk!!! I can't stand it when anybody says "my door is always open.". That saying to me is a way for A person to manipulate the issue(beat around the bush), and also a bullying and intimidation tactic being used by a one on one or a face to face meeting. NOW, THATS THE TRUTH. ANSWER THE QUESTION TO ALL THE PUBLIC AND USE THIS FORUM TO DO SO IF WHAT YOU ARE SAYING IS TRUE. Taxpayers arent stupid!
A open door policy isn't having to put your questions on a index card prior to public comment at council meetings, that's so questions can be critiqued and decided if they will be allowed to be talked about. We know that game being played. A joke! Open door policy, my ying yang.
12:22 the answer to that is very simple. By replying they open themselves up to ridicule and attack. Lois can moderate some of that. But the primary reason is that to reply at all lends credibility to the forum. Serious and very factual allegations and issues are often pointed out, and rarely replied to in any way other than anonymous posts to ridicule, say the blog is for entertainment only, or say to associate with it is the kiss of death for a politician. The blog often appears one sided, with very little debate that is coherent and fact based. But there are occasional points argued.
AGAIN, how many closed door sessions at council meetings? During Harls first term, 50+? Now that's open door at it's finest. And yes, taxpayers understand there should be some, but really that many. And Harl wants puic comment on index card. OPEN DOOR POLICY WOULD BE TO LETTING PUBLIC STAND UP DURING PUBLIC COMMENT AT COUNCIL MEETINGS WITHOUT FIRST HAVING TO DISCLOSE THEIR COMMENT OR QUESTION ON A INDEX CARD. THAT'S WHAT I CALL A OPEN DOOR POLICY.
Taxpayers paying $90,000 for basement at city hall! TAXPAYERS THEN SHOULD BE ABLE TO USE(without any fees) and have retirement parties, b-day parties, showers, etc.... , and that taxpayer is responsible for all set-up and clean-up(including floor cleaning). As far as fees for electric and water used, no charge! no different then lights at tennis court and drinking fountains. Personally I have two dates in 2014 where I would like this area to have a party.
12:22. Simply put, it is a lack of organization. it's difficult to keep up with a dozen posts a week, each followed by 50-100 comments. Even if the posts are completely unrelated to the city of peru (in an effort to show what peru is doing wrong or another municipality is doing right *like we need a post about that or we haven't figured it out ourselves*), they still get posted. To sum it up: its a lack of organization, I don't blame a city official for not coming on here, after all, who are they talking to? Anonymous? It's easier if we were to organize something monthly at city hall and request our alderman show up. You'd be surprised what organization will do
1:23 What you don't get is that people would not be making those statements if he and his fellow comrades cooperated and answered the serious and intelligent questions that should be public knowledge anyway.
I have been seeing the words open door, and I have one comment to make. So here it goes, why are the council chambers doors closed when there is a full council meeting in session? Those doors should be open so someone new who wants to attend a meeting would feel welcome. when you walk into those meetings now with the doors closed every eye in the room turns around and stares. Open the doors so at least it appears that you have a OPEN DOOR POLICY. Just my opinion.
That has been tried and only a handful of the same people showed up. I went to 2 Meet and Greets and same as usual, the same people attending. For whatever reason the people have they won't get involved. Maybe they have bad experiences with involvement in city politics before, I don't know. That is why the city does whatever and only a few complain and those people can easily be ignored.
If you attend meetings or read the paper you would've heard they are replacing the almost 40 year old truck because of safety issues. One being that it is rusting off of the frame and it doesn't pump. Secondly who would buy a truck that the cab is coming off of its chassis? Or that won't pump water? My taxes go to buy this stuff so its there if my house were to catch fire. Id like the portion of my tax dollars that is supposed to be used for fire protection to keep my department up to date and ready for everything. Also there has been talk for years of building a 2nd station up north because of northerly expansion. Its called progression! How long does it take you to get to I-80 from downtown? If you're pinned in your car by north end you'd be complaining it took to long for them to get there from downtown.
Included in Mayor Harls campaign promises of four years ago was that he was going to conduct quarterly town forum meetings (which is where I believe the name of this blog was derived from). If these open updates would have been carried through as the Mayor promised I don't believe that there would ever have been such a split in Peru as their presently is. It is alot more than a political division. When Harl first became Mayor he had the people supporting him and the council against him, now he has the support of most of the council and has lost the support of most of the people. 35% of the vote was good enough to be reelected but not good enough for a incumbent to be reelected in Peru. The incumbent normally wins a Peru election for Mayor by a majority simply because Peru has so many city employees and employees of firms that have had the town tied up for lifetime agreements. How many registered voters are there in Peru?
Sensible public officials are not going address people in an anonymous forum such as this, where anyone can say anything anonymously. While a few may, the vast majority of officials do not and would not as a matter of policy. Perhaps there are valid points on here from time to time but this is a small group of people complaining to each other and spreading rumors and that does not mean that a public official should address anonymous people. It is not a place that brings big volumes of people for the public to address. Criticize me if you want, but Sherry and Rodney should not and they do so at their own peril. I review the blog about once each week and rarely comment but I am NOT impressed when they comment on here. It is also damaging to them politically, and they don't even know it. Sherry's election is certainly proof of that.
Again, real change occurs when people come out in public and organize. I AM IN FAVOR of positive people making change happen, but that will never ever happen on a blog. Sorry to say that, but it's the truth.
Also those of you who actually think this will ever change anything clearly think that you are in a "majority" and that public officials should listen to you. You are actually in a vast minority. The traffic represents a small number of people, the same people, relatively speaking.
I wonder why city has no policy regarding personal use of city vehicles why do we have to pay for asst fire chief to drive his family around on a Sunday...where is the management that Harl speaks of?
Well i personaly think Harl sucks and i'd be willing to tell that to his face . he lied four years ago and he can take his index cards and shove them too . face to face at a council meeting . How about it Harl ? can you handle it or do you need a closed door session to think about it ? what no answer ? oh well maybe Hayla can do that for you if you give him the ok !!!!!!!
There is never an excuse for spewing hate like that person did. If you actually think that local politics deserve comments that extreme then I believe that you may need some mental help along with the person that said it.
3:26 you do make some very good points, and I post on here regularly. Sometimes I would agree that excessive venting is allowed, as well as personal attacks, and it does lower the impact of the valid questions and comments. I have been guilty of it myself.
I do not believe or accept that participation here would damage or hurt any alderperson, mayor or mayoral candidate. Stating the facts as they see them would present an alternate point of view. There is considerable viewership of the blog and answering an honest and fair question from anonymous should be no different than one from a person who signs their name.
The problem seems to be that when they post, they expect that to be the end of it, and to have everyone agree with them. I believe they could also respond to these issues on their own blog , if they were concerned about Lois not screening the posts that attack their physical appearance or family. I have participated for 4 months now and have seen some very good points made with very weak argument from the admin side. Given the very poor local news coverage, it is what passes for investigative journalism here. Not the fairest , but I am glad we have it.
And I also know it has influenced decisions and policy, albeit most often causing only clumsy attempts to cover up and pacify minimum legal requirements.
Thank you for your comments. Many times the nasty comments have been preceded by an officials actions or their inability to act. Immediately what comes to mind was the "smirking" incident where an alderman attacked a citizen at a council meeting for no reason as she was doing nothing wrong. Did he deserve rebuke by the citizens affected and those who witnessed this. Absolutely. Or Frank Taylor not doing his job well and putting things off that make our city look trashy. Did he deserve a come back. You bet he did. Where else could residents make retorts to what they deem to be arrogant and self righteous attitudes. If the mayor were doing his job, he would have told both of those officials to not treat anyone in that manner. And privately I hope he would give them a piece of his mind with a reasonable and logical explanation of what is expected of an alderman or city official in public. The blog happens to be the only place that any of our citizens can address the situations. Do they sometimes say more than they should in a less than polite manner. Absolutely and sometimes, since this is a blog I let them go through but no one except me knows how many I delete and some days it is many.
4 more years to go. He said 2 terms would be enough (we will see). Or, if so many people are unhappy see about a petition to impeach him. He really did not have a majority of votes and admitted that himself.
Nobody knows except the alderman and the mayor, that maybe the mayor did rebuke the alderman for his conduct...after the meeting. Public officials try to be extra cautious during meetings with the media present. Can't you just see the headline the next day, PERU MAYOR AND ALDERMAN FIGHT DURING COUNCIL MEETING. Everyone knows the media tries to make a mountain out of a mole hill. That's what sells papers and rivets listeners. Full disclosure: I am not defending either the mayor or the alderman.
I am going to tell you a secret, the mayor did not know what was going on at the meeting, too busy with his paperwork. He tells the gentleman defending his wife to wait for public comment later, because he was clueless about the smirking comment. I am certain about that and I was only a bystander.
The mayor would have earned the respect of many if he would have taken care of that situation immediately. Lois I hope you are correct with your observation that the mayor did not know what was going on. But he should have taken care of it after the meeting then, by asking the alderman to apologize.
8:45 PM My reasoning is that the alderman was making his comment and the husband immediately responded and all of a sudden the mayor looked up from his paperwork, startled by the voice from the audience and I am betting he never heard the alderman at first and he did not tell the alderman to stop but told the gentleman to stop, he could make a comment later. It was the voice that alerted him. I did not pick it up right away but later after I thought about it and it was the only logical explanation.
Anon 8:50PM All explanations of the last four years have been illogoical not logical. When you have a administration that explains its efficiency in comparison to a half empty glass of water don't expect brain surgery. The subject is the Eigth Wonder of the world. There is no one who admits backing him four years ago, this election no one owns up to being his campaign manager and still cannot find anyone who supported or voted for him but yet he did the most important thing of all. He Won. Has anyone suggested to the subject that there are higher offices outside the area to enjoy. Can you picture the subject sitting in a office in Springfield with three cups in front of him guessing which the shell is under? Wait, State levels of government don't have home rule but they probably have a General Fund.
We need a restroom at 28th street park. I am tired of knocking on the neighbors doors to go to the restroom. Put in next to the pickleball courts on the west side.
3:58 blogged that the Asst fire chief drives a city owned vehicle(command vehicle) around on Sunday's with his family in it. Someone said he was in the bank on a saturday a couple weeks ago too. Personal use. How can family fit when it was said these command vehicles(2 of them) have equipment needed for fire calls! What's the truth here? How do taxpayers feel about paying for gas? Etc..? What if there was a accident with family members? A lawsuit against the city?? Harl needs to get involved with all departments in the city. Unlike what he said about department heads during election time.
You must be a PICKELBALL player 9:32! Not enough play equipment for kids at that park to spend more than 15 minutes with kids in order to spend 30k. Been there, go there! It's true! Neighbors need to be involves with this issue of having a bathroom outside their backdoors. If you lived there would you want it? I wouldn't! No matter what they are a eyesore. Put the 30k in pool fund!
9:32 go to the bathroom before you go to the park. Your not there to watch a baseball game or a tennis tournament. Neither of those sports are allowed there. 10:17, yes it was stated that command vehicles carry equipment. So, do they take equipment out so they can put and fit family members in? Unbelievable. We pay gas too. WRONG. Insurance Liability should be a big issue. Who's in charge?
Why don't city vehicles such as command vehicles have a log book. Anybody that uses a vehicle for personal use should have to pay the taxpayers back for mileage, gas, etc. Should not be used for personal use in the first place. This has been happening for years. It's been said that a city vehicle use to be used to get a person to and from their full time job that had nothing to do with city. Did taxpayers get reimburses for that usage?
I would also like to have a roof over the pickleball courts so we can play while its raining. We need a restroom at that park in the worse way. It would also be a great spot for archery or a paintball course.
FYI: The city of Peru paid Chamlin and Associates approximately $688, 146.92 for their services in the year 2012. This information was taken from the disbursements posted on the city web-site.
We need lots of trees to be planted(big ones) to play paintball. At 28th street park. Maybe the neighbors here at the park wouldn't mind if we started to play paintball using their trees and shrubs as a place to hide so we have a lesser chance of being shot by a paintball from a paintball gun. HOW ABOUT THAT NEIGHBORS, WOULD THAT WORK FOR YOU? That court should be put back as tennis. A bathroom there is a big issue since PICKELBALL, wasn't so much when TENNIS. The elite group needs A crapper to the tune of 30 grand. Let that group have PICKELBALL tournaments, charge, raise money and donate money for crapper, like the pool fund.
1:08 Of course the court should be put back to what it was built for, but the powers that be REFUSE. If you really want the tennis court back put pressure on you representatives and the mayor.
10:24 Normal people see that 30K is too much to invest in a restroom for a small neighborhood park. But you have to consider who is making the decisions and who is influencing them.
2:55 Your pressure will fall on dead ears with your representatives and your mayor. The sad part of this whole deal is that for years the kids who used the park did without a restroom but when the adult pickleball players moved in they needed one right away. I'm still a believer that parks are mainly for kids.
Parks are for everyone. Parks should be for the enjoyment of all age groups and when placed in a existing neighborhood should fulfill the requirements of a welcome guest. The park should be a good neighbor just as your next door neighbor should be. Pickle ball has proven that some individuals never outgrow the adolesence of being a bully they just find a substitute for muscle such as the misuse of money or political connections.
The tides of change have hit the recreation board. Lots of new members. I wonder how the Pickleball vote will go with almost all new members? We will pursue an answer when all new members are in place.
10:36 Your right about baseball and tennis not allowed at 28th St. and it is a shame because that is what was played the most by the KIDS. Parks are for the KIDS, that is what I always thought. But not here in Peru when you have a group of adults that want the park for something else. Shame on the city, the council and the rec board for allowing this to happen.
Could someone please find out if the rec board is submitting a letter to the concerts for a cause for a bathroom and a pickleball court? I feel that neither one is a cause. Aren't they embarrassed asking? Don't they get money every year from the city to operate? I would really like to know if this is true or just a rumor.
My feeling are we have four years now to organize a group to get information out to the voters. Actually there will be an election in two years with alderman's terms being up, that might be a good place to start. remember it took the current mayor 8 years to win.
I buy my gas at flying j weekly before I get on I-80 to head to work. This morning around six thirty I was paying for gas and the workers at flying j said that corporate headquarters in Knoxville were raided yesterday by the IRS and the feds. Shut headquarters down. What the heck is going on with corruption in this country. How ironic this was raided on tax day. Gas was 3.33 a gal. today
7:21 Yes, a letter was written to "concert for a cause" and yes, a restroom and a new pickleball court were asked for. Whether this letter has been submitted as of yet I am uncertain.
I goggled this 9:12 and you are right. Check the pictures out, definitely raided. A u-haul truck there to. The governer of Tennessee is a relative of owners of flying j pilot articles The IRS involved, usually not good. 600 plazas, 250,000 employees. This probably would have been on the news last night, but the BOSTON devastation was covered. God bless the community of Boston.
Richard De La Font Agency/ Delafont.com Is booking agent for Tim McGraw. Wonder how concert is promoted to this agency in order for McGraw to come to Peru. Wonder if agency thinks concert is for charity?????? On the net it says McGraw does do charity concerts, but these concerts are not for charity as has been said. Someone should take the time to make a few calls and check it out.
Cops for cancer should be the promoters of these concerts. At least all proceeds would go to a charity. Wonder why they haven't? Could it be possible that the concerts for a cause promoter doesn't promote concerts as charity concerts because she wouldnt be allowed to personally benefit from it? COPS FOR CANCER, you should be doing this. WHO CARES WHOSE TOES ARE STEPPED ON. My opinion logically thinking!
Since pickleball conversation has once again emerged we'd like to remind those who already know and inform those who don't how this issue came about. Yes, when we moved into our homes we knew we lived by a park. A very nice quiet park that was filled daily with children playing. Today is a different story. One morning we woke up and low and behold a tennis court was being installed within 20' of some of our yards. We were given no warning nor were we told this court would be in our back yards. As a matter of fact a petition had previously been circulated to install said tennis court in the northeast corner of the park. How and why it was moved remains a mystery to the 28th street neighbors. However, even though the courts were used daily by both young and old we had no problems what-so-ever. Then, once again with no warning or input into the change, the tennis court was converted into 4 NOISY IRRITATING pickleball courts. All our pleas and concerns fell on deaf ears from the mayor on down. With the exception of one alderman (Mayszak) no one even came to talk to us or witness the noise disturbance this game and its' players create. Not only did we have to put up with it for one summer we have 2 more to go before they can decide whether the game is a success or not. That's right. 3 years to decide if it attracts enough interest to relocate to an area away from homes. In the mean time the 28th street neighbors have no alternative except to close up there houses or move (as has been suggested by supporters of the game). Just thought it was time to refresh the memory of this game to those who were ill informed.
Sounds like the cities mind is already made up that more than likely it's staying even after 3 full years(after two more). WHY DO I SAY THIS? BECAUSE IN THE PROPOSED BUDGET THE CITY WANTS TO SPEND 30k on a bathroom facility. There has never been a bathroom since the parks existence. Parks been there at least 15 years !!!!!!! TAXPAYERS, THE WRITING IS ON THE WALL. THINK ABOUT IT!!!!
I know for a fact some appreciate the times I post on here. I've heard it from residents of Peru who I had no idea even monitored this blog. If this is a "Small" group of people monitoring this blog then what's the difference? This small group would not have effected Sherry's election. I will continue commenting on here when I feel it's necessary. If someone chose not to vote for an official just because they post on this blog then that, in my opinion would be small minded mentality, and not a very educated voter.
Check the rec boards minutes that are posted on the city website. The minutes should confirm what they asked for in their request to concerts for a cause.
85 comments:
Fire department should consider selling 325 it would help offset cost of new rescue pumper
I wonder who proposed the restroom at the east end of Baker Lake Park. I'm pretty sure that request was on the letter sent to "concert for a cause" by the Park Board. I would assume it's because of soccer being played at that end of the park. I'd personally would rather see a porta-potty at Baker Lake than at the 28th Street Park that is located in the middle of a well established subdivision.
Stated above that a pumper truck and a rescue truck cost
of approximately $525,000, city will pay for over several years at $80,000 per year. How much money is in the Liberty Fire Company account(fundraising organization for fire department, annually Liberty has a donation drive in a mailer requesting donation of taxpayers who have already paid property taxes (which includes fire protection) that donated money is used to buy equipment, pay for training, etc.. How much money from Liberty is going towards this purchase? How much money has Liberty received from the mailers for donations in the last several years? What is the fire department doing with all the donated money? We taxpayers never hear or see what the fire department does with the donation money. Somebody also asked how much is the old pumper truck that is being replaced with a new one being sold for? Should that money go towards the new one?
POOL???? Wouldn't it be beautiful to have a public pool at Baker Lake???
What did Harl say about department heads prior to the election? So, a department head go to council requesting a LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY TO PURCHASE A PUMPER TRUCK AND RESCUE VEHICLE,(purchased a brand new command vehicle that the assistant chief drives a few months ago for approximately $30,000),, what kind of questions did the alderman and mayor ask of the department head. Meaning the fire chief?? 9:41's POST HAS SOME VERY GOOD QUESTIONS!! What kind of answers will be given to those questions? Remember what Harl said about department heads prior to election. Does Harl really care about the city and it's finances? 6:57's blog us good also. Offsetting cost should be a top priority.
I bet this bathroom facility won't be close to the property line of any of the houses surrounding Baker Lake, unlike the loud noise from the PICKELBALL players down the street a hop, skip and a jump from their backdoors.
EVERYBODY-----READ 9:41's BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT IS OUR MONEY SPENT ON (DONATIONS) by the fire department? Isn't fire apparatus considered equipment? Donation letter sent out, doesn't it say equipment? $80,000 a year isn't a drop in the bucket.
A new restroom on the East end of Baker Lake? What's wrong with the old one? $30,000 to replace a beautiful brick restroom? Are you kidding me?
@6:57 am. Is 325 the old pumper truck? If so, selling it makes since to offset the cost of this new one. Does E-ONE (fire truck brand) do trade ins, to also offset costs?
For $30,000, does this include a concession stand? It should. Like Washinton park for baseball, in case soccer organization wants to have a concession stand. THIS WOULD BE SOMETHING FOR FAMILIES AND THE KIDS. LOOK TO THE FUTURE OF SOCCER. Fishing expo also may like to have concessions available at a stand.
PERU HAS SO MUCH MONEY IT'S UNBELIEVABLE, BUT NO SWIMMING POOL. A FESTIVAL NEEDS TO BE AT BAKER LAKE YEARLY.
Can anybody see where this is going? The next thing is that the FD is going to say is they need a new firehouse because of too many trucks. Like a station #2. Lol. And Harl will want and get credit under his newely elected term. It's called getting ducks in a row. My opinion and prediction. 325 truck? Which one is this?
11:07 If the restroom is for the east end of the park it will not benefit soccer one bit as soccer is played at the west end of the park.
6:57 to know what 325 is, makes me think that you are a fireman now, retired one or no longer a fireman. Maybe you can let us know what the fire department actually has done and does with the donation money for Liberty Fire/FD from taxpayers. Also, does Peru FD actually really need this pumper and rescue vehicle at this time? In you opinion. Don't departments in mutual aid have pumper trucks also? Seems there should be alot if money in donation account. How much is in that account? Shouldn't that be used to offset costs also?
Don't you love it. General Fund Cash Flow! Is that like a piggy bank cash flow?
Since it is 4 years until the next election, does anyone want to form a PAC as Justin suggested. I have asked Lois before if facilitating something like that was of interest, but maybe someone else wants to coordinate it. Sherry M comes to mind? There are experienced organizations outside the area that can help mobilize and effect change.
Vetting candidates and raising money can counter some of the power consolidating.
The blog is great for suggestions and discussions, but resistance.needs to be organized and battles picked. It is easier to work together for a fair and progressive future from a position of strength.
Notices 2014 on top right side of proposal. Explanation?
9:40. So the recreation board is asking for donations from concerts for a cause for a bathroom on the west side of Baker Lake and a Pickleball court for a location to be determined later. Do they realize the concerts usually raise between $20,000 and $25,000 for the cause? It will be interesting to see if they are chosen to receive money from the concert, if they will choose a new Pickleball court for a very select few Peru residents or a new bathroom that would be used by many residents?
Whoever wrote this budget does not even know that there is a restroom already on the east side of Baker Lake? And you can be sure that the neighbors around the lake will have a say where that restroom will be located. Unlike the neighbors at 28th St. Park that got pickle ball shoved down their throats without so much as visit as to how this would affect them. Sad days in Peru with more on the way I am afraid.
1:41 the new fiscal year starts May 1 2013 and will run until April 30 2014. I am guessing that is why it states 2014, but only guessing.
Been reading this blog for a while and was interested in the rec board situation. At Monday's council meeting it was announced that the rec board would meet as usual on the second Tuesday of the month. However, I assume because of the election, the meeting was apparently changed to Thursday night. No notice was given of this change and several people went to city hall to attend the usual meeting. Obviously, no one was there.
I was a little confused 7:01. If I lived adjacent to 28th park I would not want a bathroom at that park. No matter what. Those residents at this park have been through enough with PICKELBALL! How bout taking that 30k and put in pool fund.
Old pumper fire truck being sold?? That $600 that perus fire chief donated to Harls war chest would have been better spent on donating it to Liberty Fire Company to be spent on the new fire truck. Wonder if fire chief donated $600 to Liberty Fire too, I'm sure he got the mailer from liberty in his HOME box. LOL
It is unsettling that the cost of a park restroom is 30k, especially at that location. Also after reading the proposal, I noticed that nothing was mentioned about donation money also being put towards the 2 vehicles for the fire department to help keep the cost down. How and what on is the donated money to the fire department) from taxpayers and businesses ) spent on? Nobody seems to answer this question not just in the last two days. but many times this has been asked. What's being hidden about these donations? Makes a taxpayer wonder.
What I can't figure out is why no government official, in any capacity, who is capable of answering questions on this blog isn't doing so. Yes, I know many of them feel this blog is a pack of lies and useless information but there have been many legitimate and intelligent questions asked on this forum. Why would an official be afraid to tell the citizens the truth
unless that truth is ugly. Didn't the mayor say he had an open door policy and that all questions would be answered? Why not use this tool as a place to set the record straight?
Very well said 12:21. The truth is ugly. Also. Regarding open door policy, I think that means have a meeting with me in an office, so I can close the door and maybe talk!!! I can't stand it when anybody says "my door is always open.". That saying to me is a way for
A person to manipulate the issue(beat around the bush), and also a bullying and intimidation tactic being used by a one on one or a face to face meeting. NOW, THATS THE TRUTH. ANSWER THE QUESTION TO ALL THE PUBLIC AND USE THIS FORUM TO DO SO IF WHAT YOU ARE SAYING IS TRUE. Taxpayers arent stupid!
10:03 I heard and if someone knows differently please correct me, that the doors to city hall were locked Thursday evening when the rec board met.
A open door policy isn't having to put your questions on a index card prior to public comment at council meetings, that's so questions can be critiqued and decided if they will be allowed to be talked about. We know that game being played. A joke! Open door policy, my ying yang.
12:22 the answer to that is very simple. By replying they open themselves up to ridicule and attack. Lois can moderate some of that. But the primary reason is that to reply at all lends credibility to the forum. Serious and very factual allegations and issues are often pointed out, and rarely replied to in any way other than anonymous posts to ridicule, say the blog is for entertainment only, or say to associate with it is the kiss of death for a politician.
The blog often appears one sided, with very little debate that is coherent and fact based. But there are occasional points argued.
@12:22, you hit the nail on the head. You have it figured out.
AGAIN, how many closed door sessions at council meetings? During Harls first term, 50+? Now that's open door at it's finest. And yes, taxpayers understand there should be some, but really that many. And Harl wants puic comment on index card. OPEN DOOR POLICY WOULD BE TO LETTING PUBLIC STAND UP DURING PUBLIC COMMENT AT COUNCIL MEETINGS WITHOUT FIRST HAVING TO DISCLOSE THEIR COMMENT OR QUESTION ON A INDEX CARD. THAT'S WHAT I CALL A OPEN DOOR POLICY.
Taxpayers paying $90,000 for basement at city hall! TAXPAYERS THEN SHOULD BE ABLE TO USE(without any fees) and have retirement parties, b-day parties, showers, etc.... , and that taxpayer is responsible for all set-up and clean-up(including floor cleaning). As far as fees for electric and water used, no charge! no different then lights at tennis court and drinking fountains. Personally I have two dates in 2014 where I would like this area to have a party.
@12:22
You mean this same blog that wishes that he have a heart attack so that he has to leave office???
Still can't believe that Lois allowed that comment.
12:22. Simply put, it is a lack of organization. it's difficult to keep up with a dozen posts a week, each followed by 50-100 comments. Even if the posts are completely unrelated to the city of peru (in an effort to show what peru is doing wrong or another municipality is doing right *like we need a post about that or we haven't figured it out ourselves*), they still get posted. To sum it up: its a lack of organization, I don't blame a city official for not coming on here, after all, who are they talking to? Anonymous? It's easier if we were to organize something monthly at city hall and request our alderman show up. You'd be surprised what organization will do
1:23 What you don't get is that people would not be making those statements if he and his fellow comrades cooperated and answered the serious and intelligent questions that should be public knowledge anyway.
I have been seeing the words open door, and I have one comment to make. So here it goes, why are the council chambers doors closed when there is a full council meeting in session? Those doors should be open so someone new who wants to attend a meeting would feel welcome. when you walk into those meetings now with the doors closed every eye in the room turns around and stares. Open the doors so at least it appears that you have a OPEN DOOR POLICY. Just my opinion.
2:12 PM
That has been tried and only a handful of the same people showed up. I went to 2 Meet and Greets and same as usual, the same people attending. For whatever reason the people have they won't get involved. Maybe they have bad experiences with involvement in city politics before, I don't know. That is why the city does whatever and only a few complain and those people can easily be ignored.
If you attend meetings or read the paper you would've heard they are replacing the almost 40 year old truck because of safety issues. One being that it is rusting off of the frame and it doesn't pump. Secondly who would buy a truck that the cab is coming off of its chassis? Or that won't pump water? My taxes go to buy this stuff so its there if my house were to catch fire. Id like the portion of my tax dollars that is supposed to be used for fire protection to keep my department up to date and ready for everything. Also there has been talk for years of building a 2nd station up north because of northerly expansion. Its called progression! How long does it take you to get to I-80 from downtown? If you're pinned in your car by north end you'd be complaining it took to long for them to get there from downtown.
Included in Mayor Harls campaign promises of four years ago was that he was going to conduct quarterly town forum meetings (which is where I believe the name of this blog was derived from).
If these open updates would have been carried through as the Mayor promised I don't believe that there would ever have been such a split in Peru as their presently is. It is alot more than a political division.
When Harl first became Mayor he had the people supporting him and the council against him, now he has the support of most of the council and has lost the support of most of the people. 35% of the vote was good enough to be reelected but not good enough for a incumbent to be reelected in Peru. The incumbent normally wins a Peru election for Mayor by a majority simply because Peru has so many city employees and employees of firms that have had the town tied up for lifetime agreements.
How many registered voters are there in Peru?
Sensible public officials are not going address people in an anonymous forum such as this, where anyone can say anything anonymously. While a few may, the vast majority of officials do not and would not as a matter of policy. Perhaps there are valid points on here from time to time but this is a small group of people complaining to each other and spreading rumors and that does not mean that a public official should address anonymous people. It is not a place that brings big volumes of people for the public to address. Criticize me if you want, but Sherry and Rodney should not and they do so at their own peril. I review the blog about once each week and rarely comment but I am NOT impressed when they comment on here. It is also damaging to them politically, and they don't even know it. Sherry's election is certainly proof of that.
Again, real change occurs when people come out in public and organize. I AM IN FAVOR of positive people making change happen, but that will never ever happen on a blog. Sorry to say that, but it's the truth.
Also those of you who actually think this will ever change anything clearly think that you are in a "majority" and that public officials should listen to you. You are actually in a vast minority. The traffic represents a small number of people, the same people, relatively speaking.
I wonder why city has no policy regarding personal use of city vehicles why do we have to pay for asst fire chief to drive his family around on a Sunday...where is the management that Harl speaks of?
Well i personaly think Harl sucks and i'd be willing to tell that to his face . he lied four years ago and he can take his index cards and shove them too . face to face at a council meeting . How about it Harl ? can you handle it or do you need a closed door session to think about it ? what no answer ? oh well maybe Hayla can do that for you if you give him the ok !!!!!!!
@2:17
There is never an excuse for spewing hate like that person did. If you actually think that local politics deserve comments that extreme then I believe that you may need some mental help along with the person that said it.
3:26 you do make some very good points, and I post on here regularly. Sometimes I would agree that excessive venting is allowed, as well as personal attacks, and it does lower the impact of the valid questions and comments. I have been guilty of it myself.
I do not believe or accept that participation here would damage or hurt any alderperson, mayor or mayoral candidate. Stating the facts as they see them would present an alternate point of view. There is considerable viewership of the blog and answering an honest and fair question from anonymous should be no different than one from a person who signs their name.
The problem seems to be that when they post, they expect that to be the end of it, and to have everyone agree with them. I believe they could also respond to these issues on their own blog , if they were concerned about Lois not screening the posts that attack their physical appearance or family. I have participated for 4 months now and have seen some very good points made with very weak argument from the admin side. Given the very poor local news coverage, it is what passes for investigative journalism here. Not the fairest , but I am glad we have it.
And I also know it has influenced decisions and policy, albeit most often causing only clumsy attempts to cover up and pacify minimum legal requirements.
6:00 PM
Thank you for your comments. Many times the nasty comments have been preceded by an officials actions or their inability to act. Immediately what comes to mind was the "smirking" incident where an alderman attacked a citizen at a council meeting for no reason as she was doing nothing wrong. Did he deserve rebuke by the citizens affected and those who witnessed this. Absolutely. Or Frank Taylor not doing his job well and putting things off that make our city look trashy. Did he deserve a come back. You bet he did. Where else could residents make retorts to what they deem to be arrogant and self righteous attitudes. If the mayor were doing his job, he would have told both of those officials to not treat anyone in that manner. And privately I hope he would give them a piece of his mind with a reasonable and logical explanation of what is expected of an alderman or city official in public. The blog happens to be the only place that any of our citizens can address the situations. Do they sometimes say more than they should in a less than polite manner. Absolutely and sometimes, since this is a blog I let them go through but no one except me knows how many I delete and some days it is many.
4 more years to go. He said 2 terms would be enough (we will see). Or, if so many people are unhappy see about a petition to impeach him. He really did not have a majority of votes and admitted that himself.
Nobody knows except the alderman and the mayor, that maybe the mayor did rebuke the alderman for his conduct...after the meeting. Public officials try to be extra cautious during meetings with the media present. Can't you just see the headline the next day, PERU MAYOR AND ALDERMAN FIGHT DURING COUNCIL MEETING. Everyone knows the media tries to make a mountain out of a mole hill. That's what sells papers and rivets listeners. Full disclosure: I am not defending either the mayor or the alderman.
7:38 M
I am going to tell you a secret, the mayor did not know what was going on at the meeting, too busy with his paperwork. He tells the gentleman defending his wife to wait for public comment later, because he was clueless about the smirking comment. I am certain about that and I was only a bystander.
The mayor would have earned the respect of many if he would have taken care of that situation immediately. Lois I hope you are correct with your observation that the mayor did not know what was going on. But he should have taken care of it after the meeting then, by asking the alderman to apologize.
8:45 PM
My reasoning is that the alderman was making his comment and the husband immediately responded and all of a sudden the mayor looked up from his paperwork, startled by the voice from the audience and I am betting he never heard the alderman at first and he did not tell the alderman to stop but told the gentleman to stop, he could make a comment later. It was the voice that alerted him. I did not pick it up right away but later after I thought about it and it was the only logical explanation.
Anon 8:50PM All explanations of the last four years have been illogoical not logical. When you have a administration that explains its efficiency in comparison to a half empty glass of water don't expect brain surgery.
The subject is the Eigth Wonder of the world. There is no one who admits backing him four years ago, this election no one owns up to being his campaign manager and still cannot find anyone who supported or voted for him but yet he did the most important thing of all. He Won. Has anyone suggested to the subject that there are higher offices outside the area to enjoy. Can you picture the subject sitting in a office in Springfield with three cups in front of him guessing which the shell is under? Wait, State levels of government don't have home rule but they probably have a General Fund.
We need a restroom at 28th street park. I am tired of knocking on the neighbors doors to go to the restroom. Put in next to the pickleball courts on the west side.
3:58 blogged that the Asst fire chief drives a city owned vehicle(command vehicle) around on Sunday's with his family in it. Someone said he was in the bank on a saturday a couple weeks ago too. Personal use. How can family fit when it was said these command vehicles(2 of them) have equipment needed for fire calls! What's the truth here? How do taxpayers feel about paying for gas? Etc..? What if there was a accident with family members? A lawsuit against the city?? Harl needs to get involved with all departments in the city. Unlike what he said about department heads during election time.
You must be a PICKELBALL player 9:32! Not enough play equipment for kids at that park to spend more than 15 minutes with kids in order to spend 30k. Been there, go there! It's true! Neighbors need to be involves with this issue of having a bathroom outside their backdoors. If you lived there would you want it? I wouldn't! No matter what they are a eyesore. Put the 30k in pool fund!
9:32 go to the bathroom before you go to the park. Your not there to watch a baseball game or a tennis tournament. Neither of those sports are allowed there. 10:17, yes it was stated that command vehicles carry equipment. So, do they take equipment out so they can put and fit family members in? Unbelievable. We pay gas too. WRONG. Insurance Liability should be a big issue. Who's in charge?
Why don't city vehicles such as command vehicles have a log book. Anybody that uses a vehicle for personal use should have to pay the taxpayers back for mileage, gas, etc. Should not be used for personal use in the first place. This has been happening for years. It's been said that a city vehicle use to be used to get a person to and from their full time job that had nothing to do with city. Did taxpayers get reimburses for that usage?
I would also like to have a roof over the pickleball courts so we can play while its raining. We need a restroom at that park in the worse way. It would also be a great spot for archery or a paintball course.
FYI: The city of Peru paid Chamlin and Associates approximately $688, 146.92 for their services in the year 2012. This information was taken from the disbursements posted on the city web-site.
11:51 You already have a room over your head to play your precious game - the YMCA.
11:51 how about a dome over PICKELBALL court fully equipped with air conditioning and heat. Nothing would surprise me in Peru. LOL
We need lots of trees to be planted(big ones) to play paintball. At 28th street park. Maybe the neighbors here at the park wouldn't mind if we started to play paintball using their trees and shrubs as a place to hide so we have a lesser chance of being shot by a paintball from a paintball gun. HOW ABOUT THAT NEIGHBORS, WOULD THAT WORK FOR YOU? That court should be put back as tennis. A bathroom there is a big issue since PICKELBALL, wasn't so much when TENNIS. The elite group needs
A crapper to the tune of 30 grand. Let that group have PICKELBALL tournaments, charge, raise money and donate money for crapper, like the pool fund.
1:08 Of course the court should be put back to what it was built for, but the powers that be REFUSE. If you really want the tennis court back put pressure on you representatives and the mayor.
10:24 Normal people see that 30K is too much to invest in a restroom for a small neighborhood park. But you have to consider who is making the decisions and who is influencing them.
2:55 Your pressure will fall on dead ears with your representatives and your mayor. The sad part of this whole deal is that for years the kids who used the park did without a restroom but when the adult pickleball players moved in they needed one right away. I'm still a believer that parks are mainly for kids.
Parks are for everyone. Parks should be for the enjoyment of all age groups and when placed in a existing neighborhood should fulfill the requirements of a welcome guest. The park should be a good neighbor just as your next door neighbor should be.
Pickle ball has proven that some individuals never outgrow the adolesence of being a bully they just find a substitute for muscle such as the misuse of money or political connections.
The tides of change have hit the recreation board. Lots of new members. I wonder how the Pickleball vote will go with almost all new members? We will pursue an answer when all new members are in place.
10:36 Your right about baseball and tennis not allowed at 28th St. and it is a shame because that is what was played the most by the KIDS. Parks are for the KIDS, that is what I always thought. But not here in Peru when you have a group of adults that want the park for something else. Shame on the city, the council and the rec board for allowing this to happen.
Could someone please find out if the rec board is submitting a letter to the concerts for a cause for a bathroom and a pickleball court? I feel that neither one is a cause. Aren't they embarrassed asking? Don't they get money every year from the city to operate? I would really like to know if this is true or just a rumor.
My feeling are we have four years now to organize a group to get information out to the voters. Actually there will be an election in two years with alderman's terms being up, that might be a good place to start. remember it took the current mayor 8 years to win.
I buy my gas at flying j weekly before I get on I-80 to head to work. This morning around six thirty I was paying for gas and the workers at flying j said that corporate headquarters in Knoxville were raided yesterday by the IRS and the feds. Shut headquarters down. What the heck is going on with corruption in this country. How ironic this was raided on tax day. Gas was 3.33 a gal. today
7:21 Yes, a letter was written to "concert for a cause" and yes, a restroom and a new pickleball court were asked for. Whether this letter has been submitted as of yet I am uncertain.
I goggled this 9:12 and you are right. Check the pictures out, definitely raided. A u-haul truck there to. The governer of Tennessee is a relative of owners of flying j pilot articles The IRS involved, usually not good. 600 plazas, 250,000 employees. This probably would have been on the news last night, but the BOSTON devastation was covered. God bless the community of Boston.
Richard De La Font Agency/ Delafont.com Is booking agent for Tim McGraw. Wonder how concert is promoted to this agency in order for McGraw to come to Peru. Wonder if agency thinks concert is for charity?????? On the net it says McGraw does do charity concerts, but these concerts are not for charity as has been said. Someone should take the time to make a few calls and check it out.
Maybe concert promotor can use her personal revenue to pay for it. One concert alone might be all it would take.
Concert could be called "crapper for a cause.". I needed a laugh for the day.
Cops for cancer should be the promoters of these concerts. At least all proceeds would go to a charity. Wonder why they haven't? Could it be possible that the concerts for a cause promoter doesn't promote concerts as charity concerts because she wouldnt be allowed to personally benefit from it? COPS FOR CANCER, you should be doing this. WHO CARES WHOSE TOES ARE STEPPED ON. My opinion logically thinking!
I have no problem donating to cops for cancer, they do a fabulous job with their program.
Since pickleball conversation has once again emerged we'd like to remind those who already know and inform those who don't how this issue came about. Yes, when we moved into our homes we knew we lived by a park. A very nice quiet park that was filled daily with children playing. Today is a different story. One morning we woke up and low and behold a tennis court was being installed within 20' of some of our yards. We were given no warning nor were we told this court would be in our back yards. As a matter of fact a petition had previously been circulated to install said tennis court in the northeast corner of the park. How and why it was moved remains a mystery to the 28th street neighbors. However, even though the courts were used daily by both young and old we had no problems what-so-ever. Then, once again with no warning or input into the change, the tennis court was converted into 4 NOISY IRRITATING pickleball courts. All our pleas and concerns fell on deaf ears from the mayor on down. With the exception of one alderman (Mayszak) no one even came to talk to us or witness the noise disturbance this game and its' players create. Not only did we have to put up with it for one summer we have 2 more to go before they can decide whether the game is a success or not. That's right. 3 years to decide if it attracts enough interest to relocate to an area away from homes. In the mean time the 28th street neighbors have no alternative except to close up there houses or move (as has been suggested by supporters of the game). Just thought it was time to refresh the memory of this game to those who were ill informed.
Sounds like the cities mind is already made up that more than likely it's staying even after 3 full years(after two more). WHY DO I SAY THIS? BECAUSE IN THE PROPOSED BUDGET THE CITY WANTS TO SPEND 30k on a bathroom facility. There has never been a bathroom since the parks existence. Parks been there at least 15 years !!!!!!! TAXPAYERS, THE WRITING IS ON THE WALL. THINK ABOUT IT!!!!
Park has probably been there at least 25 years.
When was tennis court built though?
To April 14th 3:26
From Rodney Perez
I know for a fact some appreciate the times I post on here. I've heard it from residents of Peru who I had no idea even monitored this blog. If this is a "Small" group of people monitoring this blog then what's the difference?
This small group would not have effected Sherry's election.
I will continue commenting on here when I feel it's necessary. If someone chose not to vote for an official just because they post on this blog then that, in my opinion would be small minded mentality, and not a very educated voter.
Tennis court was built approximately 15 years ago.
Check the rec boards minutes that are posted on the city website. The minutes should confirm what they asked for in their request to concerts for a cause.
10:35 it would be more interesting and informative to talk to Kid Rocks booking agent. At least it was for us.
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