Someone in the City of Peru needs to explain the Vactor Purchase

I have been hearing from the administration that we are moving into privatizing more of the city work, for ex: grass cutting, landscaping etc. because it is cost effective. Now all of a sudden we need a 400,000 dollar truck for a city of 10,000 people. This expected purchase goes against everything we have been told by those in administration. What's the deal, who gains with this? We are told it will pay for itself in 5 years and please tell me how the city knows we will be in economic position too keep this in good working order with knowledgeable employees using it.

Who is currently in charge of the Crystal Ball at City Hall?

#vactor truck
#municipal equipment
#municipal spending
#no budget purchase

For My Friends At This Difficult Time

If you are also at a difficult time in your life, enjoy this lovely music.

Merry Christmas to My Friends and Fellow Bloggers Everywhere

Christmas Lighting Where is the Best

Many of you have probably seen the lighting on the old Westclox building on east Rte 6, if you have not please put this on your to see list as it is fantastic. One of the occupants of the building I am told has done or helped to do this display. Thanks to all throughout the city that have decorated their lawns, homes and businesses, nicely done.

I have also driven through Rotary Park in LaSalle in which the city is creating a drive through with lighted Christmas displays which is growing in size each year. Very nice and all ages will enjoy this ride thru.

Feel free to add any special Christmas lighting you would like to  suggest for viewing in public places, parks, businesses or homes.

Peru boards recommend approval of sand plant - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Peru boards recommend approval of sand plant - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Annexation Of Bureau County Land Approved by Peru Planning and Zoning Boards

Northern White Sand finally OK'd near U.S. 6 - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Northern White Sand finally OK'd near U.S. 6 - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Old news to many but it is beginning to look like La Salle Cty will be owing their soul to the company store. There are going to be so many facilities owned by one sand company that involve so many cities, that it will be one big happy family or not.

This article is from September 10 of this year. I expect Peru will join the family. To every plus there is a minus and time will tell what the difference will be.

Letters to the editor: There has to be a better place for sand facility than Plank Road - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Letters to the editor: There has to be a better place for sand facility than Plank Road - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Everyone who drove by the signs on Plank Road and Ladd Road thought that “Schools Subdivision” meant residential subdivision. Eugene Hodges, of Northern White Sand LLC a subsidiary of Eagle Materials of Dallas, Texas, and their attorney, John Duncan, admitted that they purposely worded it that misleading way.' QUOTE from Patricia Lange Grant, property owner and resident.  

This should throw up red flags about this company wanting into Peru! When you start with deceit, where do you go from there?

#Northern White Star
#schools subdivision
#sand transfer facility
#Eagle Materials
#Eugene Hodges
#sandfacility
#Peru IL

38th Street Redirection Map

Post by Jeff Dankert.

WHEELER: Sand mining: The wolf is at the door

WHEELER: Sand mining: The wolf is at the door

An open forum letter written in the Ottawa Times with one comment following.

A Few Changes From the City Council Meeting Tonight

The city council delayed the vote on the grass cutting contract because they were one alderman short of the "Super Majority" and it will be taken up at the next council meeting after Christmas. How can savings be calculated when you don't have the figures from past years? He did put a lot of work into it so please find this information in the Alderman's packet on the city web site and let us know what you think.

 ****Peru city atty according to N.T isn't sure whether there will be a Planning and Zoning Committee meeting on Wednesday as origiinally scheduled because not enough members possibly might not show up and in that case the meeting will be held on Thursday.  This is kind of like saying there is a city council meeting Monday and if not enough members show up we will meet on Tuesday. Since an agenda has to be posted 48 hours in advance with an exact time and date of meeting, it does sound like we have a legal issue involved here.

Please this is a governmental commitee, they need not play games, either set a meeting date and time and live with it or cancel it until next week. Do they not want a room full of people in attendance like last week?


BELOW IS MY ORIGINAL POSTING

Also the meeting by the Planning and Zoning Committee was delayed until this Thursday December 18 @ 6 PM, they were said to be short members available for Wednesday night, December 17 the date scheduled at last weeks mtg. This will again be about the Northern White Sands probable approval of annexation etc.  If you know someone who should be aware of this change, please contact them and let them know of the change.

ELECTION PETITIONS for ALDERMAN
As of this morning these are the petitions turned into the clerks office.  Fourth -Dave Potthoff, Third Ward - Dave Waldorf, Travis Nelson.  Second Ward - Rodney Perez, Tom Payton.

Harvard study ranks Illinois among most corrupt states

Harvard study ranks Illinois among most corrupt states


I believe many of us have no doubt about this.

Sealed Bids for City of Peru Equipment

What Will Be the Benefit to Peru of the Sand and Railway Approval?

This is the question I asked of several aldermen after the meeting last evening and the answer I received is "tipping fees". It is a term new to me and I am sure to many of you who are reading this. An ordinance will be passed soon setting the price to be applied to the heavy trucks used for hauling sand, so much per ton per weight of the sand truck.  I am sure each truck will not be weighed so it will be a general assumed weight per truck.  This fee is to maintain the roads to be used by more trucks traveling more frequently on the route from the Utica Northern White Sands facility in rural Utica to the proposed sand processing facility in Peru and the annexed land in Bureau Cty. We should assume if the benefit to Peru is a tipping charge that the fee will be large enough to provide some profit to the city or there is no point to setting a fee.

An article in late October in the N.T. follows this post which puts a lot of what is being voted on now into perspective.

Next in line for benefits would be jobs for those in skilled in those areas, particularly the truck drivers which the article indicates are hard to find.

This meeting of the Planning and Zoning Board was the first time there had been any public discussion by anyone involved with the city. Never discussed at any previous council meeting or any committee of a whole public session. I am wondering if the discussions took place in closed session. Did the atty mention last night that he had had previous discussions with officials? Who is in charge of public relations in this administration?

The mayor was seen at the meeting for a short time and most of the aldermen were in attendance. I guess this leads to the question, "Does the public have the right to expected to be informed of issues that may affect Peru?"  Many people here in Peru believe the answer is NO.

In silica valley, the sand is moving - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

In silica valley, the sand is moving - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Next up: Illinois municipal bankruptcy?

Next up: Illinois municipal bankruptcy?

Sand company attorney responds to IEPA violations

Sand company attorney responds to IEPA violations

Northern White Sand receives notice of IEPA violations

Northern White Sand receives notice of IEPA violations

Family Acitivities, Christmas Decorating and Shopping in Full Swing Now in Peru

This is such a busy time of year for families and businesses and even cities that are decorating for the Holidays. Before the schools close for the holidays, there are concerts, plays and parties for the students and of course this involves the entire family. Yards are full of bright lights and decorations and people are making plans to spend the holidays with families and friends.  They are finding themselves coming and going trying to get all done that needs to be done so they can spend time with those they care about.

By now you are wondering what this has to do with the city of Peru. They lit the tree with ceremonies at City Hall and I was told that the announcement was made that the Mayor was not present because he has "business" in Chicago to attend to. Many aldermen were there and the school chorus made it very enjoyable.

Considering what I have just said, why has the city decided that this is the perfect time to get the "sand" meetings on the calendar and have all discussions done with prior to Christmas. Why?

According to the city web site, there will be a meeting this Wed., Dec. 10 before the Planning and Zoning Board

I Have Questions About the Proposed New Sand Facility, Do You?

Since the city is very silent about the proposed sand facilities (2), I began to think about what I would like to ask our officials.  I am assuming that they have already had several meetings with both White Sand and EOG.

What is your question?

I have seen the map but nothing more, but hope our officials have at least seen photos of the proposed facility as I am assuming that White Sands also has other facilities.

The first thing on my list is about truck traffic. 12 or 15 trucks per hour, does this mean on a 24 hour time frame? But now remember that EOG also has a lot of truck travel bringiing in sand for the RR transfer.  Will both be using the same roads and what will the traffic pattern be and how will if affect the local auto and truck traffic? Will Peru be responsible for road unkeep? Will they build their own roads, specific to their sand transfer?  Will this discourage shoppers from coming into Peru? Maybe silly questions but things I think of in the current conversation.

Peru sand facility gets first OK (of three) from city - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Peru sand facility gets first OK (of three) from city - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

SAND AND MORE SAND IN PERU COMING TO YOUR CITY

How Many Peruvians Will Fit in the Lobby of City Hall? (LOL)

"City Hall has a new 15-foot tall Christmas tree that will be lit during an open house that starts at noon. The tree will feature decorations made by grade school students. The Peru Parkside Choir will perform."

I have been to the Peru City Hall many times and have a pretty good idea of the size of the lobby and once we set up the 15 foot tree and bring in the Peru Parkside Choir and the aldermen and their families, how much room will be left for the remaining residents?

Christmas Tree - Safety Meeting - Lawn Care - Bah Humbug

I cannot tell you first hand the events of the city council meeting this evening but it definitely reinforces the thought that mybe you the taxpayers are not really being considered as first and foremost in the officials concerns. I have received very reliable information about events and some foia's will definitely be taking place very soon..

Recall the Xmas Tree/Safety Mtg expenditure of $1699. it  turns out that the cost was for a very expensive Christmas Tree for $1500 to be placed in the center of city hall. It must have been a secret order as most of the aldermen did not know nor did the City Treasurer know about the purchase.
How many citizens do you think walk through city hall on a weekly basis other than the regular employees that actually work there? I get complaints about the outdoor city decorations that must be at least 20 or 30 years old and half the time no longer light up. Some pretty lites on the greenery  around City Hall might be seen by the most people as they drive by on Rte 6, and could have been one of the downtown improvements being worked toward by the Rte 6 Tourist Association. Who owns the outdoor decorations put up by the cso and should some new ones be on our bucket list?

That leaves us with a $199.00 Safety Committee but it is a secret committee because no one knows the members, there is no agenda and there are no minutes and we the taxpayers are picking up the tab for the luncheon etc.  From what I hear from others who have inside information, neither you or I will be happy about the receipt. Maybe they bought Happy Meals.

With that in mind, I just read in the news that Peru proposes a slight tax increase,
"The city Peru proposes a 4.98 % increase in its tax levy and then  a slightly higher tax rate for following year" according to the N.T.

I propose they learn how to spend the taxpayer dollars a little more wisely.








































#christmastree
#christmas
#citychristmastree

Northern White Sands Requesting Waivers

#NorthernWhiteSands
#IllinoisRailway
#LaSalleCounty
#railroad

News and Investigations BGA: Stop Currie’s Fast-Moving FOIA Bill

News and Investigations BGA: Stop Currie’s Fast-Moving FOIA Bill



For your information

**IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR** | Village of North Riverside

**IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR** | Village of North Riverside

How many cities of a similar size will find themselves in a situation like this?

Pensions case study: North Riverside

Pensions case study: North Riverside

Interesting article and makes one think about how many small cities will be able to continue to fund all their required pension plans. This is about how they are turning over their Fire Dept. in North Riverside to a private concern which already runs their ambulance service.

Population 6,672

Grand Army of the Republic Monument

Grand Army of the Republic Monument


I stand in awe at this fantastic figure and for the long time, it has been in our community but little attention paid to it.

Peru to unveil Venture Drive traffic solution - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Peru to unveil Venture Drive traffic solution - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

I think most of the bloggers will be reading between the lines as I have done with this news posting.

Thanksgiving Week is Here

Peru Fire Department New Promotions

To: All Fire Department Personnel Date: 11/19/14
From: Chief King
Subject: Promotion’s

I am pleased to announce the following promotions. Please help welcome them to their new positions and work with them to help them all succeed.  This was publicly posted on the Fire Dept. FB page for the public to see.

Chief Jeff King C-1 
Deputy Chief Jim Duncan C-2 
Asst. Chief Jeff Camenisch 305
Asst. Chief Todd Haegele 306
Captain Jake Urbanc 307
Captain Nick Biagioni 308
Lt. Ryan Rynkewicz 309
Lt. Earl Hocking 310
Lt. Bill Krolak 334
Lt. Rob Ankiewicz 335
PIO Dennis Lemmer 331
Public Ed Rod Perez 346

I notice some missing names on this list. I may not post all of your comments, so be straight forward with them and avoid derogatory name calling.

ACCEPTING NO MORE COMMENTS ON PERU FIRE DEPARTMENT

CONDOLENCES TO THE RUSS REED FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN THEIR LOSS OF A WELL LOVED FORMER PERU FIRE CHIEF.

Committee Meeting of the Whole Peru versus Other Municipalities

I just read the last posted minutes from the Peru Committee of a Whole Meeting, took me about one minute.

Again I searched for information on how the mayor of Peru abuses the system. I usually go to You Tube to see how other municipalities are dealing or using with problems or development.

This is from the city of Geneva population about 21,000. Before you watch this video make sure you read the last download of our CMW.






This is a great conversation about economic development, incentives and a very good economic director. Something our aldermen should be reviewing and really listening and learning from. Kind of like an line class just for them.

Read the current disbursements online and ask your questions?

Charges for the ICSC Chicago Deals keep coming in and now we see that our Economic Director (Volunteer) had a partner on his trip to Chicago and we paid for the cost in the amount of $1,219.20. On this months expenditures we paid the $5,500 to MCS and an additional $95.00 for embroidery done by Locker Room on shirts the city paid for from Bergners which I believe were $59..
Not sure what the EC was doing at the IMEA but there was a phone chg and expenses for $259.51 in the October disbursements.

Did he go along with Mayor Harl ($211.35) and Ald. Jim Lukosus ($148.40) who also went to the monthly IMEA mtg? Now I am all for educational expenses but they should be dispensed to all aldermen to improve the knowledge they have about the city committee they have been appointed to. Oh, forgot for a moment we only have 2 committees for aldermen to be appointed to.  It used to be 4 committees and the appointed aldermen had to do their work or at least try to be up to date on what that committee should be doing. Now I notice with only 2 committees that is no longer true and it sometimes it is no more than signing an attendance sheet and sitting thru the meeting. We sometimes critique the aldermen for not having discussions at council meetings but in reality their legs have been cut off at the knees, because they are now required than to do exactly that.and nothing more.  The committee chairman of Finance is very capable of handling that meeting by himself and the remaining committee of Public Service is pre programed by Mayor Harl who sits in attendance at both meetings as the "hall monitor" The Mayor and the Treasurer do not speak unless necessary and that is pretty much true of the City Clerk and the Mayor also.

Can you only imagine what that type of work environment must be like at City Hall?

.

Column: A grand tradition - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Column: A grand tradition - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

It is a liberating feeling to sign your name to what you think and believe.  I also understand that many people are not in a position to do so. Sometimes I think that is the only way Peru will change is when people have the courage pro and con to sign their names.  It is not only the critics of this administration but also the opponents of this blog who will not sign their name and that also says something about the city we live in. Take a minute and read this op ed by a N.T. reporter about the thought.

Thought For The Week

How Many of You Take a Few Minutes and Look Through The City Disbursements

I just did and looked through the most recent and these are the things that caught my eye.

!.  Dir. of Community Development ICSC Chicago Deals $1.117.56 on this disbursement but wait there is so much more to come, that was just a drop in the bucket.

Of course we paid $97.95 for his Crains subscription and
he also had a charge from Christy's Kitchen for provide $50.00 for  doughnuts for the Rte 6 Committee Meeting.  Did you even know we had one? Do we know who is on it? Have you ever seen minutes of these meetings?

I have discussed this one with the city before and I believe these meetings that seem to be using taxpayer dollars should have minutes listed on the city site and the members should be listed on the city web site. The idea behind the committee may be sound but it needs a little fresh air and transparency to all of you.

Sand Concerns in Earlville But Not In Peru, Why?

Looking For A Good Sand Lawyer

Are the Earlville residents looking at the same business that Peru is? Peru has no concerns and Earlville residents seem to have many.

In A Democracy People Get The Government They Deserve

 Anonymous said...

Yes, we have heard the Long-ing for term limits. They are nothing more than an agenda pushed by election losers and their supporters. Here in Peru this very own blog administrator will cry for term limits, yet in her own ward the people were so outraged with what she calls a lack of representation, and an alderman that she claims has a "stranglehold" on his seat, that this pent up populist outrage resulted in - no one running for office! The fact is, people are satisfied with happenings in Peru. The same people keep winning because they are doing a good job. Much better than your average Illinois Valley city. My guess is come April only one new alderman will be elected. And knowing who is going to lose, it will be the most devastating election night the blog has ever seen.

The above post came in this evening and I thought it might make an interesting topic of conversation. Peru is a small city and I would hope that most people have heard a little about the events of the last 5 years when Mayor Harl was elected and how it took only 2 years for all those who supported him, to become disillusioned and started to think that Peru certainly could do better.  It seemed like everything was on a downhill slide.  There have been ups and downs but never what was expected from someone who led many to believe that an open and transparent government would now happen.

The person who wrote this post evidently doesn't like my belief in term limits. They know where I live and saw that I had signs for Rauner, Schimpf and Long.  Jerry Long asked if he could put a sign in my yard and I said yes and if Frank Mautino has asked, I would have said yes. I was in no way involved with this election but simply made sure to vote and I did.

What happens in Peru will be the decision of those who vote in the majority and who they choose to vote for or not will be their decision and yes if they do what this person indicates it won't be good for the city but the people will have made their choice. On the bright side when something important to the people is to be voted upon, the people will turn out to vote like they just did a few days ago and according to Joanne Corretto the LaSalle County Clerk,  LaSalle County had 53%  voter turnout because the people had an interest in the contests on the ballot..  The blog will continue to offer the opportunity for opinions to be blogged whether I like them or not (within reason) and the residents will make their own decisions in the Spring.

Post Election Some Democrats Won and Some Republicans Won

I think we have a new governor, Bruce Rauner, but not sure Quinn has conceded quite yet. Unfortunately we re elected Durbin.  Independent that I am I voted for some R's and a few D's.  Really pleased to hear that La Salle County had a good turnout of voters and I hope we are getting the message to vote at election time. I was really short on info on the retaining of judges and have to admit I went right by that and don't know if I missed the information or it just was not very news worthy.

After the article about the election results which I found very interesting, I came across this quote....

"I have no answers,” a mystified Raikes said this morning. “I guess people think a man that believes a family should live on a lower wage, raise medicine prices for babies, be a bully to women, make fortune on crushing companies for bankruptcy, etc., etc. is what La Salle County needs.” 

Is this the same person in charge of the rat?

Sure sets a bad tone for the unions! 

Will Illinois now be able to move forward and become a part of the United States again.?  I heard one analyst last night comment that Illinois considered a "dark blue" state, was like Argentina because we are so deep in debt while states surrounding are doing so much better economically.

Will there now be less cash being sent back to favorite cities? This could all be very interesting.

Medical Marijuana Dispensary and EOG Sand Terminal

I was so surprised to see so many people in attendance last evening at the city council meeting and great to see the concerns that brought them there expressed publicly.
Most definitely there were people opposing the medical marijuana dispensary present and they were able to get their point across to the council. Some were professional people and business people and not one person except Ken Molan expressed a desire to have this go forward in this neighborhood location. Since the city has no history of dealing with this type of business it was wise to not go forward with it.

The sand terminal will proceed and I hope with caution and changes to the original plan. Exiting from the proposed facility as initially laid out is a bad idea and without a doubt would cause not only damage to the roads in the Industrial Park but also to Rte 251 but I believe damage to people with increased accidents.  The Council needs to study this more thoroughly on their own and not depend upon the company (EOG) for their information. A few of them laughed when I said to them to take a trip up to Chippewa Falls WI and see how it has affected that small community, talk to people, do your job. Thinking and taking only the information from EOG is a mistake.  What company is going to tell you any drawbacks associated with their business when they are trying to get the city to cooperate with them about getting this off the ground. Also do your own internet research, lots of information out there.

Mayor Harl mentioned last night that all this information regarding the sand terminal was discussed in length at the 4 hour meeting last Wednesday. To Mayor Harl I would like to say"why did you not publicly get the information out to the public, you know how to use the radio and news paper for your own benefit and why did you not use the information available to inform the residents?" Facebook is free and you have a City of Peru page. It could have been brought up at several council meetings weeks ago. Encourage your aldermen to talk to the friends and neighbors. In other words COMMUNICATE, that is part of your job as mayor of Peru.

Thankfully we had one well spoken gentleman express  concerns that many in Peru have concerning the location of the sand terminal.  Thank you George Marple, well done.

#EOG
#sandterminal
#medicalmarijuana
#marijuanadispensary
#communication

Ordinances to be Passed Tomorrow City Council Meeting

REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY/ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
MINUTES OF A PLAN COMMISSION HEARING HELD ON OCTOBER 29, 2014 CONCERNING THE
PETITION OF EOG RESOURCES, INC. REQUESTING A SPECIAL USE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT
3024 E. 103RD ROAD, PERU, IL
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE AS SOUGHT BY THE PETITION OF EOG RESOURCES,
INC. CONCERNING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3025 E. 103RD ROAD, PERU, IL

MINUTES OF A JOINT PLAN COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HEARING HELD ON
OCTOBER 29, 2014 CONCERNING THE PETITION OF THE HOLISTIC COMPANY, LLC d/b/a EVE’S
APOTHECARY CONCERNING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 803-809 21ST STREET, PERU, IL
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING BOARD ORDINANCE AS SOUGHT
BY THE PETITION OF THE HOLISTIC COMPANY, LLC D/B/A EVE’S APOTHECARY CONCERNING
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 803-809 21ST STREET, PERU, IL
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING SPECIAL USE FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 803-809 21ST STREET, PERU, IL
RESOLUTION TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH NCICG FOR APPLICATION, ADMINISTRATION
AND COORDINATION SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,500 FOR AN ILLINOIS BOND FUND GRANT
ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF PERU (WATER MAIN CONSTRUCTION)
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHECK SIGNING FOR AN ILLINOIS BOND FUND GRANT PROJECT

Silica sandstorm stirs up neighbors of Utica-area mine - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Silica sandstorm stirs up neighbors of Utica-area mine - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Second Thoughts About the Way Peru Does Business

Petition of EOG Resources, Inc. requesting a special use to allow loading and hauling of sand, or
similar aggregate or minerals, including equipment, buildings, or structures of storage for
property located at 3024 E. 103rd Road, Peru, IL

Taken from the Planning Commission Agenda for Wednesday October 29, 2014.

---

I had attended the Finance and Safety Committee from 4 to 5 PM. No one including the mayor made one comment about the very important meeting which would take place in a short time. From the brief sentence shown above I am not sure anyone unless they were in the inner circle would have known about this and it is my contention  that this is the way the city government wants it to be. I can think of several people who would have made the time to come if they were aware of what was being considered.

Bob Vickery usually in attendance at the Finance meetings (but not at this one) keeps a running list of people interested in property in Peru for possible business ventures and he almost always at  least mentions the possibilities. He never mentioned this company that I am aware of and this leads me to believe that all discussions took place in the numerous closed session so the public would not be aware.

I wrote this last night and at the time I wondered "Am I the only one in this city who thinks this way?" This morning I received a comment which in turn encouraged me to place my thoughts in the public.  I will also copy that post to this heading.

Point of Entry and of Exit for Proposed Traffic According to the News Report

#sandterminal

#silicasand

#sandhauling

#fracking

#sandhaulingtrucks

#sandairquality

#IEPA

Peru Planning Commission Approves Sand Terminal in North Industrial Park Off The Plank Road

It was suggested I open this topic up on the blog as residents might be interested in offering their opinions. An article is in tonights News Tribune, our local paper, and there is a good writeup on what we can expect if this business is allowed to develop. Location seems questionable as there are nice motels and shopping just adjacent to the area. And also this is near the location of the TIF currently in dispute with Dimmick. Sounds like there will be a great amount of heavy truck traffic transporting the sand in for transport on the Plank Road. I don't believe they stated where the sand will be coming from and do we assume travel will be along I-80..

After unloading sand the trucks would travel east on E. First Road, trucks would then travel 1.5 miles on Unytite Drive and Route 251 back to I-80.

Nearby RTE 251 already has more than its share of local traffic and yes local accidents in the area just north of I-80. After reading the report, I still have questions about exactly what the impact on the area would be.

There Will Be Music at the Music Powell Sculpture

If you have read the minutes of previous Public Service meetings you will have seen a request from Ald. Sapienza to restore music to the Maud Powell Sculpture in downtown Peru. He brought this up at Finance yesterday and for a cost of app. $1000 a timed program will be placed in back of the sculpture. It is unknown at this time the type of music and time it will be played. So maybe you all could help him with suggestions.

I remember before the old music player broke that people would laugh at John Phillip Sousa marching band music coming out of a figure dedicated to classical violin by a world famous artist.

If you have to spend the "pork" money, please make it appropriate to the artist Maud was and play her music.

---

Anything less is certainly not appropriate to the lovely piece of art and don't insult her memory.

If you have suggestions please place a call to Alderman Sapienza, third ward alderman.

Municipal conference attendees spend more than $1k to learn tight budget techniques – Illinois News Network

Municipal conference attendees spend more than $1k to learn tight budget techniques – Illinois News Network

Illinois’ true unemployment rate: 18.1 percent

Illinois’ true unemployment rate: 18.1 percent

A pause for concern or a great exaggeration.

Washington Fire Chief Mike Vaughn resigns - News - Journal Star - Peoria, IL

Washington Fire Chief Mike Vaughn resigns - News - Journal Star - Peoria, IL


This should be one position to watch for a city bigger than Peru with a population of 15,000 plus. The reasons for the drastic cut in pay was not explained.

Regional dispatch center planned for La Salle, Peru and Oglesby

The $1.5 million investment, funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), will be used to build the Illinois Valley 911 regional dispatch center. LaSalle, Peru and Oglesby currently operate local 911 dispatch centers, which will be consolidated into a single regional public safety center. The new dispatch center, located in Oglesby, will provide dispatch services to regional police, fire and EMS agencies. The centralization is intended to improve 911-dispatch services, emergency response times, public safety and the cost-effectiveness of services. From IGNN press release.

#911
#regionaldispatch
#911dispatch
#regionalpublicsafety
#OglesbyIL
#PeruIL
#LaSalleIL

Its All About Google

I was amazed that Google would be making demands upon the freedom of speech in this blogspot. The captcha requirement is theirs and not mine and I am looking for ways to get around it. So for the time being please if you have something you think is important comply and post.

#google
#commentcaptcha
#googleblogspot
#captcha

Why Does the City of Peru Continue to Make a Farce of the Committee of a Whole Meetings?

If you do your research and check for Minutes for the Committee of a Whole conducted during the past year in Peru, you will find 2 listed. I have requested the minutes from the City Clerk as they are not available online in any manner that can be easily researched by any resident. I was told the minutes are in some file and that he would request that Connecting Point make the correction. It looks like there is no one on either the payroll of the city or of Connecting Point that is able to figure this out.

Whomever is setting up the agendas for the Committee of a whole meeting is performing a scam upon those interested in attending. A for instance take the meeting last night, there was an agenda which was not followed and the entire Committee Meeting of a Whole actually consisted of a closed session that lasted so long it went into council meeting time, I was told.
So why was a closed session not held prior to or after the regular meeting? And call it what it is.

My example from past minutes of the COW are from the minutes of Oct. 6, 2014. Meeting scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM.

Closed session began at 6:38 p.m. ended 7:23 p.m. Regular council meeting starts at 7:30 PM. Why be so deceitful, call it what it is and stop playing childrens games.

Since Mayor Harl likes to talk suburbs, I suggest he go to You Tube and look up the Committee of a Whole meetings held by Wood Dale IL, a city of 13,000. It looks like they have held real COW meetings, once each month for the past year.


And did Ald. Radtke say. what difference did it make as no one attended the Committee of a Whole meetings. Do you think anyone on the council wonders why

---

There appeared to have been a problem at last nights meeting regarding a residential problem with flooding. An area where there had been a sinkhole and this is the same problem that caused Ald. Waldorf to be in dispute with the residents about the cities lack of restitution last week in the parking lot. The problem erupted last night and it was said that our city atty. told the people to go ahead and sue the city. Well the minutes to the Public Service minutes were online yesterday because I read them and today they are gone and all that comes up is Error 404. Why would the city take down minutes that had been approved and placed on line?

---

Now that all of the minutes of the Committee of a Whole have been posted, please take a few minutes to read through them. I can see they are mostly an excuse to have a "closed session" even if it lasts only 13 minutes and why would have have the same mini closed session embedded into each and every COW meeting. The city calls them CAW meetings. Who is getting their instructions before each regular meeting. The committee reports shown on the minutes are merely what looks like a rehearsal for the same thing to be repeated minutes later at the regular City Council Meeting. Something is not right with this.

Harlem Ambassadors Fundraiser - City of Peru, Illinois 61354

Harlem Ambassadors Fundraiser - City of Peru, Illinois 61354

I was checking the city web site for Halloween information and found done but did find this activity taking place tomorrow here in Peru. Might be an entertaining afternoon. You must click on the link to bring up the information.

Starved Rock Country Alliance visits Galesburg incubator - The Times: Local

Starved Rock Country Alliance visits Galesburg incubator - The Times: Local

I hope someone else from the LP area was present beside Janko to see what can happen with cooperation and it must happen between the numerous local cities.

IDOT spends $143,000 on zombie-themed seat belt ad

IDOT spends $143,000 on zombie-themed seat belt ad

We are broke in Illinois and Idot is wasting money on useless filming.  The video is at the bottom of the article, you need to view to get the total impact of the craziness of this expenditure.

Please Share Your Sources for Reading Local News

Last couple of weeks have been very busy for us and this morning I was trying to catch up on local news and along with that I read the Births, Obits and Police Reports occasionally if I have time. From habit, I look online through WLPO, News Tribune and Ottawa Times as my sources and rarely to the BCR.

Much to my amazement today, almost all of the police reports were about Ottawa and a couple of La Salle, Marseilles, Spring Valley and Depue. None that I saw from Peru. A little from the county and the state law enforcement.

So either the local paper is skewing the news or we really do live in the city of milk and honey. Perhaps all the real news is only put in the published paper and if you don't subscribe, tough luck.

Reading Between the News of the Peru City Council Meeting Last Night

This heading is a starter and will be filled in as the news filters thru the Illinois Valley. Little was locally reported in the morning after news sources today.

---

Everyone knows that Public Comment in Peru has definite rules and among the first is that if you wish to make a Public Comment at the beginning of the City Council Mtg, you must fill out a 3 x 5 card with name, address and topic written clearly on it. Of course if you are the mayor and have favored friends, you don't have to follow the rules enacted by the City Council. Early in the mtg the person who set up the BB gun program in Peru was asked if he wished to make a comment. We were then told that the mayor has the discretion to break the rules that we all have to follow that is first submitting the 3 x 5 card. Mayor Harl it might be a good idea to set a good example and follow the same rules the rest of the city residents must follow. Just looks like you are playing favorites and I am sure you don't want the residents to think that, do you?

---

I just attempted to listen to the video of the city council meeting from 9/8//14 and it is so annoying to have speakers not press the button on their mike so it can be heard. First it was the mayor who had to repeat his comment and now it is the city atty. If these microphones are too complicated for our officials, please invest in something simpler in nature.

---

10/8/14
This issue of relatives working for the city is and has been an issue with the majority of the people living in Peru for a long time and as long as we have the type of government of Mayor-city Council here in Peru, this issue will not go away because it becomes a buddy system. In other words, Ald. A has a son, daughter, nephew or neighbor etc that he would like to impress and he mentions it to whomever oks the hiring and he will be favored over your children or mine. In return The other 7 aldermen and other officials give an unofficial OK by not saying anything against this policy knowing they might want to take advantage of it at another time.
Until the people of this city are ready to take the bull by the horns and insist upon professional management, this will not
change.

The ottawa Times has had several good articles lately. One was about the mayors of LaSalle county working on regional and state issues together and specifically mentioned was the Mayor of Ottawa and of Streator, along with Mayor Harl of Peru.
Today I read about a very extensive bicycling venture the city of Streator is attempting to get underway. Both I don't believe were covered by our local paper but if they were feel free to correct my comment. They don't allow non subscribers to read online but Ottawa does, so that is what I read.

#aldermen
@mayor
@neepotism
#publiccomment

U.S. recovery jumps forward, Illinois falls back 03 Oct 2014 | Michael Lucci -

Illinois’ recovery has been dramatically slower than the national recovery, which itself has been unimpressive. Even though a record number of Americans are now out of the workforce, the U.S. recovery has left Illinois in the rearview mirror.

Without serious economic reform, Illinois likely has several years to go before the number of people working matches the count of January 2008 – nearly seven years ago.

The number of people working is one measure of recovery. Another measure of recovery the monthly BLS report captures is the number of payroll jobs.

U.S. nonfarm payrolls added 248,000 jobs in September, against consensus expectations of 215,000. This was a strong month for payroll jobs, and propels the U.S. recovery far beyond the Illinois recovery.

For the U.S. as a whole, the number of jobs lost during the recession has been regained, according to BLS’s business establishment survey. The U.S. has 1 million more jobs today than in January 2008, the pre-recession peak.

Illinois, on the other hand, is far from recovery by this measure as well. The Prairie State is still down 157,000 jobs from pre-recession levels, the biggest jobs gap in the entire country. At the current pace of job creation, Illinois is still several years from recovery.

- See more at: http://www.illinoispolicy.org/u-s-recovery-jumps-forward-illinois-falls-back/#sthash.aF3RIFrx.dpuf


Entire article can be seen at http://www.illinoispolicy.org/u-s-recovery-jumps-forward-illinois-falls-back/

Homecoming Parade with LP Band

Post by 815 Life.

Peru Finance and Safety Meeting October 1

AGENDA
FINANCE & SAFETY SERVICES MEETING
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2014
TIME: 4:00 P.M
PLACE: 1901 4TH STREET, PERU, IL
ROLL CALL: ALDERMAN POTTHOFF CHAIRMAN, ALDERMEN FERRARI, RADTKE
AND PEREZ, MAYOR HARL
I. APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE FINANCE & SAFETY SERVICES
COMMITTEE MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 17, 2014
II. REVIEW AND APPROVE THE PROPOSED DISBURSALS
III. PRESENTATION
IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
V. NEW BUSINESS
Approve new fiber customer 5 year contract $275.00 per month-Bernabei/Bartley
Approve donation to Illinois Valley Animal Rescue
Discuss Building Permit Report reporting
VI. PUBLIC COMMENT
VII. CLOSED SESSION
VIII. ADJOURNMENT

City of Peru Job Description for Public Utilities Director

Peru police and fire chiefs get extra pay for extra duties - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Peru police and fire chiefs get extra pay for extra duties - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

MIsuse of Committee of a Whole Mieetings

The committees of a whole were not designed specifically to be used as a forum to go into closed session but more or less meant to be an informal meeting of the council. Numerous cities use them but in a more open and productive manner than Peru is currently doing. At times on a special occasion  a closed session in a committee of the whole can be needed but certainly not like Peru is using them.

I have done online research of other localities and many cities use them productively. If the government knows that a closed session is needed to discuss a topic with all of the aldermen, than schedule one either before or after the regular city council.  What is being done at present is nothing more than a slap in the face to the residents and certainly discourages them from attending any of the meetings for that night. Many cities have a statement on their web site giving the mission of a closed meeting session, we do not.  I decided to check the minutes of the many committee meetings of a whole that Peru has held since they were formed early this year.  Online there are minutes for 2 meetings, that is all, altho we all know that there have been many more.

Interested parties might like to check the agenda for Monday's meeting.  It looks like the co supers of Public Works will now be getting additional compensation.  I recently asked about the number of people who had applied to be Director of Public Utilities for Peru and I was told, only 4 and of those there was 1 phone interview and it sounded like they were not interested in that person for the position.  You know now that the city will not be hiring the position of Director of Public Works also know as the Director of Public Utilities and thus the additional compensation for the Police Chief and Fire Chief.. Is the bookkeeper a replacement for Heidi? Also the hire of a Financial Officer will be announced and I predict he will be local and well known to the council and mayor.  On this I would be happy to hear, you are wrong.


#DirectorofPublicWorks
#committeeofthewhole
#committees
#Publicworks
#financial officer
#citycouncil

True or False Office Max Call Center is "maybe" Leaving Peru

I did some research and in an article in Illinois Review dated April 21, 2014, I found this information.

"As we begin the planning for transition of work, there is a meeting being held in Ottawa next week to discuss the necessary resources to ensure a smooth transition of work,” Jen Pyszka, Office Max’s general manager in Peru, Illinois wrote.

"As we plan to transition work to our Strategic Partners for Order Entry, Direct, and Reliable, there is a need for experienced legacy OfficeMax advocates to travel to Chennai, India or Manila or Cebu Philippines to support training and floor support throughout the transition.

Pyszka said she had been asked to get volunteers to commit to no less than “ so-week to three-week increments” from June through September.

After its merger, Office Max plans to keep stores open in the United States, but plans to close Office Depot store duplicates.

Employees are being told that the new company’s technology department is relocating to Texas, but the Office Max officials have confirmed those plans yet.

Billing and AP services will be sent overseas, a move that makes one Office Max employee that received the overseas training invite to be nervous."

Note that training overseas was done from June through September and that would coincide with my information that they will be closing in October. Perhaps someone will clarify this information and tell me this is wrong and the call center here will remain open.

Teachers begin exodus from unions in Michigan, Is This a Beginning

Teachers begin exodus from unions in Michigan

Streator school will receive nothing from benefit - The Times: Local

Streator school will receive nothing from benefit - The Times: Local

The jobs done by the volunteers look like they were hired help who worked for free. Now that we know what volunteers really do for the "charity" event, Peru should without a doubt end this "nonsense" and perhaps along with Ms Noonan give a public  apology because without the aid of our city this could not have taken place. since it required our Police, our Fire Dept, and our Public Works Dept. And yes even the aldermen parking cars at below minimum wage at our Municipal Airport.

We the residents of Peru are not proud of what you "our city government" have done once again. That is my Public Comment, what is yours?

It Seems The Things Don't Change They Remain the Same in Peru

The FBI investigation indicated that the payroll overpayment action by Mayor Harl was wrong and he should not have done it, they will not press criminal charges.  To this action the Mayor responded at the Council Meeting that he and his attorney are considering filing charges of slander and defamation of character....no names mentioned. Evidently he repeated this twice.

The council is now considering rewriting the public comment ordinance and Alderman Waldorf reminds us that "no questions allowed".

I understand that the council meetings are beginning to look more and more like a circus and perhaps they are doing this for the few remaining hardy souls who dare to enter their chambers in hopes of discouraging them also.

I was not in attendance.

I will add more as I acquire more information.

Letters to the editor: Concerts for a Cause comes up short and school gets nothing? - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Letters to the editor: Concerts for a Cause comes up short and school gets nothing? - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Letter to Streator Schools....

BBQ rib cookoff kicks off blues festival in La Salle - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

BBQ rib cookoff kicks off blues festival in La Salle - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL


Tonight will be the Jazz on First and it is  one casual but classy event held in the IL Valley, may not be in Peru but it is enjoyed by many Peruvians, I have seen them there.

Finance Committee Turned Down Request For Ad in LP Yearbook

Can someone please tell me what an ad in the yearbook consists of? In my mind it must be something like City of Peru Congratulates LP students for a great year. Do our aldermen have any clue as to how many parents, grandparents, relatives and businesses look thru the yearbook.?  In fact yearbooks become collectable items through the years. The only question the committee chair asked is "Have we donated to this before?".  If the answer is NO, the request is tossed.

I want to tell the aldermen that the people pictured in that book also spend money and lots of it because many live in Peru and the rest live in communities that shop and spend money in Peru.

I believe the ad is something all local cities should spend the money on because the school is educating our children.  If you know what cities buy an ad, we on the blog would be interested in hearing about it.

Ald. Perez asked about a donation to the LP band and NO was the answer. It was also said by someone that they thought LaSalle did donate.

But then they turned around and made a $500 donation to Illinois Valley Super Bowl for the 17th Annual Illinois Valley Professional Bowlers Tournament September 6th through 7 because they spend money in our city.

As I left the City Hall, lots of young people were bringing in boxes of candy to the Community Room as they get ready to work and sell candy for the Band.  The kids take the time to do this regardless of the weather and the time away from their fun stuff. Rather Ironic isn't it.

If you would like to encourage the aldermen to turn their decision around and yes donate some money for an ad in the yearbook and look like a city that supports your schools.

Think about what just happened a few weeks ago when the city eagerly spent dollars to support a private business venture at the airport and the aldermen and clerk willingly donated their time to park cars and not enough money was generated to even give the "requested charity" any dollars.
How much money did we spend on Central States? Was it all because you thought the travelers were spending dollars in your city? Maybe they did and maybe they didn't.

Present at this mtg was Ald. Potthoff, Ferrari, Radtke, Sapienza, Mueller, Lukosus, Perez, Mayor Harl, Dave Bartley, Doug Bernabei, Eric Carls (engineer).and Bob Vickery. The committee then went into closed session after the meeting.

Ordinance 5096 Seeking Director of Public Utilities and Establishing ASM and PSM

Dated May 5, 2014.

ASM = Administrative Services Manager
PSM= Public Services Manager

It now appears that those 2 positions have become the more important than the Mayor and City Council unless things change and they become more involved in the what is taking place in Peru. This has nothing to do with right or wrong but it is just the way this ordinance is written.

Everyday There is Something that Needs Fixing in the City

I am sure half of the city is buzzing about the recent firing of an employee at city hall and the way that it happened. And just as much as that the positions that developed out of thin way while we were supposedly searching for a Superintendent of Public Works and it looks like they are going to remain. Qualified people are out there and are looking for jobs and why can't we find them?

Another something to think about. On August 16 the city assisted Ms Noonan to have a hard rock concert at the airport and we utilized public works, police and fire in this effort. I guess the effort was so we could help support a charity of her choosing which this year was Streator Centennial Elementary Public School. Now if you remember last year the Peru Little League supplied numerous volunteers so they could be the recipient of some "charity" and the concert fell short and they got proceeds from one night of pizza sales.
Now you would think it would not happen again, right? But it did and the last concert for the Streator school, produced no money for the school even though once again the same support from the school and the city was present. I privately received info that the school got no money and I was able verify that this indeed has occurred, in spite of a huge volunteer effort.

It is time for this to stop and for the city never to again assist this private enterprise from using the airport for any type of concert.  Enough is enough.

Decision Time Coming in Peru

I was told today, that petitions can now be circulated for the aldermens seats, one in each ward. Those up for re election will be Potthoff, Waldorf, Perez and Mueller.

Also need someone to step up and handle the petition for the possiblilty of hiring a City Manger.  The red alert is now on for the city of Peru from what I am seeing and hearing and know about the happenings in City Hall.

Many of us are more than willing to go out with the petitions but everything needs a leader and city hall is certainly showing us what happens when there is no responsible leadership.

Planning Commission Minutes Proposed Marijuana Growing Facilities

New minutes have been posted on the city web site with the proposals of the 4 companies interested in developing  medical marijuana growing facilities in Peru. The minutes are from the companies that went before  the Peru Planning Commission by the date of the hearing which was 8/20/14.

If you are interested in the proposals, location and ownership of them, you will find the minutes quite interesting.

Letters to the editor: Is Peru acting fairly toward all pot company applicants? - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Letters to the editor: Is Peru acting fairly toward all pot company applicants? - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

As I have watched the number of companies interested in establishing the "pot" growing facility here in Peru, I thought about other cities around us and several with a larger population and some close to ours, and wondered why it was only Peru that was putting names of companies out to the public.

I do not know whether other cities were perhaps handling requests in a different manner and considering them privately with city officials only in the know and then deciding which one they would endorse after looking through all their qualifications.

I would like to know but at this time do not. I posted a news article a few days ago and it included all the districts applying, some in detail and some barely mentioned.

Personally I don't believe Peru should endorse a particular one but let the state do that since the city has now been put in an uncomfortable position. I also do not think at this point that there is anyone in the city qualified to make an endorsement and that includes the mayor and council.

Local governments can now consolidate if they so choose « Watchdog.org

Local governments can now consolidate if they so choose « Watchdog.org

Does this mean we can start to eliminate Peru Twp.?

Will the Lobbyist Sign the Same Contract With Same Wording

Now that the lobbyist has been approved, shouldn't the aldermen vote again to approve the contract and add some provisions about responsibility with regard to coming back to the city with specifics being researched and getting approval or do we simply hand it all over to the mayor to do with it what he wishes.

This is the previous contract:

Do the aldermen need to add the responsibilities of the Lobbyist in regard to bringing information back to the elected officials so it can be included in the aldermen's packet each month?

This  should not be for a paycheck at an agreed upon price, we should be getting something in return for the money and that means information in an agreed upon time frame perhaps at Finance Committee Meetings.

This should be standard procedure for all of the companies or organizations that provide paid services to the city regarding economic development.

Recently 2 members of IVAC came to the Finance Committee with a short presentation about their present strategies.

The other company, MCS, Development Delivered has set up an economic development web site which is a part of the City of Peru web site which they maintain and update. It can be located under the Economic Development heading.

Peru renews contract with lobbyist « Classics Hits 103.9 WLPO

Peru renews contract with lobbyist « Classics Hits 103.9 WLPO

Vote to Retain the Lobbyist in Peru

The vote was 4 and 4. Potthoff, Ferrari, Perez and Mueller voted no. Harl broke the tie. 

Thank you Alderman Potthoff, Alderman Ferrari, Alderman Perez and Alderman Mueller for showing good judgement with your vote.

And to those who voted yes to retain the lobbyist, Alderman Lukosus, Alderman Radtke, Alderman Waldorf and Alderman Sapienza, we hope the voters will gradually show you the door out of city hall and bring in some thinking representatives.

I knew with the above 4 still in office that there was no way this would be defeated and I was hoping that Mayor Harl would have to break the tie vote. Now we know that the mayor really is a politician and that his political ties are more important than being a good mayor for the residents of Peru.

Again my thanks  to the Aldermen who voted for Peru by voting against the Lobbyist.

Illinois cannabis lobbyist information

Illinois cannabis lobbyist information


Some big players and lots and lots of money.

Demographics of Peru Are Being Noticed

Our Economic Director, Bob Vickery, once again at Finance brought up the businesses interested in coming into Peru and it appears there are 4 or 5 corporations interested in building more senior housing within the city.  Homes a bit larger than the Stough Group homes and to be built in the northern part of the city. They are looking to build on approximately 5 acre plots, to the north.

Many of us realize that they probably see the right market for their products in senior housing in La Salle Peru. Seniors also desire to have nearby groceries and medical facilities and possibly drug stores that include other amenities.  So we will need to wait and see what is built if any housing does become a reality.

And on the other end of the spectrum is the question of how much money should be put into "decorating" Route 6 businesses.  Mayor Harl prefers banners instead of flower baskets and I am sure that is what we will see along the route. Vickery  is working with businesses to develop a facade improvement program and at the current time, Peru will put in $25,000 toward a 50/50 city/business payment for whatever is decided upon. I would like to see the Peru side of the Route 6 Tourist Assn. began to put their minutes on the Peru city web site, since we will be adding dollars to the program and actually does involve city property.

And on the A-Unified lawsuit, I am told that the N.T. had an article last night which states the city now has the title to the property at a cost of $250,000 approximately plus court costs. But the company has no money and what are the court costs?

Peru Can Definitely Afford One (a Lobbyist) Said Mayor Harl

Finance Committee Mtg August 20 with members Dave Potthoff, Tony Ferrari present and members Mike Radke and Rodney Perez absent.

Mayor Harl is also now considered a member and he was present with Ald. Lukosus by his side and Ald. Sapienza also present. Strangely Treasurer Hylla was not at the Finance Mtg. Definitely something going on there.

They quickly got to the rehiring of Timothy McAnarney as Lobbyist for Peru for another year and as quoted in the heading the Mayor said that any city that can afford a lobbyist has one and Peru can definitely afford one. Ald. Ferrari said the aldermen had never seen any information until he got the foia'd  information but only after the information which I foia'd first was put on the blog. So that means the mayor did not feel that anything the Lobbyist was doing during the last year was important enough to share with his aldermen. But I will clarify that by saying I do believe that he shared any and everything with Ald. Lukosus but none of the others.

But today at the meeting he said the Lobbyist was doing so much for the city and not all that he had done was written on those reports and sometime the lobbyist is talking to people in the Legislature and elsewhere but does not know if anything gets done or not.

He picked out a couple of things he thought was important from the foia'd papers.

November 5, 2013 Talked to Ameren re: Unytite and the proposed move to LaSalle.
November 27, 2013 Per request of Bob Vickery he called ATT&T to look into poor reception in downtown Peru..
Lukosus said Peru could have had a grant for a bike path and that would have been because of him. ???? Also that he is of great help with the airport.

The Mayor also said something about not knowing what was in the original contract to hire and  I suggest he read contracts before he attaches his name to them.

This vote will go to the Council Meeting Monday and I believe with the help of Ald. Lukosus, Sapienza, Radtke and probably Waldorf and with Ferrari being the question mark, it will pass even if the mayor has to end up breaking the tie. And those of us who disagree with this, must remember that there is an election next spring in each ward and it  will determine if  Potthoff, Waldorf, Perez and Mueller are returned to office. Possibly there may be a referendum to put on the ballot changing Peru's government to a City Manager-Council format.

Lobbyist Contract and Remaining Information

These are the remaining pages of the foia. We as taxpayers already pay the salary of Rep. Mautino (D) from Spring Valley and representing the 76th District of which Peru is part of and additionally Senator Sue Rezin (R) of Morris maintains an office in Peru. Add onto that the $14,000 we pay yearly to IVAC. Peru has a Economic Director.

My question is what did we get for the $24,000 we paid to the Lobbyist? This topic will be presented at the Finance Committee @4PM and they will talk (I hope) about whether he supplies services that Peru cannot survive and move ahead without.

On a personal note, I have always been an Independent voter and have never voted any party line and I am finding this hire to be a very Democratic associated individual. We don't vote a political party when we elect a mayor or aldermen but I realize while they don't run on a party ticket they have a right to personal party associations but I don't want them imbedded in a small city government. Get help from all and don't get too cozy and you will get a bit more from all of the them.

Peru Seems to be Interested in Expanding PPD to Plank Rd

Oh and also I wonder if they are interested in renewing the Lobbyist contract for another year. Since no one seemed to remember that his contract signed on August 1, 2013 was no longer valid since this is now August 18.

The first partial letter is a recommendation to the Peru City Council Aldermen. The full page letter shows why the mayor wanted this appt. As his first task, he seems to be interested in the Peru Armory.
The last page on this post is the last 2 months of the Lobbyists work for the city. Draw your own conclusions on this.