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
I hope the city council video does not get trashed once again. I did not attend but know that Ald. Potthoff stood up for what is right for this city by explaining his opposition to the "arrangement" of super chiefs. Definite lines were drawn with "favored" aldermen Ald. Sapienza with ties to the teachers union, Ald Radtke with long time family ties to the D party, Ald. Waldorf there is no explanation for him but may be a union member thru his profession, I don't know and Ald. Lukosus again I don't know, logically as a former small business owner you would not think union but it is possible. I never thought we would see this lineup in this city and it is embarrassing to say the least.
What in the world does union membership have to do with anything the council decided? I think things are working well in the city for now with this arrangement and so do many others. That aside this is how they voted including Rodney. Why don't you mention Rodney and his political affiliations? Ridiculous.
This is completely wrong. What is the City of Peru doing. This police chief is going to put the City of Peru in debt just like he did in Spring Valley. I sure hope Peru gets a new mayor because that it is the only way to replace the police chief. Where is the City getting all of this money to increase pay wages and hire a financial person for so much money. Especially when they have to borrow money from the Electric Fund just o keep the Water fund in the black. It seems that there is a new Mayor in Peru and he is the Administrative Services Manager. The entire council needs to be replaced except Perez and Potthoff they are about the only decent people working for the city.
I believe doing a background check was mentioned. Shouldn't that be done before you tell the person they are hired? Wonder if we will be told the name before they take the position or will it be found out through the grapevine? Why are we so secretive?
10:06 - the reason it is mentioned is because the unions have purchased Peru. We are being run by local 150 out of Chicago with a little help from public sector unions.
why on earth would they offer the job if the background check has not been completed? Isn't that part of the application process? Amateurs - nothing but amateurs. We need to get some new DNA injected into our government quickly. But alas, we really don't need to know the name of the person that was hired on spec. All we have to do is look in the CPA section of the Peru Yellow Pages - look at the last names and match them to people currently in power and you will undoubtedly find the candidate, assuming they can pass the background check.
You "union bashers" need to stop trying to interject a union aspect to this issue where there is none. I don't approve of this phony pay increase any mor than the next person, but you need to back off trying to make it some sort on union issue. It's wrong because Waldorf and others including Harl simply do not want qualified and competent department heads overseeing public works or electric departments. They don't want it because when you keep all power and decision making in a tight-knit circle of a few insiders who all feed at the city trough you never have any interference from someone who might want to [point out what is so wrong and inefficient within these departments. That's why they arranged for Sean Mikos to be compelled to get out of Peru as fast as humanly possible when he saw the corrupt influence that Chamlin and TEST has over these elected officials. This backwards crew consisting of Harl, Waldorf, Lukosus, Sapienza, Radtke, and the two Super Chiefs have nobody to hold them accountable and they do as they wish, including enriching each other and Chamlin, TEST, Illinois Valley Excavating, and others. They take care of each other and ensure power and authority is controlled by only those in the clique. It could be class at IVCC called "Municipal Corruption 101", How to control you city outside American Democracy.
Everyone remembers being told more than once that one rotten apple spoils the entire barrel. Last nights Peru City Council meeting as all other city council meetings, closed sessions and committee meetings of the whole have proven Peru City politics to be rotten to the core. Do not be surprised when the CPA is named that it a relative of another local political figure. Has the council given any thought to going forward and advertising a full time Ch,PPD for $50,000 per year and a part time Ch,PFD for $14,000 per year and getting qualified people to fill all other professional full time positions that they are presently occupying?
Rodney Perez has an affiliation with the fire department. He is a paid per call fireman, with Jeff King the fire chief. With all this happening, we didn't need a full time fire chief in the first place. It's my opinion that this has been in the works for many many months. The city had four applicants, and nobody fit the bill supposedly, how do these two qualify?
There was a fire a couple weeks ago at an apartment complex. Article in the paper. Did the article read that the fire was under investigation? What has the investigation shown? Remember the westclock fire? arson? Weren't persons charged? Is there something regarding the apartment fire that hasn't been disclosed to the public?
10:21, background checks and certifications and job experience should be done before any appointment or hiring of a city employee before they are even hired. First year college students learn this in the classroom.
10:57 - we need to keep up the union bashing.... actually it needs to be increased dramatically. Right-to-Work in 2015! Toss the Unions out of the Illinois Valley once and for all!
ANON 11:33 AM YES! This answer is in reference to the last question in your comment although I know that you are more knowledgable about this fire than you are letting on. Please elaborate for transparencies sake and justice and peoples safety to be served. This is one scary situation especially to those living in the apartment complex and that the situation has been handled in the manner that it has been.
This is not a union issue! Why do those alderman and Mayor want to control the public works department? That doesn't make any sense. How can they think everything is going great? Do they have any idea how a competent business operates. Do any of them have any experience with business structure?
I stand my ground with Alderman Potthoff. I truly believe he is the only one that can see what's truly happening with the city. The problem is that all the other Alderpersons aren't leaders, they're followers. People who are followers sometimes don't have the skills to make good judgement calls and do some homework.
What is the average pay for a Police Chief and a Fire Chief in a town of 10,000. Arn't they both way over the average prevailing wage scale. Normally a similar situation in other cities of 10,000to increse salary would require them to move to a larger population. Also why would a goal of increasing ones pay be justified when they are only filling a postion temporarly which they have no qualifications for? The former Chief of Police was highly qualified with a unlimited background and position with the Illinois Staate Police and was not paid 1/2 as much as the present Ch, PPD nor the present Ch,PFD. How does the present city council justify these outlandish wages as well as a pay increase when it is their failure to hire a qualified professional to fill the position. 2 wrongs do not make 1 right.
Alderman Perez sits in the council chair and has the duties of the chair . This is his elected position and he should vote and be prepared to explain his vote as should all other council members. He is the experienced alderman of this field and has a obligation to utilized this experience for the citizens who elected him. This pick and choose policy of taking the easy way out or the most popular stand at the time must be bannished by all members of the council. What was each aldermans vote?
Lois, regarding the fire a few weeks ago, rumor around town is that the fire very likely was arson. With that being said. Rumor also is that person of interest was/is affiliated with our fire department. It's hard to sweep things under the rug when people talk. Are we getting true transparency from our department heads? Did the newspaper have another article regarding this fire and the investigation? Good old fashion transparency is what our city needs.
Can them earlier commenter please explain how the police chief put Spring Valley in debt? Lol. The comments are crazy. It is a verifiable fact that we have less staff and fewer people doing more work. I've heard from a number of people that things are actually working pretty well. When all of you who complain run for city council, then you will be able to go in and fix all of this craziness!
So there is something that the public hasn't been told bout the fire at the apartment building. Should we be informed as taxpayers? Anything been referred to the states attorney office? Could we have some individuals with a workload too heavy? Is something being covered up. Lots and lots of questions. Simple questions with simple answers. This town forum blog site is the best avenue to have public comment being as how the council meetings are handling public comments and with all the videotapping problems with a hired company from the city/taxpayers being able to fulfill its obligations of videotapping council meetings so the the public can watch and hear in a timely and consistent manner.
Right on 12:18. Also, how can a person be professionally capable of hiring of a department head when they themselves who are temporarily performing the job don't have the qualifications nor the experience??
Alderman Perez should know the answers to 12:33's questions. Truth please. Several times on this blog site I have read comments from fireman themselves either being retired, quit, or on another department other then Peru's. Feel free to comment on your knowledge of 12:33's comment.
Unions are severely damaging whole industries. Unions are ruining public education. Unions are costing you billions of tax dollars. Unions are fundamentally anti-democratic. Government unions are bankrupting cities and states.
12:19 PM, You really need some updating on your understanding of who is allied with who in Peru politics. Harl has burned hundreds, maybe thousands of bridges with former supporters since his initial election. Probably the most notable being Steve Weberski. In fact, I believe that Dave Potthoff is probably closer to Harl than Steve is right now. Harl stabbed his former campaign manager in the back when Steve chose to run against Lukosus and Harl supported Lukosus. I don't think Mr. Weberski would spit on Harl if he were on fire, and who could blame him.
Does anyone know how the pensions are calculated for these guys? If I had a pension based on the average earnings of my last 5 years of service, I'd love to take a $15k/yr pay increase...and work for another 5 years.
1:09, did you read 12.33's comment? What have you heard 1:09 about 12:33's blog? Maybe you have some inside information. Since you mentioned you heard something regarding how things are running pretty well in the city, which makes me wonder what your affliation with the political /social / etc.. arena is. I wonder if there is a possibility certain city departments might not want negativity towards its department hoping that people don't have a good memory and ask questions later, with remembering what was in black ink(paper article).
Stand by folks. There is going to be a big announcement concerning property taxes right after the November Election. The County is going to take their increase before the City elections in April.
I have been doing some research. We as a city are off our rocker for some salaries for a population of 10,000. Look up salaries for a full time fire chief in metropolitan areas and what degrees one has. Check out Springfield, Rockford, Aurora, Plainfield, the city's in the quad city's. Perus population doesn't hold a stick to those areas. I noticed that a fire science degree(bachelors/4 years of college) is a basic requirement. Do we have this requirement with our Fire Chief that could possibly validate a high salary regardless of other positions given? Prior to Harls appoint of a full time fire chief, were we not paying approx. $10,000 a year? I'm not understanding the logistics of all this. Sadly something is amiss. I didn't check out Ottawa yet.
How many years with the Peoria? Was the police chief a "chief" prior to "chief" in Peoria. We can't compare Peoria to Peru. The number of years in position as chief reflects pay scale. Yes, raises are appropriate and part of a job. Study chiefs pay for communities with population of 10 thousand.
1:44 - calculated? I think they just keep getting paid - forever. I know some retired IVCC college instructors making over $100K per year in "retirement".
I was pointing out that Peoria - a much larger city with more crime and a larger police force - pays their Chief of Police (I believe he has 30 years experience working the ranks in Peoria and other cities) about the same as Peru pays our chief. Something is horribly amiss in the City of Peru.
The thing I find funny is how easy it is to get salary information from other cities. Unless I'm blind - I can't seem to find a salary report on the Peru web page.
3:20 - The President of the United States gets a pension of $201K.
I do not believe that anyone that has ever worked for IVCC is worth a pension of $100K per year. Doubly so for any "administrator" of our Podunk school systems - we are over paying across the board for anyone associated with local government and education. The time of reckoning will come and the pendulum will swing back the other direction. The question is - how many cities and school districts will declare bankruptcy.
FYI - somebody mentioned the County plan to jack the property taxes after the November election. Well folks - that won't be anything compared to the big surprise coming from Springfield this fall. As soon as the election is over they will be transferring all school pension obligations to the local districts. Then... next target is the IMRF. Springfield is going to balance the budget - but they are not going to cut anything. They will transfer it to the local municipalities.
You can look up a city and see a profile of their police and fire chiefs, and profile. I mean a full resume of job history, education, work experience. Looking up other areas I did notice college degrees in their specific field, being a bachelors and a masters. And several with several degrees. Does Peru have all this information on the internet ? I haven't found it? Why isn't this information publicized? Kinda strange isn't it? Who is in charge of this?
3:59 - I heard the person they hired to run the finances really likes horses. Apparently that is what closed the deal for Boss Harl and Sherriff Douglas P. Coltrane.
I will weigh in to share some of my thoughts. I really think some of these comments are so sad and false they are not worth addressing such as false statements about salary's being same as Peoria. I just went on line (yes all the information about salaries and resume is on the city web site) and see Peru make over 50 thousand less. Please look again and if you cant find it is because you don't want to find it. My point is this blog is full of made up propaganda it has become a joke. The city is saving several hundred thousand dollars in having less bosses. Electric Supervisor 110k last year public works director 100 k last year here assistant at electric 60 k. That totals 270 plus benefits of over 100k. That's right we are paying a couple of guys 27 k instead of 370k and things are going just fine. Call city and confirm if you are skeptical. To the alderman who voted yes we thank you. To the other 2 you better have a good explanation for why you want to spend 350,000.00 when you don't have to. Gosh it is like you both work for big corporations.
The city was saving money by hiring those two to supervise the department. And the guys like them. And the alderman like them. And the mayor like them. Every city would like to have a police chief and fire chief running the city. They are the most qualified in town and the public works committee oversees the job.
I hope your comment 4:42 was being facious. I know an older gentleman whose son works for the city and has for many years. This son is well certified and qualified to run the department in a supervisory manner. One of our city departments. This son is well aware that his supervisors are pretty much clueless. So, 4:42, part of your comment may be right on, some may not. Anybody can be likeable, but are they fit for the job. Heck, I'm sure people like you, can you perform surgery? Anybody can be given a title.
Not proud of living in peru. There is way too many people who are only out for themselves and their buddies. Peru will be a town of poverty in the future. is this raise going to be paid by one dispersement by accounts payable for previous work to date? Or for future compensation? Or over a period of how many months? I noticed this information was not mentioned as to how compensation and when it will be paid. 15k and 12k- that would be $1k a month for the 12k raise.
Let's not forget that not to long ago Mr. King was making $6,000/year. Then he got an increase to $85,000/year. Now it will be $97,000/year plus benefits.
If the Police chief (and his department) were needed to investigate improprieties at the airport taken by the city, as Kristy seemed to be pointing out, wouldn't his position put him conflict of interest?
Rounding off the figures the Fire Chief got a 14% raise and the Police Chief got a 16% raise. Both of these raises are based on over inflated salaries to begin with. Has anyone else in the Illinois Valley been granted a 14% to 16% raise that you know of that does not work for themselves. My question is if a person is making $80,000 to $100,000 for a full time occupation how can he or she accept 3, 4, or 5 other full time professional jobs that they have no education or work experience in and still lead supposedly intellegent people to believe they can perform their primary job effectivally. Did anyone else find the newspapers headline that the co supervisors are FINALLY getting their just pay for taking on additional responsibilities. Shows who the paper is partial to.
The word "Finally" stuck out. As if this was I. The process a while back. Also noticed the newspaper DIDN'T report their current salary prior to this raise. Might there be an even bigger uproar(not the concert) in the taxpayers mind? Transparency paper? Not!
Was the fire at 2603 market street? Was anybody living in that apartment? This was a 3 am fire. I was reading the article from the newspaper on the computer. It said it was under investigation too.
They absolutely deserve it. The city fathers the chiefs and there workers deserve a big thank you. They are doing more with less. Now 22 less employees than 6 years ago. Keep our services the best and our taxes the lowest.
To a non affiliated person, the arrangement in the city council is obvious. The mayor has allied with 4 specific aldermen and those aldermen hav very specific affiliations. Looking for a good reason for the alignment and certainly would look at other reasons. The mayors very strong union ties and his past history make so much he does suspicious.
To a non affiliated person, the arrangement in the city council is obvious. The mayor has allied with 4 specific aldermen and those aldermen hav very specific affiliations. Looking for a good reason for the alignment and certainly would look at other reasons. The mayors very strong union ties and his past history make so much he does suspicious.
To a non affiliated person, the arrangement in the city council is obvious. The mayor has allied with 4 specific aldermen and those aldermen hav very specific affiliations. Looking for a good reason for the alignment and certainly would look at other reasons. The mayors very strong union ties and his past history make so much he does suspicious.
To a non affiliated person, the arrangement in the city council is obvious. The mayor has allied with 4 specific aldermen and those aldermen hav very specific affiliations. Looking for a good reason for the alignment and certainly would look at other reasons. The mayors very strong union ties and his past history make so much he does suspicious.
To a non affiliated person, the arrangement in the city council is obvious. The mayor has allied with 4 specific aldermen and those aldermen hav very specific affiliations. Looking for a good reason for the alignment and certainly would look at other reasons. The mayors very strong union ties and his past history make so much he does suspicious.
Lois how fair, orginal and equal of you. One comment repeated 5 time, once for the Mayor and one for each of his sheep. Excuse my termnology I meant aldermen. Anon 9:17 Wake up now, poor soul it appears you have been competely brainwashed and no longer responsible for any of your actions. Hopefully it is just teetering in your own kool aid and will cure itself before the upcoming elections.
The phrasing used in the Headline of the story was a disgrace to honest journalism everywhere. The suggestive headline was intended to influence the reader into thinking these pay increases were long overdue and well deserved. This unethical "journalistic trick" is proof positive the Peru reporter is not only biased in his reporting but also that he and the editors of the "Daily Fish Wrapper" have stooped to a new low by actively supporting certain public officials. There is no doubt in my mind that the reporter would have been lobbied hard by the Peru power brokers to present a positive and biased view of the pay increase issue. It's already unbelieveably difficult to get a totally apathetic Peru electorate to pay even a little attention to Peru corruption. Any legitimate report of this situation would have to include the "current salaries" of the officials would it not?. When the sole source of print journalism in this area "sells out" to the "Status Quo Power Brokers" the honest citizen reformers and John Q. Publics among us are dealt a tremendous blow. With this ridiculously sugar-coated, biased, and incomplete story, that "Rag" of a newspaper has taken another step closer to becoming little more than a public relations stooge for Peru's establishment politicians. I didn't think Miller Group Media could stoop much lower in its business and journalistic philosophies. I was wrong! Shame on the reporter and the editors of the News Tribune.
Does the public works committee supervise these new superintendents? Who is on that committee? Why would they not hire a qualified director if they have no experience in this field? Please give us a reason.
How can a legislative body supervise the executive branch? That is not how it is supposed to work - the Aldermen should have absolutely nothing to do with day to day operations. Their only purpose, essentially, is to provide or withhold money. That is the problem in Peru - we have a barber telling a ditch digger what to do. Concerning the NT article. The NT is nothing more than a cheerleader for the various local governments. They will never publish anything controversial and will always use the same spin that is fed to them by the government. They don't look for news, they simply repeat what they are told - and they never follow up. There was an article about the Mendota school district bond issue. The headline said $2.8 Million Bond issue Balances Books or words to that effect. Pure spin! How can borrowing money balance the budget? But that is what the overpaid superintendent said, so that is what the NT printed.
It appears that nation wide we cannot find a qualified individual to fill the position of utilities director but yet we have our local police chief and fire chief apparently having the qualifications. Does anyone else find this strange?
9:10's - It is a negative feedback loop. Most of the people in Peru city government and employed by Peru are VERY local people. A big adventure for them is going to Chicago for the IML Convention or going to "Winskonsin" to fish and drink beer. I would be willing to bet that the majority of them have never been to another country unless you count Canada (fishing and drinking again). Oh.. I forgot, The Boss is rumored to vacation in Italy talking to Italian Mayors about performing weddings. That being said, for the most part, the people running Peru have a limited view. They can't see beyond the corn stalks so to speak. To make matters worse, I don't think they read very much - they might look at the PJ Star Sports Section once in a while to see if their tickets paid off, but that is about it. What I'm trying to say is that I think the only newspaper that they read is the NT. So, when the NT prints exactly what they say, they start believing it themselves. A negative feedback loop that perpetuates the myth that everything is great in Peru and our leadership is on the ball. While in fact, things are falling apart.
Is Mr. King or Mr. Bernabei in charge of what are streets look like around town.? Whomever is doing a s---- job. please drive around town and look at the weeds comming up in the curbs, and the drains are completey block. the city of Peru never looked worst than it does now. I am ashamed of this town. Even La Salle is so much cleaner, with very little tax dollar to hire cleanup.
Just look who is on the committee of public works. How the heck are they themselves qualified? My 5 hear old can vote yes regarding something he's clueless about. City of Peru, you are a joke.
This situation with Bernabei and King came about because Harl appointed them. He has control over them. He can take everything away from them if they don't follow exactly what he wants. Harl did not want to hire a new Super of Public Works because he couldn't control that person like he does Bernabei and King. B & K have way too much to lose if they were to say no to Harl and he would fire them. Harl is sitting pretty with all the power.
There was only 1 No vote for the positions. The new supers must be doing a good job or others would have voted no. I would criticize the 1 no vote instead of the 7 yes votes.
10:00 AM - you are kidding right? Those videos are never going to be posted. As I have said countless times, a 13 year old with an IPAD and an YouTube account would do a better job than Peru's "Professional" IT Services Company that only seems to be able to find government work.
Was the September 8th meeting about the Lobbyist vote? And the September meeting the recent city department head vote? And your asking when those videos will be ready. NEVER....get a clue,
Anon 10:37 AM What did your lifetime membership to join "The Duming Down of America" organization cost? Keep up your tunnel vision as you have present opportunity of being elected member of the year! WOW
To 10:37 am, A lightning bolt struck in my mind when I read the last sentence of your comment. That's it. You have displayed the prevailing mindset of the majority of the Peru electorate when you see one individual who chooses not to fall in line like a sheep and you decide that person must be a "troublemaker" for not conforming. What is wrong with you sheeple? That is why Peru has elected so many un-informed, un-intelligent, and un-motivated aldermen recently and in the past. You backwards-ass thinking rubes punish those with independence and the ability to think for themselves and you reward the political lemmings that would tumble off a cliff if Harl (Rob Ford look-a-like) tumbled off first. Get a clue and start voting for somebody with a mind and a soul instead of those who are so willing to sell their souls for free drinks after the council meetings and an annual night out in Chi-Town courtesy of TEST and Chamlin. OMG!
When was the chi-town convention and who attended and how much? 11:13 you must have some information on who attended the big weekend of fun in Chi-town.
We really need to think about privatizing the public works and electric departments. I bet we could sell the entire electric department to Ameren for quite a bit of money. We will never have the expertise to run it correctly - I'm afraid those days are gone. Might as well sell it off while it is worth something.
Give an SAT test to all alderman and the mayor. I would bet my life that Potthoff would get the highest score. It's too bad that in the previous 4 years, he didn't come to the podium. He's a smart man, and he can see what is going on in the city. Hopefully he reads this blog and sees some of the questions that have been asked regarding qualifications, job experience, education, certifications, etc., and there have been no answers. People have commented "good guy". Etc.., that doesn't cut the cake. Don't believe what comes out of a persons mouth.
11:13 since everyone on the council is so stupid and you are so brilliant and you think a free beer buys votes, when can we sign your petition to run for alderman?
My opinion is that Aldrrman Perez should not be an alderman due to the fact he is a volunteer fireman paid per call, and there have been instances he abstains from voting for that reason. I have thought this for a very long time. Would the state fire marahall have information regarding the apartment fire that a blogger mentioned above? Maybe call them.
The only way to change what is going on in this city, aka, so called "supers" etc. is a new Mayor. Hopefully in the next two years someone with credentials of running a business will step to the plate. I mean a person with a financial background, good business sense, and an independent thinker. There was absolutely no reason to give these type of raises to anyone. The super chiefs did not have to accept the positions in the first place. It's all about the money with the chief, don't forget the extra stipend they got for overseeing ESDA. This is our money this council is giving these guys, hopefully there are changes in the future.
98 comments on one topic in one day. City officials are you getting the message? Are you beginning to understand what the citizens of Peru are feeling? And no, these 98 comments are not being made by a handful of people. It's a multitude.
This is 12:03, when I was referencing "good guy," I was referring to, just because a person or persons are likeable, doesn't mean they should have or get a job if possibly they don't have the resume to show they are qualified.
I found an easy way to get a "news" story off the front page of the NT Website. All you have to do is make a comment - if they publish it, the news story is suddenly buried.
When a business has union workers making union wages and some workers who are non-union, what does that tell you? Unions are fast fading away. I've noticed over the years that a lot of people in a union have an attitude that they are better then those who are not. When realistically the non union workers are more efficient on the job site. Ever notice when there is a job site, you will see a couple people working, and many more standing around holding a shovel or their hip, leaning against a truck? No wonder the bid for job is so high. Pay union wages to those who stand there and do nothing, but wait until the day is over so they can go have several cold ones. Milking the job.
Only 2 people commenting. Lois and anonymous. Some people don't agree with Lois but at least her thoughts are credible. The rest of us are gutless and mean nothing.
12:36 Its the important votes that he abstains. There are more negative comments about Perez& Potthoff than the 7 that voted to put those chiefs in power with the salary. I guess most agree with the Newstribune.
12:18 He makes more money on the fire department than the city council. That's why he won't give that up. He made more money sitting at a concert as a firefighter.
if you use your name, you may get your lights or water turned off unexpectedly. Then there is the random traffic stop. Better off posting without the name.
Did you ever think that a lot of us annon bloggers really do know the truth about a lot of what they blog and the reason they don't use their identity is because of possible retribution? Some people who continually say this blog site is blah blah blah (negative comments) is because in actuality they know it to be true. What a cop out is that for all those who don't like this forum. Seriously, I wouldn't like this blog site either if there were negative and true comments about a department, city, etc.. That I have a direct affliation with,. It would be interesting to give a survey to every single city worker. No names required on survey. They have one day to fill out, put it in a locked box after it is filled out. And tell the truth on questions asked. No signature required , they could have someone write the answers, so no comparison of signature found. Image what answers would be. Do you think the paper would print this survey and answers without them being weeded out only for certain ones to be printed. I know one city worker in one department who is very unhappy how the department is going. From: Gutless blogger.
I have obtained the Job Description for city of Peru Public Utilities Director and will be posting soon. This appears on the surface to be overkill and as Ald. Potthoff said destined for failure.
114 comments in 36 hours proves what the general public believes. This type of reaction certifies the reason Alderman Potthoff is considered the leading alderman of the city. Alderman Perez you left us down, with a insiders experience in the fire department as a fireman you should have voted. By not voting you cowered down and have lost the respect of many voters and most likely the two Chiefs also.
6:53; I bet if Perez would have voted yes for the pay raise, you'd be giving him heck for voting his boss a raise. He did the right and ethical thing by abstaining.
So let me get this right. The majority who keep winning elections are all wrong. It is the ones who have lost and their faithful followers have it right. Maybee the people of peru are all wrong and the band of losers are all right. Got it.
Clearly these men are not qualified for these posts and should not have been hired. The fact that the finance person won't be named is just another example of what has gone wrong with the city what a dirty rotten Shane
1:32 just see how quick Kristys credible forum letter got shoved off, while that bs about the concerts doing alot for a lot of people is still hanging on. 5 extra days.
From a business viewpoint do the city employees need micro or macro management? Presently and for years city employment has had long tenure and as most other occupations the3 majority of responsibilities are repetitive leaving in question of what degree of supervision is necessary. The majority of private industry have eliminated this level of middle management in the 1980's. Incidently organized labor hates the idea since it leaves them without a management roadblock to utilize to stop discipline and also a friend of the employees within the management ranks. This level was often no more than a sarificial lamb betweeen upper management and union officials. Would a dispatcher in cooperation with Mayor Harl be sufficient rather than a Peru Public Utilities Director? I think so. Ultimely the Mayor and proper personnel would have time to make critical and judgemental management decisions rather than those that are being inadquately enforced. Recent example in general was the dismissal of the administrative assistant who coordinated committee meetings and necessary correspondance without a qualified replacement which has resulted indiirectly as evidence of the lack of respect to city committees by the displinarian hindering them rather than enabling them to timely and knowledgable successful decisions. When making decisions a decision maker has to look downstream to the eventual, future results of his actions and have proper adjustments in place.
They probably asked for a PhD in Nuclear Physics or something else ridiculous in an effort to scare away potential applicants. Another possibility is that they used listed a requirement that only their preselected candidate has - the government does this often. They select a person for the job, and find something obscure in their background and use it to make them the only qualified person for the job. Sometimes they use the same tactic in bids - preselect the who they want to win and make sure the job requires something only they can provide. Its all in how you write the requirement and I'm sure Boss Harl knows this well.
8:22 - The problem is with the voters of Peru. Those that bother to show up to municipal elections vote for yard signs and familiar names. Municipal elections are in April - that is stupid. The only reason for this is to ensure re-election of incumbents. I swear, everything about Illinois government is designed for one thing and one thing only - fleece the taxpayer. From school boards to county commissioners and city aldermen - it is very rare to find someone that truly cares about honest and open government.
Wonder if it will be publicly announced who our new finance officer is before he or she begins work? Or, will it be like the apprentice lineman that was hired and whose name only came out thru the grapevine after he began working. Why would you even announce that you hired someone before you did a background check? Transparency? Think not!
Since the recent dismissal of the administrative asistant there has not been any advertisement in the local paper for a replacement. The pay scale of this position makes it more than attractive but would someone orientate me for specific job conditions and if personality conflicts are present. When and how will this position be opened for one to apply as I am seriously interested and presently a citizen of Peru and also wanting to reenter the workforce possessing previous professional experience.
There are many who care about honest and open government but because of personal committments cannot give of the time that they care to. Those such as this should participate and do what they can . It will be appreciated because all the help available is surely needed. Little or large, big or small. At the end of the day 6 people giving 10 minutes each would be better than 1 giving a hour. Thank you
I guess we don't understand why these lemmings would follow a Mayor that was investigated by the FBI just a few weeks ago? Even if the investigation was dropped.
10:58 We have a city web-site and on that site there is a category of "job opportunities". The requirements and application form should be listed there although I wouldn't be too sure of that. We have the site but the only job I've seen is school crossing job.
Makes me wonder why we don't have many firefighters on the department. Is it hard to get voted on the department? Why have so any fireman quit-retired? Is this purposedly being handled this way so in the future certain people want a full time department with all the salaries/benefits. We better watch for this. Much higher taxes and we don't need a full time department. A new facility police/fire station is probably in the works. Look who Harl has made all his appointments too.
The timing of this issue was calculated, meaning the council is expecting you to forget about it in the next 7 months. I hope we don't and whomever is running make it an issue. In two and a half years we have to hope there is a candidate that understands this, is a good financial person, and has the backbone to make hard changes within the administration. So to make this work, anybody who is dissatisfied with the way things are has to keep it vocal and never let up on the council.
Your comment 10:39 is interesting. What other city's have a full-time fire chief with a salary/benefit package of $84k(and a couple other titles) with a population of 10,000, whereas the fireman are considered paid per call/volunteer? Prior to Harls appointment of a full-time chief were we not paying a fire chiefs position 11k, and also the fire chief was being paid for each fire call he went on? A benefit package being a full time city employee cost us taxpayers, nobody seems to take this into account.
Who remembers the governor Mr. Neely? A.k.a "Mr. Hot Tub Guy." Enjoying taxpayers money in Las Vegas, living it up, and the recent famous picture of him in a hot tub looking at photographer with the view from the room overlooking Vegas, with two wine glasses with red wine good to drink. Obviously in a suite. Wow, to the tune of $800,000 of taxpayers money he possibly has spent. When will the expenditures of the IML convention be posted? Rooms with hot tubs? Will we see a list of itemized expenditures from bottled water to personal products? Fox News today was reporting on Mr. Neely.
Some one has said that in the last day or two city hall is not the only home of Peru shenanigans. Their claim is that they commented to the blog in answer to 9:26 PM 9/25/14 but their comment was never presented.
11:37 to be fair though the cost of the fire chief's salary is far less than when the three positions he currently fills were filled by three people. If you are going to point out what he costs the taxpayers now then you have to be fair and point out that there are currently two other people not on the payroll. His salary is far less than the total of the three from before. Just saying.
peru is doomed the leader of the valley days are long gone its sad and when the voters of peru finally figure it out the boys lining there pockets will be retired laughing all the way to the bank
I almost forgot one person won't be retired take a guess who it will be? here's a hint he's currently a current city of peru official and its not harl but this gentleman will be your next state senator replacing rezin who's is it?
There are no good deals with this arrangement. We are paying for only what is actually being done and believe me that leaves a whole lot not getting properly done. The city has no long range or even short range plans beyond tomorrow and this city is currently going no where but backwards. Has anyone thought about what would happen if some disaster should hit this city? Our only consolation is that cities surrounding have decent management and could keep some things in check.
Anon 3:21PM 9/26/14 in reply to Anon 7:48PM I called the individual and she stated that the correct time should have been 6:26PM 9/25/14. She also said that as of 9:00 PM 9/26/14 her comment was still not posted. She also commented that after reading the aldermans long winded run around answers that she still believes that it is his obligation as a member of the city council to vote on issues which he is the only aldermean with experience in. Also mentined was the fact this alderman represented himself as a person who directly confronted all tough issues but her problem was that he would not personally involve himself in this issue. Also mentioned was that she did not believe the aldermans intention of taking further steps after the retired judge gave his thoughts on the Mayors investigation but in going to the FBI he indirectly has made the Mayor of Peru look very good. Really why did the Alderman take this issue out of state to the FBI but will not give his own direct vote on a local city issue?
Anon 9:27, don't keep us in suspense, give us your made up belief of who within the city besides Harl has his eyes on State Senators job, bet your wrong!! Can't think of anyone who would have the financing or political backing to even think about it, outside of Harl.
Yes I did delete the comment because it was so poorly written and before I did that I read it to an uninvolved person and they said it made no sense. Evidently you and someone else have an axe to grind against Ald. Perez. This current post is also full of discrepancies and the one that stands out is about going out of state to FBI. I will let my readers take your information and disect it for themselves. I believe he made the right decision and he is alright with it and in the end it seems that we elect people to vote their conscience and it is a shame more people don't.
11:20 pm - Apparently you and your friend don't understand ethics. Alderman Perez did the right thing by not voting on a pay raise for his boss. If you and your friend don't understand that, nobody can help you.
I don't know how anybody could think the FBI investigation makes Harl look good. The retired judge and the FBI both stated what the mayor did was WRONG, but not criminal. He got caught and got his hand slapped. Thankfully he got caught, because if you can get away with one thing, you're more likely to try to skirt the rules another time. I can't believe some people actually think what he did was not wrong.
Lois, I not being involved previously in the vote, no vote controvery of Alderman Perez. I question your standards to censure the persons comment because you state you did it because it was so poorly written. Do you realize how many poorly written comments you have published? Now that you are going to take certain comments and let the readers disect these comments themselves why don't you be fair and also publish the 1st comment or would you also rather pick and choose as was recently done with the council pay raise vote? Many believe that personal issues should not have any bearing as a reason for a aldermen not to represent his chair with a no vote. How many will be seen in the upcoming election.
There is no controversy, Ald. Perez is a part of the PFD and should not be voting upon whether or not his superior, Jeff King, Peru Fire Chief, receives a pay raise or not.
Yes some time I pick and sometimes I choose I don't want the comment. Someone will criticize me for putting something on and some will do the opposite so it becomes my decision. This was not a personal decision it was more of an ethical one. I am sure if you do research into legalities, you will find he was right but I don't believe you would admit it if you saw it in black and white. End of story.
No Lois, not end of story, I don't believe you should eliminate any blog if you really want to be legitimate, you blocked some of mine because it might have not been to your liking because it was a comment of let's say a certain alderman, but if it was about any other alderman you print it. Why is that Lois, what are you afraid of.
Anon 1:22PM, September 27, 2014 After all of the years you have critized Honorable Mayor Harl and City Council Members you do exactly as administrator of your blog as what you condemm them for by enforcing your own closed session and as a final result manipulate yourself into the sole chair of a super majority. Sadly you appear to only see all black or total white. End of story.
2:36 There is no anon 1:22. If you look closely that is Lois's comment and she signed her name. Why don't you sign yours? And, you have never been more wrong about her than you are now. If you have a problem with alderman Perez he has offered you several methods to correspond directly with him.
I remember a while back there was an issue with the donation of money(? From car club show) that was misplaced into the wrong account for operation promise. Remember Alderman Perez/poc fireman had a meeting(?) with Fire Chief/Harls appointed now full-time fire chief. Funds were put in wrong account? How long were these funds in wrong account? Why wasn't this mistake discovered sooner? Makes me remember this incident if I remember correctly. And who has many titles appointed by Harl?
I believe you and your so called- "Friend" need to step out behind the curtain and contact me directly, or sign your name to your posts to show you're just a concerned "constituent" of mine and not someone from some other community or just one who opposes Whatever I do; we would be having a real debate here if I had voted For or Against that motion. As I stated in my long winded post... I take legal advice on motions before I take advice from you or your so-called friend.
If you or your so-called friend are constituents of mine, I would highly advise you don't vote for me in the April election because I will continue doing as I do during motions made. Lastly, I have no regrets taking the action I took with the FBI and would do it again tomorrow if needed.
Lois, this is your blog, you continue doing as you do. If anyone opposes you, or don't agree with how you manage Your blog then they should start their own and not bother visiting yours.
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to express our opinions. I just wish more bloggers would be courageous and sign their name.
12:38, this is Lois' blog, not city government. She is the boss, she makes the decisions, and she is free to pick and choose which comments get posted. Alderman Perez does not pick and choose which votes he participates in. He always abstains from the fire dept votes. Potthoff used to abstain on votes that dealt with the swimming pool because he has a conflict since the YMCA directly benefits from Peru not having an outdoor swimming pool.
How can you compare city government to a blog? If you don't like what you read, don't come back.
Anon 9:55, why would he want to take a pay cut and give up all the power this administration gave him. I would actually give him all my support if he would, just to get him out of Peru's politics.
Has the Chairman of LaSalle County Board lost interest in this position. The west end of LaSalle Countys vote counts but the vote of the East side is larger. Also the present Police Chief is politically astute enough to know that his present position is possibility better than being a State Senator unless he is looking for state esposure.
Anon 10:01 I would bet you're not in Rodney's ward anyway. I am in Rodney's ward and my wife and I voted for Jim Hurst last time because we know his family and never really knew Rodney. We like how Rodney has voted on those issues and has no problem standing up against this administration. Our family will all be voting for Rodney and I also know our neighbors will be also. I'm really impressed with the fact It's election time and Rodney still holds his position and says if you don't like him not to vote for him. I wish all city officials up for election would be real instead of passing on Bologna to win votes.
To anon who keeps complaining about Ald. Perez, I will not post anymore of your complaints. You are been advised to call the alderman and talk to him as we are not interested in your likes or dislikes or what you "think" is wrong with his voting decisions. Back off and save yourself some wasted time because your comment will not be posted. I don't know who you are and I don't want to know and neither do most of the bloggers. Either make a decision to speak verbally to the aldermen or forget your issues if you can't pull up the courage to make the call. This blog is NOT and I repeat Not going to be used for the same continuous rants by the same person by the same person.
Lois - there is someone that keeps calling for moderation and compromise. That is exactly what is NOT needed. We need more people like Ald. Perez that will not compromise! People that stand by their principals... We absolutely don't need DEAL MAKING!
Lois, why is it OK for you and your friends to write what you "think" of voting decisions by the Aldermen you dislike but it is not OK for someone to write what they "think" of Alderman Perez's decisions? If this is a public forum you must allow all sides. As a long time reader of your forum I must admit it has turned into a political support mechanism for your chosen candidates. I'm disappointed this has happened because the good intention to create a public forum for open and honest debate has been lost to a political agenda.
6:36 PM I do not repetitively ask the same questions over and over and yes I criticize their votes but don't go on endlessly. And if I want answers to something I go directly to the source or foia the information which I suggest you do. You will NOT get the information here and you are being annoying. Does that answer your question? I am beginning to think you do this on purpose and I am the judge and jury as to what is allowed and what isn't. Start your own blog and post your comments there and you can do that over and over a 100 times a day, if that would satisfy you.
I'm curious if Alderman Perez's phone rang yet from the one who's doing all the ranting. I couldn't imagine what the alderman would be in for if he voted to give his boss a raise or paid promotion. My opinion he made the right choice not voting for it as it seems to be a clear conflict. Maybe that's the reason this blogger is on him so hard because they can't get him on anything now that he never voted. I agree with your position Lois to not post any other repeated issues. It's clearly coming from the same person or two. I've been reading your forum for three years and I think alderman Perez is the only alderman to interact with bloggers. I think most city officials would rather not give out all of their own personal information on ways of contacting them. I was impressed to see the alderman offer his information as he has.
I've been watching for the Newstrib to do another story on the arson case which involved a local fireman . He has been put on suspension I'm told from another fireman . will this be swept under the rug like everything else dirty in the fire dept?
6:36 Lois did let the individual speak their mind and voice their opinion on aldermen Perez's choice to vote as he did. We all know where he or she stands on the issue. Aldermen Perez even gave them ways to contact him personally. What more does he or she want?
I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU SAY, THE SUPT. OF STREETS IS NOT DOING A GOOD JOB. THIS TOWN HAS NEVER BEEN FILTHIER. IT IS A MESS. I WISH WE HAD SOMEONE JUST CLEANING THE CURBS AND GUTTERS AND KILLING THE WEEDS. IF IT KEEPS UP LIKE THIS, NEXT YEAR WE'LL HAVE TREES GROWING IN THE GUTTERS. PLEASE MAYOR HARL GO AROUND TOWN AND LOOK AT THE STREETS.
Say all you want about how bad a mayor Don Baker was, but at least he was out riding around seeing what was happening in Peru. Harl doesn't even bother to show up a fire department fundraiser.
There was one alderman and an ex-alderwoman there all nite volunteering . and I guess you can't guess who they were . The only two who care about the city as a whole and not just their own interest.
Wasn't it last Christmas that Mayor Harl nor his appointed Full-time Fire Chief didn't show up at the Christmas parade? Is the fire department apparatus used in parades? Wasn't that talked about on this blog site???
I wouldn't judge a mayor or any other elected position on whether they helped with a fundraiser. Every week there is something to help with. And I wouldn't judge a fireman or a alderwomen if they didn't show up at a parade. Many of those who show up to a special event are good at showing up. And putting their photos on facebook or blogging about it. If your electing people that show up for events, please make sure they have the qualifications and sense to make important decisions on your behalf. Pensions, bonds, tax rates, economics, hiring, and many more effect your quality of life. Those are a few examples of items that effect your home and your future. Setting up chairs and grilling hot dogs or riding in the xmas parade are on the bottom list of qualifications to be making key decisions.
The mayor and aldermen create the legislation and ordinances that rule this city and their job pretty much ends there. In my opinion it would not hurt any of them to show a little community spirit and show up at the few events that take place in Peru. This is not Chicago, it is Peru and the mayor and aldermen should make a presence because they do take a paycheck from all of us.
Anon 4:50 I say lets keep the aldermen folding chairs and planting flowers. Having them get involved in pensions taxes etc. would only cause chaos with the new finance position and treasurer. After all the city couldn't handle another call to the FBI because I'm sure there are shananigans. When was the last time the mayor walked in a parade anyway, maybe it was prior to his last election? Would anyone really think mayor Harl would go to the Fire Dept. if Perez was there? Speaking of Harl and Perez what's the status of Harls libel slander law suit? I'm thinking he made an Arse of himself by saying something so idiotic.
Anon 4:50 PM You are right on the money. I am much more concerned that the city has activities than that the Mayor and aldermen partipate in these activities. In fact I beleve this is a choice which they themselves should make and be allowed to be comfortable with. My main interest in elected officials and their appointees is what type of city are they creating and maintaining for me and others to live in and how can I help. Sometimes people do the unexpected such as putting in for pay when partcipating in a Xmas parade I don't care who is in charge this type of situation is not expected to happen and continues until someone slips up or someone in the same group who becomes aware and cares enough to see that it ceases. Sadly this is a form of investigation that most never hear of and few get the credit deserved.
Oh, that's right, another reason we don't need a full-time fire chief. I do think a Christmas parade Where fire trucks are in attendance that the person who is fire chief would be in attendance.
I strongly suspect some of the comments coming in are not true and maybe the writer is ill informed so therefore if something is questionable to me, I will need to verify and reply with a correction.
How long ago did Mayor Harl change the Alderman's Committee to 2 committees and four aldermen committees plus including himself? The four committees with two aldermen per committee listed at the bottom of the blog are now historical data. Which is proving to being more functional and why? When taking attendance at a committee meeting why is the sheet given to guests to sign when they have no voice in the meeting? Possibly Alderman Waldorf who chairs a committee would care to answer this. Peru has diminished the citizens input since it changed from having informal meetings. Every area that is showing huge progress has transparency, accepted government participation by non elected citizens and willing acceptance of volunteer groups to perform city services. Sadly personal experiences have been negative to these keys to city success. Peru appears to have become stagnant because of the unwillingness of a few to listen to many.
The difference on why Harl won't attend the same events that Perez attends is a matter of money. Harl doesn't get paid extra to be at the fire station or be at the concerts, Perez gets paid to attend concerts and fire events. Its not about each other, its about the paycheck.
And excuse me you are full of it....neither is true, you are trying to spread rumors. The mayor does not care about this community or he would be present regardless of who else is there. And regarding Ald. Perez he does more unpaid volunteer work for this city than any official on the payroll. The only reason I printed your post is so I could publicly rebuke the untruths you attempt to pass off as truth. The reason both Perez and the former alderman were present is because they have community pride and are always ready to be there when a hand is needed. Did you ever wonder why La Salle has received the Governor's Hometown Award more than once and I don't know that Peru has ever had it. And the reason is is that that is an award given community pride and volunteerism.
Lois you are correct. A public figure such as a mayor, alderman, and department heads should be at events that have to do with the city(exception-the concerts, which city should not be involved with.). I wonder if he made it a point to go to a recent Octoberfest (or previous ones) which took place a block from city hall? Didn't they serve alcohol?
11:38 - that is not true. RP does not get paid to go to events. However, I can tell you that Boss Harl only attends events benefit him politically. I heard he tried to have another local "Mayor's Dinner" but had to cancel because he wanted it to be a fundraiser for his war chest and none of the other local Mayors would donate to the cause.
Lois. I contacted Rodney this evening to ask if firemen get paid to attend fire department events. Rodney said all public events through the city or fire department are volunteer and do Not receive compensation. He said concerts for cause events are the only events that get compensation with salaries covered by Noonan and not tax payers.
To:Lois From:Rodney To clarify event compensation. Firefighters Don't get paid for special details such as parades, fire prevention education, or any other FD sponsored public event. It's strictly volunteer:-)
As far as the Concerts go, That is not a FD sponsored event. The PD, FD, and EMS crews are paid. And the Concert Promoter is billed for those man hours.
Hope this answers questions:-) Thanks, Rodney Perez 815-245-7566
The City of Peru received the Govenors Hometown Award for the establishment and growth of the Illinois Vleey Peer Jury program back in the 90's. I believe this program is still operational and did expand to several other cities and counties because it involved numerous volunteers both young and old and accomplished a much needed community service mission.
Is it a misunderstanding that volunteer firemen were including their participation in the Christmas Parade in their time sheets just a couple of years ago and for how long was never revealed? What was finally agreed upon as their pay for being involved in the Christmas Parade? It seems to be remembered that in the agreement they would receive 1/2 of their agreed upon 1st hours pay for a fire? Mention has been made that the promoter of the concerts is billed for the PD, FD, and EMS crews. What is the cost of these groups fringe benefits/hour and how much of this does she pay? Fringe benefits such as medical insurance costs and pensions and death benefits are very expensive, as proven by the trend of municipalities outsourcing since the 1980's. If the promoter was to outsource security, fire and emergency corporations the fringe benefits would be included in the bill even if not itemized.
So, the concert promotor pays. In a check with one amount? Or, individually to each person who works. Where is check sent to? What account is $ put in? Who cuts checks? Does concert promotor pay for hours regarding expenses for clerical to do the paperwork? Wear and year on vehicles? Gas for vehicles? , fire trucks? Detailing vehicles, fire trucks after venue? Where can we find the this information? How are police officers compensated? How are fireman compensated? Don't fireman get paid for each call they attend? Like $33 approx, even if the call is 1/2 hour. Concerts are longer then fire calls so to speak? Is concert promotor getting a deal? Is some other compensation given such as comped tickets to venue(I did hear this has happened.)? City of peru account? Liberty Fire Company mystery account/accounts, that no one has answered questions regarding this organizations expenditures??????????????? Keep donating! The last 5 years of Liberty's donation money would be interesting to see.
Review the concert contract and you will see the amount that was paid to the city of Peru. The contract has been on the blog. Fireman are paid by the hour, check to see how much each was paid. The truth of the matter is the fireman are not paid for by the concert promoter. Review the timesheets for fireman and calls and parades. Don't assume anything unless it is verified.
Time sheets A.K.A: sign in sheets for fire calls have been sprinkled with fairy dust for years. I know for a FACT that fireman, might show up at the firehouse a few minutes before other fireman returned from a call and still get paid. And, fireman would bring their little kids to firehouse with them after fire trucks left for a call and still get paid. And FACT, certain people would sign and authorize sign in sheets. We don't have a a true volunteer department if fireman get paid for parades, etc.. There has to be a reason why we have a turnover of fireman at our fire department. When will the cat come out of the bag?
212 comments:
1 – 200 of 212 Newer› Newest»I hope the city council video does not get trashed once again. I did not attend but know that Ald. Potthoff stood up for what is right for this city by explaining his opposition to the "arrangement" of super chiefs.
Definite lines were drawn with "favored" aldermen Ald. Sapienza with ties to the teachers union, Ald Radtke with long time family ties to the D party, Ald. Waldorf there is no explanation for him but may be a union member thru his profession, I don't know and Ald. Lukosus again I don't know, logically as a former small business owner you would not think union but it is possible. I never thought we would see this lineup in this city and it is embarrassing to say the least.
What in the world does union membership have to do with anything the council decided? I think things are working well in the city for now with this arrangement and so do many others. That aside this is how they voted including Rodney. Why don't you mention Rodney and his political affiliations? Ridiculous.
why won't they release the name of the new CPA? The radio said one was hired but the name was being withheld from the public for now.
This is completely wrong. What is the City of Peru doing. This police chief is going to put the City of Peru in debt just like he did in Spring Valley. I sure hope Peru gets a new mayor because that it is the only way to replace the police chief. Where is the City getting all of this money to increase pay wages and hire a financial person for so much money. Especially when they have to borrow money from the Electric Fund just o keep the Water fund in the black. It seems that there is a new Mayor in Peru and he is the Administrative Services Manager. The entire council needs to be replaced except Perez and Potthoff they are about the only decent people working for the city.
I believe doing a background check was mentioned. Shouldn't that be done before you tell the person they are hired? Wonder if we will be told the name before they take the position or will it be found out through the grapevine? Why are we so secretive?
10:06 - the reason it is mentioned is because the unions have purchased Peru. We are being run by local 150 out of Chicago with a little help from public sector unions.
why on earth would they offer the job if the background check has not been completed? Isn't that part of the application process? Amateurs - nothing but amateurs. We need to get some new DNA injected into our government quickly.
But alas, we really don't need to know the name of the person that was hired on spec. All we have to do is look in the CPA section of the Peru Yellow Pages - look at the last names and match them to people currently in power and you will undoubtedly find the candidate, assuming they can pass the background check.
You "union bashers" need to stop trying to interject a union aspect to this issue where there is none. I don't approve of this phony pay increase any mor than the next person, but you need to back off trying to make it some sort on union issue. It's wrong because Waldorf and others including Harl simply do not want qualified and competent department heads overseeing public works or electric departments. They don't want it because when you keep all power and decision making in a tight-knit circle of a few insiders who all feed at the city trough you never have any interference from someone who might want to [point out what is so wrong and inefficient within these departments. That's why they arranged for Sean Mikos to be compelled to get out of Peru as fast as humanly possible when he saw the corrupt influence that Chamlin and TEST has over these elected officials. This backwards crew consisting of Harl, Waldorf, Lukosus, Sapienza, Radtke, and the two Super Chiefs have nobody to hold them accountable and they do as they wish, including enriching each other and Chamlin, TEST, Illinois Valley Excavating, and others. They take care of each other and ensure power and authority is controlled by only those in the clique. It could be class at IVCC called "Municipal Corruption 101", How to control you city outside American Democracy.
Everyone remembers being told more than once that one rotten apple spoils the entire barrel. Last nights Peru City Council meeting as all other city council meetings, closed sessions and committee meetings of the whole have proven Peru City politics to be rotten to the core.
Do not be surprised when the CPA is named that it a relative of another local political figure.
Has the council given any thought to going forward and advertising a full time Ch,PPD for $50,000 per year and a part time Ch,PFD for $14,000 per year and getting qualified people to fill all other professional full time positions that they are presently occupying?
Rodney Perez has an affiliation with the fire department. He is a paid per call fireman, with Jeff King the fire chief. With all this happening, we didn't need a full time fire chief in the first place. It's my opinion that this has been in the works for many many months. The city had four applicants, and nobody fit the bill supposedly, how do these two qualify?
10:06 am Rodney abstained from this vote because it has to do with an increase in pay for his boss - conflict.
There was a fire a couple weeks ago at an apartment complex. Article in the paper. Did the article read that the fire was under investigation? What has the investigation shown? Remember the westclock fire? arson? Weren't persons charged? Is there something regarding the apartment fire that hasn't been disclosed to the public?
10:21, background checks and certifications and job experience should be done before any appointment or hiring of a city employee before they are even hired. First year college students learn this in the classroom.
Hmmmmm... who signs the financials for the ambulance service. Very familiar name....
10:57 - we need to keep up the union bashing.... actually it needs to be increased dramatically. Right-to-Work in 2015! Toss the Unions out of the Illinois Valley once and for all!
ANON 11:33 AM YES! This answer is in reference to the last question in your comment although I know that you are more knowledgable about this fire than you are letting on. Please elaborate for transparencies sake and justice and peoples safety to be served. This is one scary situation especially to those living in the apartment complex and that the situation has been handled in the manner that it has been.
This is not a union issue! Why do those alderman and Mayor want to control the public works department? That doesn't make any sense. How can they think everything is going great? Do they have any idea how a competent business operates. Do any of them have any experience with business structure?
I stand my ground with Alderman Potthoff. I truly believe he is the only one that can see what's truly happening with the city. The problem is that all the other Alderpersons aren't leaders, they're followers. People who are followers sometimes don't have the skills to make good judgement calls and do some homework.
What is the average pay for a Police Chief and a Fire Chief in a town of 10,000. Arn't they both way over the average prevailing wage scale. Normally a similar situation in other cities of 10,000to increse salary would require them to move to a larger population.
Also why would a goal of increasing ones pay be justified when they are only filling a postion temporarly which they have no qualifications for? The former Chief of Police was highly qualified with a unlimited background and position with the Illinois Staate Police and was not paid 1/2 as much as the present Ch, PPD nor the present
Ch,PFD. How does the present city council justify these outlandish wages as well as a pay increase when it is their failure to hire a qualified professional to fill the position. 2 wrongs do not make 1 right.
12:07 You will lose Potthoff to the machine and Mayor Harl's campaign manager candidate. Nobody likes people who think for themselves.
Alderman Perez sits in the council chair and has the duties of the chair .
This is his elected position and he should vote and be prepared to explain his vote as should all other council members.
He is the experienced alderman of this field and has a obligation to utilized this experience for the citizens who elected him.
This pick and choose policy of taking the easy way out or the most popular stand at the time must be bannished by all members of the council. What was each aldermans vote?
Lois, regarding the fire a few weeks ago, rumor around town is that the fire very likely was arson. With that being said. Rumor also is that person of interest was/is affiliated with our fire department. It's hard to sweep things under the rug when people talk. Are we getting true transparency from our department heads? Did the newspaper have another article regarding this fire and the investigation? Good old fashion transparency is what our city needs.
Does the last begin with an S?
Can them earlier commenter please explain how the police chief put Spring Valley in debt? Lol. The comments are crazy. It is a verifiable fact that we have less staff and fewer people doing more work. I've heard from a number of people that things are actually working pretty well. When all of you who complain run for city council, then you will be able to go in and fix all of this craziness!
So there is something that the public hasn't been told bout the fire at the apartment building. Should we be informed as taxpayers? Anything been referred to the states attorney office? Could we have some individuals with a workload too heavy? Is something being covered up. Lots and lots of questions. Simple questions with simple answers. This town forum blog site is the best avenue to have public comment being as how the council meetings are handling public comments and with all the videotapping problems with a hired company from the city/taxpayers being able to fulfill its obligations of videotapping council meetings so the the public can watch and hear in a timely and consistent manner.
Right on 12:18. Also, how can a person be professionally capable of hiring of a department head when they themselves who are temporarily performing the job don't have the qualifications nor the experience??
Alderman Perez should know the answers to 12:33's questions. Truth please. Several times on this blog site I have read comments from fireman themselves either being retired, quit, or on another department other then Peru's. Feel free to comment on your knowledge of 12:33's comment.
Unions are severely damaging whole industries. Unions are ruining public education. Unions are costing you billions of tax dollars. Unions are fundamentally anti-democratic. Government unions are bankrupting cities and states.
wow you have to give credit to bernabei for pulling this off
12:19 PM, You really need some updating on your understanding of who is allied with who in Peru politics. Harl has burned hundreds, maybe thousands of bridges with former supporters since his initial election. Probably the most notable being Steve Weberski. In fact, I believe that Dave Potthoff is probably closer to Harl than Steve is right now. Harl stabbed his former campaign manager in the back when Steve chose to run against Lukosus and Harl supported Lukosus. I don't think Mr. Weberski would spit on Harl if he were on fire, and who could blame him.
Does anyone know how the pensions are calculated for these guys? If I had a pension based on the average earnings of my last 5 years of service, I'd love to take a $15k/yr pay increase...and work for another 5 years.
1:09, did you read 12.33's comment? What have you heard 1:09 about 12:33's blog? Maybe you have some inside information. Since you mentioned you heard something regarding how things are running pretty well in the city, which makes me wonder what your affliation with the political /social / etc.. arena is. I wonder if there is a possibility certain city departments might not want negativity towards its department hoping that people don't have a good memory and ask questions later, with remembering what was in black ink(paper article).
The City of Peoria, IL pays their Police Chief $148K.
Stand by folks. There is going to be a big announcement concerning property taxes right after the November Election. The County is going to take their increase before the City elections in April.
Still haven't heard anything about the accident on rt. 251 the other day. Why was the investigation turned over to the FBI?
I have been doing some research. We as a city are off our rocker for some salaries for a population of 10,000. Look up salaries for a full time fire chief in metropolitan areas and what degrees one has. Check out Springfield, Rockford, Aurora, Plainfield, the city's in the quad city's. Perus population doesn't hold a stick to those areas. I noticed that a fire science degree(bachelors/4 years of college) is a basic requirement. Do we have this requirement with our Fire Chief that could possibly validate a high salary regardless of other positions given? Prior to Harls appoint of a full time fire chief, were
we not paying approx. $10,000 a year? I'm not understanding the logistics of all this. Sadly something is amiss. I didn't check out Ottawa yet.
1:46 Comparing Peru to Peoria?
Two city department heads now making over $100,000 a year.
How many years with the Peoria? Was the police chief a "chief" prior to "chief" in Peoria. We can't compare Peoria to Peru. The number of years in position as chief reflects pay scale. Yes, raises are appropriate and part of a job. Study chiefs pay for communities with population of 10 thousand.
1:44 - calculated? I think they just keep getting paid - forever. I know some retired IVCC college instructors making over $100K per year in "retirement".
IVCC teachers are qualified for their profession. Would IVCC hire a teacher to head the public works in addition to teaching?
They must of drank too much at the weekend convention to vote on this idea. Does anybody understand that you need a qualified manager for this city?
Are you people daft?
I was pointing out that Peoria - a much larger city with more crime and a larger police force - pays their Chief of Police (I believe he has 30 years experience working the ranks in Peoria and other cities) about the same as Peru pays our chief. Something is horribly amiss in the City of Peru.
The thing I find funny is how easy it is to get salary information from other cities. Unless I'm blind - I can't seem to find a salary report on the Peru web page.
12:42 PM
Good possibility, a double S S
3:20 - The President of the United States gets a pension of $201K.
I do not believe that anyone that has ever worked for IVCC is worth a pension of $100K per year. Doubly so for any "administrator" of our Podunk school systems - we are over paying across the board for anyone associated with local government and education. The time of reckoning will come and the pendulum will swing back the other direction. The question is - how many cities and school districts will declare bankruptcy.
FYI - somebody mentioned the County plan to jack the property taxes after the November election. Well folks - that won't be anything compared to the big surprise coming from Springfield this fall. As soon as the election is over they will be transferring all school pension obligations to the local districts. Then... next target is the IMRF. Springfield is going to balance the budget - but they are not going to cut anything. They will transfer it to the local municipalities.
You can look up a city and see a profile of their police and fire chiefs, and profile. I mean a full resume of job history, education, work experience. Looking up other areas I did notice college degrees in their specific field, being a bachelors and a masters. And several with several degrees. Does Peru have all this information on the internet ? I haven't found it? Why isn't this information publicized? Kinda strange isn't it? Who is in charge of this?
3:59 - I heard the person they hired to run the finances really likes horses. Apparently that is what closed the deal for Boss Harl and Sherriff Douglas P. Coltrane.
I will weigh in to share some of my thoughts. I really think some of these comments are so sad and false they are not worth addressing such as false statements about salary's being same as Peoria. I just went on line (yes all the information about salaries and resume is on the city web site) and see Peru make over 50 thousand less. Please look again and if you cant find it is because you don't want to find it. My point is this blog is full of made up propaganda it has become a joke. The city is saving several hundred thousand dollars in having less bosses. Electric Supervisor 110k last year public works director 100 k last year here assistant at electric 60 k. That totals 270 plus benefits of over 100k. That's right we are paying a couple of guys 27 k instead of 370k and things are going just fine. Call city and confirm if you are skeptical. To the alderman who voted yes we thank you. To the other 2 you better have a good explanation for why you want to spend 350,000.00 when you don't have to. Gosh it is like you both work for big corporations.
The city was saving money by hiring those two to supervise the department. And the guys like them. And the alderman like them. And the mayor like them. Every city would like to have a police chief and fire chief running the city. They are the most qualified in town and the public works committee oversees the job.
I hope your comment 4:42 was being facious. I know an older gentleman whose son works for the city and has for many years. This son is well certified and qualified to run the department in a supervisory manner. One of our city departments. This son is well aware that his supervisors are pretty much clueless. So, 4:42, part of your comment may be right on, some may not. Anybody can be likeable, but are they fit for the job. Heck, I'm sure people like you, can you perform surgery? Anybody can be given a title.
Not proud of living in peru. There is way too many people who are only out for themselves and their buddies. Peru will be a town of poverty in the future. is this raise going to be paid by one dispersement by accounts payable for previous work to date? Or for future compensation? Or over a period of how many months? I noticed this information was not mentioned as to how compensation and when it will be paid. 15k and 12k- that would be $1k a month for the 12k raise.
4:42 You are right, they WERE saving money! I'm not sure now!
5:36 Do the math and see what percentage those raises are!
15% raise. Never heard such a thing in my life for a city of perus population
Let's not forget that not to long ago Mr. King was making $6,000/year. Then he got an increase to $85,000/year. Now it will be $97,000/year plus benefits.
If the Police chief (and his department) were needed to investigate improprieties at the airport taken by the city, as Kristy seemed to be pointing out, wouldn't his position put him conflict of interest?
Rounding off the figures the Fire Chief got a 14% raise and the Police Chief got a 16% raise. Both of these raises are based on over inflated salaries to begin with. Has anyone else in the Illinois Valley been granted a 14% to 16% raise that you know of that does not work for themselves.
My question is if a person is making $80,000 to $100,000 for a full time occupation how can he or she accept 3, 4, or 5 other full time professional jobs that they have no education or work experience in and still lead supposedly intellegent people to believe they can perform their primary job effectivally.
Did anyone else find the newspapers headline that the co supervisors are FINALLY getting their just pay for taking on additional responsibilities. Shows who the paper is partial to.
The word "Finally" stuck out. As if this was I. The process a while back. Also noticed the newspaper DIDN'T report their current salary prior to this raise. Might there be an even bigger uproar(not the concert) in the taxpayers mind? Transparency paper? Not!
Answers about the apartment fire several days ago?? Cause of fire? Arson? Who started it if it were arson?
Was the fire at 2603 market street? Was anybody living in that apartment? This was a 3 am fire. I was reading the article from the newspaper on the computer. It said it was under investigation too.
They absolutely deserve it. The city fathers the chiefs and there workers deserve a big thank you. They are doing more with less. Now 22 less employees than 6 years ago. Keep our services the best and our taxes the lowest.
Everyone needs to protest by paying their city utility bills with pennies this month.
9:17 You are including the summer help in those 22 right?
10:06 AM
To a non affiliated person, the arrangement in the city council is obvious. The mayor has allied with 4 specific aldermen and those aldermen hav very specific affiliations. Looking for a good reason for the alignment and certainly would look at other reasons. The mayors very strong union ties and his past history make so much he does suspicious.
10:06 AM
To a non affiliated person, the arrangement in the city council is obvious. The mayor has allied with 4 specific aldermen and those aldermen hav very specific affiliations. Looking for a good reason for the alignment and certainly would look at other reasons. The mayors very strong union ties and his past history make so much he does suspicious.
10:06 AM
To a non affiliated person, the arrangement in the city council is obvious. The mayor has allied with 4 specific aldermen and those aldermen hav very specific affiliations. Looking for a good reason for the alignment and certainly would look at other reasons. The mayors very strong union ties and his past history make so much he does suspicious.
10:06 AM
To a non affiliated person, the arrangement in the city council is obvious. The mayor has allied with 4 specific aldermen and those aldermen hav very specific affiliations. Looking for a good reason for the alignment and certainly would look at other reasons. The mayors very strong union ties and his past history make so much he does suspicious.
To a non affiliated person, the arrangement in the city council is obvious. The mayor has allied with 4 specific aldermen and those aldermen hav very specific affiliations. Looking for a good reason for the alignment and certainly would look at other reasons. The mayors very strong union ties and his past history make so much he does suspicious.
Lois how fair, orginal and equal of you. One comment repeated 5 time, once for the Mayor and one for each of his sheep. Excuse my termnology I meant aldermen.
Anon 9:17 Wake up now, poor soul it appears you have been competely brainwashed and no longer responsible for any of your actions. Hopefully it is just teetering in your own kool aid and will cure itself before the upcoming elections.
Apparently Lasalle has big contractor issues. Go get em Kristi
Lois: Are you trying to make a point with your last 5 posts repetitive posts?
The phrasing used in the Headline of the story was a disgrace to honest journalism everywhere. The suggestive headline was intended to influence the reader into thinking these pay increases were long overdue and well deserved. This unethical "journalistic trick" is proof positive the Peru reporter is not only biased in his reporting but also that he and the editors of the "Daily Fish
Wrapper" have stooped to a new low by actively supporting certain public officials. There is no doubt in my mind that the reporter would have been lobbied hard by the Peru power brokers to present a positive and biased view of the pay increase issue. It's already unbelieveably difficult to get a totally apathetic Peru electorate to pay even a little attention to Peru corruption. Any legitimate report of this situation would have to include the "current salaries" of the officials would it not?. When the sole source of print journalism in this area "sells out" to the "Status Quo Power Brokers" the honest citizen reformers and John Q. Publics among us are dealt a tremendous blow. With this ridiculously sugar-coated, biased, and incomplete story, that "Rag" of a newspaper has taken another step closer to becoming little more than a public relations stooge for Peru's establishment politicians. I didn't think Miller Group Media could stoop much lower in its business and journalistic philosophies. I was wrong! Shame on the reporter and the editors of the News Tribune.
Does the public works committee supervise these new superintendents? Who is on that committee? Why would they not hire a qualified director if they have no experience in this field? Please give us a reason.
The public works committee consists of chairman Waldorf, Lukosis, and new members Sapienza, Mueller, and Harl.
How can a legislative body supervise the executive branch? That is not how it is supposed to work - the Aldermen should have absolutely nothing to do with day to day operations. Their only purpose, essentially, is to provide or withhold money. That is the problem in Peru - we have a barber telling a ditch digger what to do.
Concerning the NT article. The NT is nothing more than a cheerleader for the various local governments. They will never publish anything controversial and will always use the same spin that is fed to them by the government. They don't look for news, they simply repeat what they are told - and they never follow up. There was an article about the Mendota school district bond issue. The headline said $2.8 Million Bond issue Balances Books or words to that effect. Pure spin! How can borrowing money balance the budget? But that is what the overpaid superintendent said, so that is what the NT printed.
Who are the sheep of the city council? Do any of them stand on their own?
It appears that nation wide we cannot find a qualified individual to fill the position of utilities director but yet we have our local police chief and fire chief apparently having the qualifications. Does anyone else find this strange?
9:10's - It is a negative feedback loop. Most of the people in Peru city government and employed by Peru are VERY local people. A big adventure for them is going to Chicago for the IML Convention or going to "Winskonsin" to fish and drink beer. I would be willing to bet that the majority of them have never been to another country unless you count Canada (fishing and drinking again). Oh.. I forgot, The Boss is rumored to vacation in Italy talking to Italian Mayors about performing weddings. That being said, for the most part, the people running Peru have a limited view. They can't see beyond the corn stalks so to speak. To make matters worse, I don't think they read very much - they might look at the PJ Star Sports Section once in a while to see if their tickets paid off, but that is about it. What I'm trying to say is that I think the only newspaper that they read is the NT. So, when the NT prints exactly what they say, they start believing it themselves. A negative feedback loop that perpetuates the myth that everything is great in Peru and our leadership is on the ball. While in fact, things are falling apart.
Is Mr. King or Mr. Bernabei in charge of what are streets look like around town.? Whomever is doing a s---- job. please drive around town and look at the weeds comming up in the curbs, and the drains are completey block. the city of Peru never looked worst than it does now. I am ashamed of this town. Even La Salle is so much cleaner, with very little tax dollar to hire cleanup.
Just look who is on the committee of public works. How the heck are they themselves qualified? My 5 hear old can vote yes regarding something he's clueless about. City of Peru, you are a joke.
This situation with Bernabei and King came about because Harl appointed them. He has control over them. He can take everything away from them if they don't follow exactly what he wants. Harl did not want to hire a new Super of Public Works because he couldn't control that person like he does Bernabei and King. B & K have way too much to lose if they were to say no to Harl and he would fire them. Harl is sitting pretty with all the power.
When will the September 8 and 22 city council meeting videos be on the city website? I can't believe we're still paying Connecting Point for nothing.
There was only 1 No vote for the positions. The new supers must be doing a good job or others would have voted no. I would criticize the 1 no vote instead of the 7 yes votes.
10:00 AM - you are kidding right? Those videos are never going to be posted. As I have said countless times, a 13 year old with an IPAD and an YouTube account would do a better job than Peru's "Professional" IT Services Company that only seems to be able to find government work.
10:37 - the "yes" votes where bought and paid for. And I thought one voted no and one abstained.
I just noticed a very scary thing. It looks like Connecting Point has a new service - Voting and Ballot Services. It is on their web page.
Was the September 8th meeting about the Lobbyist vote? And the September meeting the recent city department head vote? And your asking when those videos will be ready. NEVER....get a clue,
Anon 10:37 AM What did your lifetime membership to join "The Duming Down of America" organization cost? Keep up your tunnel vision as you have present opportunity of being elected member of the year! WOW
Remember, nobody's job is secure, unless you own your own business. A new mayor could wipe the slate clean. Better get while the getting is good.
To 10:37 am, A lightning bolt struck in my mind when I read the last sentence of your comment. That's it. You have displayed the prevailing mindset of the majority of the Peru electorate when you see one individual who chooses not to fall in line like a sheep and you decide that person must be a "troublemaker" for not conforming. What is wrong with you sheeple? That is why Peru has elected so many un-informed, un-intelligent, and un-motivated aldermen recently and in the past. You backwards-ass thinking rubes punish those with independence and the ability to think for themselves and you reward the political lemmings that would tumble off a cliff if Harl (Rob Ford look-a-like) tumbled off first. Get a clue and start voting for somebody with a mind and a soul instead of those who are so willing to sell their souls for free drinks after the council meetings and an annual night out in Chi-Town courtesy of TEST and Chamlin. OMG!
Potthoff was the no vote. He's the troublemaker.
When was the chi-town convention and who attended and how much? 11:13 you must have some information on who attended the big weekend of fun in Chi-town.
We really need to think about privatizing the public works and electric departments. I bet we could sell the entire electric department to Ameren for quite a bit of money. We will never have the expertise to run it correctly - I'm afraid those days are gone. Might as well sell it off while it is worth something.
11:13 Alderman Perez did not vote for the Superintendent pay raise. Lets give him credit for that.
Give an SAT test to all alderman and the mayor. I would bet my life that Potthoff would get the highest score. It's too bad that in the previous 4 years, he didn't come to the podium. He's a smart man, and he can see what is going on in the city. Hopefully he reads this blog and sees some of the questions that have been asked regarding qualifications, job experience, education, certifications, etc., and there have been no answers.
People have commented "good guy". Etc.., that doesn't cut the cake. Don't believe what comes out of a persons mouth.
11:13 since everyone on the council is so stupid and you are so brilliant and you think a free beer buys votes, when can we sign your petition to run for alderman?
My opinion is that Aldrrman Perez should not be an alderman due to the fact he is a volunteer fireman paid per call, and there have been instances he abstains from voting for that reason. I have thought this for a very long time. Would the state fire marahall have information regarding the apartment fire that a blogger mentioned above? Maybe call them.
12:06 I agree, he should have run for Mayor. Its a shame.
12:25 he did run for mayor and lost.
12:18 very few council votes have to do with the fire dept. Thank God Perez has been there for the other votes.
The only way to change what is going on in this city, aka, so called "supers" etc. is a new Mayor. Hopefully in the next two years someone with credentials of running a business will step to the plate. I mean a person with a financial background, good business sense, and an independent thinker. There was absolutely no reason to give these type of raises to anyone. The super chiefs did not have to accept the positions in the first place. It's all about the money with the chief, don't forget the extra stipend they got for overseeing ESDA. This is our money this council is giving these guys, hopefully there are changes in the future.
98 comments on one topic in one day. City officials are you getting the message? Are you beginning to understand what the citizens of Peru are feeling? And no, these 98 comments are not being made by a handful of people. It's a multitude.
12:06 - he did, that is how Harl was elected the first time.
This is 12:03, when I was referencing "good guy," I was referring to, just because a person or persons are likeable, doesn't mean they should have or get a job if possibly they don't have the resume to show they are qualified.
I suspect that the unions will use the fact that the top managers got raises as leverage during the next negotiation.
I found an easy way to get a "news" story off the front page of the NT Website. All you have to do is make a comment - if they publish it, the news story is suddenly buried.
When a business has union workers making union wages and some workers who are non-union, what does that tell you? Unions are fast fading away. I've noticed over the years that a lot of people in a union have an attitude that they are better then those who are not. When realistically the non union workers are more efficient on the job site. Ever notice when there is a job site, you will see a couple people working, and many more standing around holding a shovel or their hip, leaning against a truck? No wonder the bid for job is so high. Pay union wages to those who stand there and do nothing, but wait until the day is over so they can go have several cold ones. Milking the job.
Only 2 people commenting. Lois and anonymous. Some people don't agree with Lois but at least her thoughts are credible. The rest of us are gutless and mean nothing.
12:36 Its the important votes that he abstains. There are more negative comments about Perez& Potthoff than the 7 that voted to put those chiefs in power with the salary. I guess most agree with the Newstribune.
And what about you gutless 2:22!
12:18 He makes more money on the fire department than the city council. That's why he won't give that up. He made more money sitting at a concert as a firefighter.
if you use your name, you may get your lights or water turned off unexpectedly. Then there is the random traffic stop. Better off posting without the name.
Did you ever think that a lot of us annon bloggers really do know the truth about a lot of what they blog and the reason they don't use their identity is because of possible retribution? Some people who continually say this blog site is blah blah blah (negative comments) is because in actuality they know it to be true. What a cop out is that for all those who don't like this forum. Seriously, I wouldn't like this blog site either if there were negative and true comments about a department, city, etc.. That I have a direct affliation with,. It would be interesting to give a survey to every single city worker. No names required on survey. They have one day to fill out, put it in a locked box after it is filled out. And tell the truth on questions asked. No signature required , they could have someone write the answers, so no comparison of signature found. Image what answers would be. Do you think the paper would print this survey and answers without them being weeded out only for certain ones to be printed. I know one city worker in one department who is very unhappy how the department is going. From: Gutless blogger.
I have obtained the Job Description for city of Peru Public Utilities Director and will be posting soon. This appears on the surface to be overkill and as Ald. Potthoff said destined for failure.
114 comments in 36 hours proves what the general public believes. This type of reaction certifies the reason Alderman Potthoff is considered the leading alderman of the city. Alderman Perez you left us down, with a insiders experience in the fire department as a fireman you should have voted. By not voting you cowered down and have lost the respect of many voters and most likely the two Chiefs also.
6:53; I bet if Perez would have voted yes for the pay raise, you'd be giving him heck for voting his boss a raise. He did the right and ethical thing by abstaining.
Can't wait to see job description? Can the temps do what's on list? Do they have the qualification? Who hires and decides who get hired?
So let me get this right. The majority who keep winning elections are all wrong. It is the ones who have lost and their faithful followers have it right. Maybee the people of peru are all wrong and the band of losers are all right. Got it.
Clearly these men are not qualified for these posts and should not have been hired. The fact that the finance person won't be named is just another example of what has gone wrong with the city what a dirty rotten Shane
1:32 just see how quick Kristys credible forum letter got shoved off, while that bs about the concerts doing alot for a lot of people is still hanging on. 5 extra days.
nonews tribune. Be like my family and boycott it!
You take the job as alderman to make the tough votes. Its easy to say yes or abstain.
From a business viewpoint do the city employees need micro or macro management?
Presently and for years city employment has had long tenure and as most other occupations the3 majority of responsibilities are repetitive leaving in question of what degree of supervision is necessary. The majority of private industry have eliminated this level of middle management in the 1980's. Incidently organized labor hates the idea since it leaves them without a management roadblock to utilize to stop discipline and also a friend of the employees within the management ranks. This level was often no more than a sarificial lamb betweeen upper management and union officials.
Would a dispatcher in cooperation with Mayor Harl be sufficient rather than a Peru Public Utilities Director? I think so.
Ultimely the Mayor and proper personnel would have time to make critical and judgemental management decisions rather than those that are being inadquately enforced. Recent example in general was the dismissal of the administrative assistant who coordinated committee meetings and necessary correspondance without a qualified replacement which has resulted indiirectly as evidence of the lack of respect to city committees by the displinarian hindering them rather than enabling them to timely and knowledgable successful decisions. When making decisions a decision maker has to look downstream to the eventual, future results of his actions and have proper adjustments in place.
They probably asked for a PhD in Nuclear Physics or something else ridiculous in an effort to scare away potential applicants. Another possibility is that they used listed a requirement that only their preselected candidate has - the government does this often. They select a person for the job, and find something obscure in their background and use it to make them the only qualified person for the job. Sometimes they use the same tactic in bids - preselect the who they want to win and make sure the job requires something only they can provide. Its all in how you write the requirement and I'm sure Boss Harl knows this well.
8:22 - The problem is with the voters of Peru. Those that bother to show up to municipal elections vote for yard signs and familiar names.
Municipal elections are in April - that is stupid. The only reason for this is to ensure re-election of incumbents. I swear, everything about Illinois government is designed for one thing and one thing only - fleece the taxpayer. From school boards to county commissioners and city aldermen - it is very rare to find someone that truly cares about honest and open government.
Wonder if it will be publicly announced who our new finance officer is before he or she begins work? Or, will it be like the apprentice lineman that was hired and whose name only came out thru the grapevine after he began working. Why would you even announce that you hired someone before you did a background check? Transparency? Think not!
Since the recent dismissal of the administrative asistant there has not been any advertisement in the local paper for a replacement. The pay scale of this position makes it more than attractive but would someone orientate me for specific job conditions and if personality conflicts are present. When and how will this position be opened for one to apply as I am seriously interested and presently a citizen of Peru and also wanting to reenter the workforce possessing previous professional experience.
There are many who care about honest and open government but because of personal committments cannot give of the time that they care to. Those such as this should participate and do what they can . It will be appreciated because all the help available is surely needed. Little or large, big or small. At the end of the day 6 people giving 10 minutes each would be better than 1 giving a hour. Thank you
I guess we don't understand why these lemmings would follow a Mayor that was investigated by the FBI just a few weeks ago? Even if the investigation was dropped.
10:58 We have a city web-site and on that site there is a category of "job opportunities". The requirements and application form should be listed there although I wouldn't be too sure of that. We have the site but the only job I've seen is school crossing job.
Anon10:58, that position was in the News Tribune a couple of days after her departure, it ran for a out 5 days.
The position was listed in the News Tribune, print and online, and on the city website.
Makes me wonder why we don't have many firefighters on the department. Is it hard to get voted on the department? Why have so any fireman quit-retired? Is this purposedly being handled this way so in the future certain people want a full time department with all the salaries/benefits. We better watch for this. Much higher taxes and we don't need a full time department. A new facility police/fire station is probably in the works. Look who Harl has made all his appointments too.
The timing of this issue was calculated, meaning the council is expecting you to forget about it in the next 7 months. I hope we don't and whomever is running make it an issue. In two and a half years we have to hope there is a candidate that understands this, is a good financial person, and has the backbone to make hard changes within the administration. So to make this work, anybody who is dissatisfied with the way things are has to keep it vocal and never let up on the council.
Your comment 10:39 is interesting. What other city's have a full-time fire chief with a salary/benefit package of $84k(and a couple other titles) with a population of 10,000, whereas the fireman are considered paid per call/volunteer? Prior to Harls appointment of a full-time chief were we not paying a fire chiefs position 11k, and also the fire chief was being paid for each fire call he went on? A benefit package being a full time city employee cost us taxpayers, nobody seems to take this into account.
Is anyone aware yet if the new finance officer has been officially hired and who it is?
12:54 PM
It is a secret!!
Wow, secrets in many departments. Same people in charge? A tv show called, "secrets, lies, and scandals."
Remember an old TV show "I've Got a Secret"?
Sometimes we all feel they are playing games at city hall. Just gotta laugh some times at the shenanigans.
Who remembers the governor Mr. Neely? A.k.a "Mr. Hot Tub Guy." Enjoying taxpayers money in Las Vegas, living it up, and the recent famous picture of him in a hot tub looking at photographer with the view from the room overlooking Vegas, with two wine glasses with red wine good to drink. Obviously in a suite. Wow, to the tune of $800,000 of taxpayers money he possibly has spent. When will the expenditures of the IML convention be posted? Rooms with hot tubs? Will we see a list of itemized expenditures from bottled water to personal products? Fox News today was reporting on Mr. Neely.
Some one has said that in the last day or two city hall is not the only home of Peru shenanigans. Their claim is that they commented to the blog in answer to 9:26 PM 9/25/14 but their comment was never presented.
11:37 to be fair though the cost of the fire chief's salary is far less than when the three positions he currently fills were filled by three people. If you are going to point out what he costs the taxpayers now then you have to be fair and point out that there are currently two other people not on the payroll. His salary is far less than the total of the three from before. Just saying.
4:56 - you may be correct, but the job was being done.
Yes 4:56, however are Harls appointments qualified? Nobody seems tow at to answer what there true resume would look like.
totally agree with 1137 king is making 84 but is doing the work that before paid at least 150 plus benefits sounds like good thing as a taxpayer
Anon 3:21 pm; there is no 9:26 pm 9/25/14 comment. What are you talking about?
Some people do another persons job.
peru is doomed the leader of the valley days are long gone its sad and when the voters of peru finally figure it out the boys lining there pockets will be retired laughing all the way to the bank
I almost forgot one person won't be retired take a guess who it will be? here's a hint he's currently a current city of peru official and its not harl but this gentleman will be your next state senator replacing rezin who's is it?
7:15 PM
There are no good deals with this arrangement. We are paying for only what is actually being done and believe me that leaves a whole lot not getting properly done. The city has no long range or even short range plans beyond tomorrow and this city is currently going no where but backwards. Has anyone thought about what would happen if some disaster should hit this city? Our only consolation is that cities surrounding have decent management and could keep some things in check.
Anon 3:21PM 9/26/14 in reply to Anon 7:48PM I called the individual and she stated that the correct time should have been 6:26PM 9/25/14. She also said that as of 9:00 PM 9/26/14 her comment was still not posted.
She also commented that after reading the aldermans long winded run around answers that she still believes that it is his obligation as a member of the city council to vote on issues which he is the only aldermean with experience in. Also mentined was the fact this alderman represented himself as a person who directly confronted all tough issues but her problem was that he would not personally involve himself in this issue.
Also mentioned was that she did not believe the aldermans intention of taking further steps after the retired judge gave his thoughts on the Mayors investigation but in going to the FBI he indirectly has made the Mayor of Peru look very good. Really why did the Alderman take this issue out of state to the FBI but will not give his own direct vote on a local city issue?
Anon 9:27, don't keep us in suspense, give us your made up belief of who within the city besides Harl has his eyes on State Senators job, bet your wrong!! Can't think of anyone who would have the financing or political backing to even think about it, outside of Harl.
11:20 PM
Yes I did delete the comment because it was so poorly written and before I did that I read it to an uninvolved person and they said it made no sense. Evidently you and someone else have an axe to grind against Ald. Perez. This current post is also full of discrepancies and the one that stands out is about going out of state to FBI. I will let my readers take your information and disect it for themselves. I believe he made the right decision and he is alright with it and in the end it seems that we elect people to vote their conscience and it is a shame more people don't.
11:20 pm - Apparently you and your friend don't understand ethics. Alderman Perez did the right thing by not voting on a pay raise for his boss. If you and your friend don't understand that, nobody can help you.
I don't know how anybody could think the FBI investigation makes Harl look good. The retired judge and the FBI both stated what the mayor did was WRONG, but not criminal. He got caught and got his hand slapped. Thankfully he got caught, because if you can get away with one thing, you're more likely to try to skirt the rules another time. I can't believe some people actually think what he did was not wrong.
Lois, I not being involved previously in the vote, no vote controvery of Alderman Perez. I question your standards to censure the persons comment because you state you did it because it was so poorly written. Do you realize how many poorly written comments you have published?
Now that you are going to take certain comments and let the readers disect these comments themselves why don't you be fair and also publish the 1st comment or would you also rather pick and choose as was recently done with the council pay raise vote?
Many believe that personal issues should not have any bearing as a reason for a aldermen not to represent his chair with a no vote.
How many will be seen in the upcoming election.
12:38 PM
There is no controversy, Ald. Perez is a part of the PFD and should not be voting upon whether or not his superior, Jeff King, Peru Fire Chief, receives a pay raise or not.
Yes some time I pick and sometimes I choose I don't want the comment. Someone will criticize me for putting something on and some will do the opposite so it becomes my decision.
This was not a personal decision it was more of an ethical one. I am sure if you do research into legalities, you will find he was right but I don't believe you would admit it if you saw it in black and white. End of story.
No Lois, not end of story, I don't believe you should eliminate any blog if you really want to be legitimate, you blocked some of mine because it might have not been to your liking because it was a comment of let's say a certain alderman, but if it was about any other alderman you print it. Why is that Lois, what are you afraid of.
Anon 1:22PM, September 27, 2014 After all of the years you have critized Honorable Mayor Harl and City Council Members you do exactly as administrator of your blog as what you condemm them for by enforcing your own closed session and as a final result manipulate yourself into the sole chair of a super majority. Sadly you appear to only see all black or total white. End of story.
2:36 There is no anon 1:22. If you look closely that is Lois's comment and she signed her name. Why don't you sign yours? And, you have never been more wrong about her than you are now. If you have a problem with alderman Perez he has offered you several methods to correspond directly with him.
I remember a while back there was an issue with the donation of money(? From car club show) that was misplaced into the wrong account for operation promise. Remember Alderman Perez/poc fireman had a meeting(?) with Fire Chief/Harls appointed now full-time fire chief. Funds were put in wrong account? How long were these funds in wrong account? Why wasn't this mistake discovered sooner? Makes me remember this incident if I remember correctly. And who has many titles appointed by Harl?
To:11:20
From Rodney Perez
I believe you and your so called- "Friend" need to step out behind the curtain and contact me directly, or sign your name to your posts to show you're just a concerned "constituent" of mine and not someone from some other community or just one who opposes Whatever I do; we would be having a real debate here if I had voted For or Against that motion. As I stated in my long winded post... I take legal advice on motions before I take advice from you or your so-called friend.
If you or your so-called friend are constituents of mine, I would highly advise you don't vote for me in the April election because I will continue doing as I do during motions made.
Lastly, I have no regrets taking the action I took with the FBI and would do it again tomorrow if needed.
Lois, this is your blog, you continue doing as you do. If anyone opposes you, or don't agree with how you manage Your blog then they should start their own and not bother visiting yours.
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to express our opinions. I just wish more bloggers would be courageous and sign their name.
Thanks, Rodney:-)
815-245-7566
aldermanperez@yahoo.com
912 get in the game the answer is doug bernabei
12:38, this is Lois' blog, not city government. She is the boss, she makes the decisions, and she is free to pick and choose which comments get posted. Alderman Perez does not pick and choose which votes he participates in. He always abstains from the fire dept votes. Potthoff used to abstain on votes that dealt with the swimming pool because he has a conflict since the YMCA directly benefits from Peru not having an outdoor swimming pool.
How can you compare city government to a blog? If you don't like what you read, don't come back.
Anon 9:55, why would he want to take a pay cut and give up all the power this administration gave him. I would actually give him all my support if he would, just to get him out of Peru's politics.
Alderman Perez, I do agree with you and will take your suggestion , I will not vote for you next April.
Has the Chairman of LaSalle County Board lost interest in this position. The west end of LaSalle Countys vote counts but the vote of the East side is larger.
Also the present Police Chief is politically astute enough to know that his present position is possibility better than being a State Senator unless he is looking for state esposure.
Anon 10:01 I would bet you're not in Rodney's ward anyway. I am in Rodney's ward and my wife and I voted for Jim Hurst last time because we know his family and never really knew Rodney. We like how Rodney has voted on those issues and has no problem standing up against this administration. Our family will all be voting for Rodney and I also know our neighbors will be also. I'm really impressed with the fact It's election time and Rodney still holds his position and says if you don't like him not to vote for him. I wish all city officials up for election would be real instead of passing on Bologna to win votes.
Keep up the great work Alderman Perez
Lamps Family.
To anon who keeps complaining about Ald. Perez, I will not post anymore of your complaints. You are been advised to call the alderman and talk to him as we are not interested in your likes or dislikes or what you "think" is wrong with his voting decisions. Back off and save yourself some wasted time because your comment will not be posted. I don't know who you are and I don't want to know and neither do most of the bloggers. Either make a decision to speak verbally to the aldermen or forget your issues if you can't pull up the courage to make the call. This blog is NOT and I repeat Not going to be used for the same continuous rants by the same person by the same person.
Lois - there is someone that keeps calling for moderation and compromise. That is exactly what is NOT needed. We need more people like Ald. Perez that will not compromise! People that stand by their principals... We absolutely don't need DEAL MAKING!
Lois, does that mean the same goes for all the alderman or just the one that you support!
Lois, why is it OK for you and your friends to write what you "think" of voting decisions by the Aldermen you dislike but it is not OK for someone to write what they "think" of Alderman Perez's decisions? If this is a public forum you must allow all sides. As a long time reader of your forum I must admit it has turned into a political support mechanism for your chosen candidates. I'm disappointed this has happened because the good intention to create a public forum for open and honest debate has been lost to a political agenda.
6:36 PM
I do not repetitively ask the same questions over and over and yes I criticize their votes but don't go on endlessly. And if I want answers to something I go directly to the source or foia the information which I suggest you do. You will NOT get the information here and you are being annoying. Does that answer your question? I am beginning to think you do this on purpose and I am the judge and jury as to what is allowed and what isn't. Start your own blog and post your comments there and you can do that over and over a 100 times a day, if that would satisfy you.
I'm curious if Alderman Perez's phone rang yet from the one who's doing all the ranting. I couldn't imagine what the alderman would be in for if he voted to give his boss a raise or paid promotion. My opinion he made the right choice not voting for it as it seems to be a clear conflict. Maybe that's the reason this blogger is on him so hard because they can't get him on anything now that he never voted. I agree with your position Lois to not post any other repeated issues. It's clearly coming from the same person or two. I've been reading your forum for three years and I think alderman Perez is the only alderman to interact with bloggers. I think most city officials would rather not give out all of their own personal information on ways of contacting them. I was impressed to see the alderman offer his information as he has.
I've been watching for the Newstrib to do another story on the arson case which involved a local fireman . He has been put on suspension I'm told from another fireman . will this be swept under the rug like everything else dirty in the fire dept?
6:36 Lois did let the individual speak their mind and voice their opinion on aldermen Perez's choice to vote as he did. We all know where he or she stands on the issue. Aldermen Perez even gave them ways to contact him personally. What more does he or she want?
Please explain 9:03, what have you heard?
I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU SAY, THE SUPT. OF STREETS IS NOT DOING A GOOD JOB. THIS TOWN HAS NEVER BEEN FILTHIER. IT IS A MESS. I WISH WE HAD SOMEONE JUST CLEANING THE CURBS AND GUTTERS AND KILLING THE WEEDS. IF IT KEEPS UP LIKE THIS, NEXT YEAR WE'LL HAVE TREES GROWING IN THE GUTTERS. PLEASE MAYOR HARL GO AROUND TOWN AND LOOK AT THE STREETS.
the boss spends most of his time with the big wigs in Springfield and Chicago. He has no time for the little folk paying his salary.
Say all you want about how bad a mayor Don Baker was, but at least he was out riding around seeing what was happening in Peru. Harl doesn't even bother to show up a fire department fundraiser.
There was one alderman and an ex-alderwoman there all nite volunteering . and I guess you can't guess who they were . The only two who care about the city as a whole and not just their own interest.
Wasn't it last Christmas that Mayor Harl nor his appointed Full-time Fire Chief didn't show up at the Christmas parade? Is the fire department apparatus used in parades? Wasn't that talked about on this blog site???
I wouldn't judge a mayor or any other elected position on whether they helped with a fundraiser. Every week there is something to help with. And I wouldn't judge a fireman or a alderwomen if they didn't show up at a parade. Many of those who show up to a special event are good at showing up. And putting their photos on facebook or blogging about it. If your electing people that show up for events, please make sure they have the qualifications and sense to make important decisions on your behalf. Pensions, bonds, tax rates, economics, hiring, and many more effect your quality of life. Those are a few examples of items that effect your home and your future. Setting up chairs and grilling hot dogs or riding in the xmas parade are on the bottom list of qualifications to be making key decisions.
The mayor and aldermen create the legislation and ordinances that rule this city and their job pretty much ends there. In my opinion it would not hurt any of them to show a little community spirit and show up at the few events that take place in Peru. This is not Chicago, it is Peru and the mayor and aldermen should make a presence because they do take a paycheck from all of us.
Anon 4:50 I say lets keep the aldermen folding chairs and planting flowers. Having them get involved in pensions taxes etc. would only cause chaos with the new finance position and treasurer. After all the city couldn't handle another call to the FBI because I'm sure there are shananigans. When was the last time the mayor walked in a parade anyway, maybe it was prior to his last election?
Would anyone really think mayor Harl would go to the Fire Dept. if Perez was there? Speaking of Harl and Perez what's the status of Harls libel slander law suit? I'm thinking he made an Arse of himself by saying something so idiotic.
Anon 4:50 PM You are right on the money. I am much more concerned that the city has activities than that the Mayor and aldermen partipate in these activities. In fact I beleve this is a choice which they themselves should make and be allowed to be comfortable with. My main interest in elected officials and their appointees is what type of city are they creating and maintaining for me and others to live in and how can I help.
Sometimes people do the unexpected such as putting in for pay when partcipating in a Xmas parade I don't care who is in charge this type of situation is not expected to happen and continues until someone slips up or someone in the same group who becomes aware and cares enough to see that it ceases. Sadly this is a form of investigation that most never hear of and few get the credit deserved.
Oh, that's right, another reason we don't need a full-time fire chief. I do think a Christmas parade Where fire trucks are in attendance that the person who is fire chief would be in attendance.
I strongly suspect some of the comments coming in are not true and maybe the writer is ill informed so therefore if something is questionable to me, I will need to verify and reply with a correction.
How long ago did Mayor Harl change the Alderman's Committee to 2 committees and four aldermen committees plus including himself? The four committees with two aldermen per committee listed at the bottom of the blog
are now historical data.
Which is proving to being more functional and why?
When taking attendance at a committee meeting why is the sheet given to guests to sign when they have no voice in the meeting? Possibly Alderman Waldorf who chairs a committee would care to answer this. Peru has diminished the citizens input since it changed from having informal meetings.
Every area that is showing huge progress has transparency, accepted government participation by non elected citizens and willing acceptance of volunteer groups to perform city services. Sadly personal experiences have been negative to these keys to city success.
Peru appears to have become stagnant because of the unwillingness of a few to listen to many.
Consolidate power is a way to get results.
The difference on why Harl won't attend the same events that Perez attends is a matter of money. Harl doesn't get paid extra to be at the fire station or be at the concerts, Perez gets paid to attend concerts and fire events. Its not about each other, its about the paycheck.
11:38 AM
And excuse me you are full of it....neither is true, you are trying to spread rumors. The mayor does not care about this community or he would be present regardless of who else is there. And regarding Ald. Perez he does more unpaid volunteer work for this city than any official on the payroll. The only reason I printed your post is so I could publicly rebuke the untruths you attempt to pass off as truth.
The reason both Perez and the former alderman were present is because they have community pride and are always ready to be there when a hand is needed.
Did you ever wonder why La Salle has received the Governor's Hometown Award more than once and I don't know that Peru has ever had it. And the reason is is that that is an award given community pride and volunteerism.
Lois you are correct. A public figure such as a mayor, alderman, and department heads should be at events that have to do with the city(exception-the concerts, which city should not be involved with.). I wonder if he made it a point to go to a recent Octoberfest (or previous ones) which took place a block from city hall? Didn't they serve alcohol?
11:38 - that is not true. RP does not get paid to go to events. However, I can tell you that Boss Harl only attends events benefit him politically. I heard he tried to have another local "Mayor's Dinner" but had to cancel because he wanted it to be a fundraiser for his war chest and none of the other local Mayors would donate to the cause.
Got paid for the concert?
Lois someone is lying to you. Rodney was absolutely paid for working the concert.
Lois. I contacted Rodney this evening to ask if firemen get paid to attend fire department events. Rodney said all public events through the city or fire department are volunteer and do Not receive compensation. He said concerts for cause events are the only events that get compensation with salaries covered by Noonan and not tax payers.
To:Lois
From:Rodney
To clarify event compensation. Firefighters Don't get paid for special details such as parades, fire prevention education, or any other FD sponsored public event. It's strictly volunteer:-)
As far as the Concerts go, That is not a FD sponsored event. The PD, FD, and EMS crews are paid. And the Concert Promoter is billed for those man hours.
Hope this answers questions:-)
Thanks,
Rodney Perez
815-245-7566
The City of Peru received the Govenors Hometown Award for the establishment and growth of the Illinois Vleey Peer Jury program back in the 90's. I believe this program is still operational and did expand to several other cities and counties because it involved numerous volunteers both young and old and accomplished a much needed community service mission.
Lt. Bobby Thompson
Retired PPD
Is it a misunderstanding that volunteer firemen were including their participation in the Christmas Parade in their time sheets just a couple of years ago and for how long was never revealed? What was finally agreed upon as their pay for being involved in the Christmas Parade? It seems to be remembered that in the agreement they would receive 1/2 of their agreed upon 1st hours pay for a fire?
Mention has been made that the promoter of the concerts is billed for the PD, FD, and EMS crews. What is the cost of these groups fringe benefits/hour and how much of this does she pay? Fringe benefits such as medical insurance costs and pensions and death benefits are very expensive, as proven by the trend of municipalities outsourcing since the 1980's.
If the promoter was to outsource security, fire and emergency corporations the fringe benefits would be included in the bill even if not itemized.
So, the concert promotor pays. In a check with one amount? Or, individually to each person who works. Where is check sent to? What account is $ put in? Who cuts checks? Does concert promotor pay for hours regarding expenses for clerical to do the paperwork? Wear and year on vehicles? Gas for vehicles? , fire trucks? Detailing vehicles, fire trucks after venue? Where can we find the this information? How are police officers compensated? How are fireman compensated? Don't fireman get paid for each call they attend? Like $33 approx, even if the call is 1/2 hour. Concerts are longer then fire calls so to speak? Is concert promotor getting a deal? Is some other compensation given such as comped tickets to venue(I did hear this has happened.)? City of peru account? Liberty Fire Company mystery account/accounts, that no one has answered questions regarding this organizations expenditures??????????????? Keep donating! The last 5 years of Liberty's donation money would be interesting to see.
Review the concert contract and you will see the amount that was paid to the city of Peru. The contract has been on the blog. Fireman are paid by the hour, check to see how much each was paid. The truth of the matter is the fireman are not paid for by the concert promoter. Review the timesheets for fireman and calls and parades. Don't assume anything unless it is verified.
Time sheets A.K.A: sign in sheets for fire calls have been sprinkled with fairy dust for years. I know for a FACT that fireman, might show up at the firehouse a few minutes before other fireman returned from a call and still get paid. And, fireman would bring their little kids to firehouse with them after fire trucks left for a call and still get paid. And FACT, certain people would sign and authorize sign in sheets. We don't have a a true volunteer department if fireman get paid for parades, etc.. There has to be a reason why we have a turnover of fireman at our fire department. When will the cat come out of the bag?
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