“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

Wednesday, May 06, 2015

The City of Peru Now has 60 Flower Planters

This amount must be an increase of about 35 planters since last year. Many of these were put in place during the Baker administration and paid for by the merchants with businesses near them. Correct me if I am wrong on this.

The planters became a bother and neglected over the years.  Didn't summer help take care of them years ago?

A few years ago then Ald. Perez gathered volunteers to rejuvenate the planters  for the beautification of Peru. Never brought a large number of residents into helping but enough to get it done and they looked really good.  Planters and also hanging baskets.  The first year the hanging baskets died from lack of watering which was done by the city and last year Perez made sure they were watered and they did better.  This year the mayor wants banners not baskets.

Who is going to continue the program? There are now 60 planters on Rte 6 and fewer people to do more.  Perez has said he will continue to plant the flowers so if you are interested in helping, the day to begin is this Saturday starting at 9 PM.

How many current aldermen will let a hand? I would be surprised if even one or two showed up to show their civic pride in Peru.

The Public Service manager D. Bernabei increased the number of planters as part of the Rte 6 improvement.  Not sure who paid for them whether it was the city or  the merchants. Whoever paid for them in now unimportant the more important question is are we going to depend on Rodney Perez or are we going to now have to pay an outside company to plant and care for the planters? Did we now need additional planters to care for when the city shuns any volunteer effort? Or maybe the answer is hire someone to do it since we continue to say we have lots of extra cash and everything is paid for by "write a check"

What should the city do to make our city more impressive?

44 comments:

Anonymous said...

Fact: The city paid for the planters and will also be paying for the majority of the cost for the banners.

Anonymous said...

The problem I see with these planters is that there is no consistency in their placement. Some blocks have multiple planters and some have none. What I find disheartening is that this is supposedly a city project to promote Route 6 yet city hall's entire block doesn't have one single planter on it.

Peru Town Forum said...
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Peru Town Forum said...

Peru Town Forum said...

Along with beautiful spring and summer flowers, I began to think about summer and that usually means hot weather. So one thought leading to another, I remember the sounds of kids playing at the park and especially our swimming pool and now we have silence because the pool is gone and the proposed splash pad is in limbo.

With the condition of the state and no grant money available npw and maybe not in the future.

And then I keep hearing the mayors words "how will we pay for that?" and as he waits for the programed reply "with a check" from the Treasurer or Finance Officer. Of course he is not talking about a splash pad which could probably be built for about $150,000. He is talking about a new truck or a project and he seems to not hear those same children laughing as they play in the water of a splash pool that many of us do. I understand the No pool now but I don't understand the No splashpad for our cities children. Please listen to the children.

Anonymous said...

Did you forget the last referendum? The voters would not support a pool.

Anonymous said...

Nothing wrong with adding a little life and flowers to the downtown. Peru is far from the amount that is spent in other neighboring towns to liven up the downtown. Its a good start and nothing in the least sinister about the idea of banners, flower pots or facial improvements.

Anonymous said...

As an Rt 6 business owner, I am pleased that the city has been paying attention to the business district. I along with several other business owners asked for planters, the city is providing the planting material and we “adopted” the planter at our business. We will volunteer to weed and water all season. Thank you Mayor, aldermen, and especially Mr. King and Mr. Bernabei for running the program. This is a very nice program for our community notwithstanding some bloggers who look for something bad in everything. Special thanks to the cub scouts and many other volunteers who will do the planting.

Peru Town Forum said...

4:30 and 4:46 PM

I hope you don't think we were negative about the planters because several of my friends and I were among the initial volunteers several years ago. That was the year the hanging baskets died because the city was not watering. Also at that time the number of planters were all the old original ones and we did all the planting of them and the baskets. At that time there was only one businessman on RTE 6 that said he would take care of them because he was so happy to have them in front of his business, he took care of the entire block.
Many others located in other parts of Peru were not so nice. I am happy to hear that you will care for the plantings, we wish you good luck. When the volunteers did it they got absolutely no appreciation from our city.
So I want you to realize this is not a new program initiated by people you mentioned, it has had several years of history and was initiated by Rodney Perez and Sherry Mayszak both aldermen at the time and they both continue to beautify the city and will be active again this year. They will be doing the hard work.

Anonymous said...

The 1st year volunteers planted flowers the majority of planters were in the East end of Route 6 on both sides of the street with one planter as far North on Pulaski as approximately 10th. Very few planters were in downtown Peru and now the planters are more evenly distributed. I give credit to our city government for trying to spruce up Rt.6 and believe that the Rt. 6 committee does not have any part of the planter project. Presently from what I am hearing is that the Rt 6 committee is only a ad hoc group of businessmen who have selected themselves and the Rt 6 name by a letter from Robert Vickrey. Mr. Vickrey did not send this letter to all businesses of Rt 6 and has never explained why not. Those not initially invited have now decided upon displaying the same respect which is a reciprocal relationship back to Vickrey. Vickrey being the Director of Community Development must learn that a sharing in common is stronger by the numbers and made weaker by its originator in excluding all available.
The News Trib had a brief article in Wednesdays edition of LaSalles approach to not using taxpayers money for donations and the Illinois Municipal Leagues approach that a city is not to donate taxpayers money. This is the same IML that Peru's city officials have drawn approximately $12K yearly in expenses to attend and have never brought back any formal or informal report. Peru does use taxpayers money for private donations even though some taxpayers have expressed dissatisfaction with. If city representatives do not follow the guidelines of the IML why do they attend and why are we paying for all of them to attend. This year why don't they forget about going unless they want to pay on their own.

Anonymous said...

I did notice multiple huge planters on certain blocks with some blocks not having any? Is this because they are not all placed yet? I sure hope this is not all of them because if they are then it looks horrible. Less is more in some cases and to have 6 on one end of block and none at the other end looks horrible. Makes the rest of the block look neglected.

Anonymous said...

4:46 PM, You thanked everyone except the people that really initiated the program and did the planting. Why would you selectively ignore the good people who actually started the program?

Anonymous said...
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Peru Town Forum said...

5:14 AM

The planter in the 10th and Pulaski St area is not planted by the city but I believe it might have been purchased by the city. This is a relative of the one of the former Supt of Public Property.

The east end of town has numerous planters taken care of by the local businesses and has been done like this for the last 2 years. Some of the others also had care takers and others did not. I believe Christy's Kitchen picked out their own flowers and cared for them and they were beautiful. The Red Cross also has done their own planter in front of their building and always looks nice. If you are a business who cares for yours, let us know and we will be glad to post your name here as caring for your planter.

Anonymous said...

11:43 The planters are not any more evenly distributed today than they were 2 years ago. Are there more? Probably! However, there are still blocks where there are multiple planters and blocks where there are none. Once again I will reiterate that if this is a city program to improve route 6 then why does the block with city hall have no planters what=so=ever? And, let's give credit where credit is due. This program was not started by the ASM and DSM! It was started by alderman Perez and former alderwoman Mayszak and the group of volunteers who worked hard to beautify your town. A group that went unrecognized by city officials. The same group that was asked by the ASM to fill the planters once again and have volunteered to do so.

Anonymous said...

3:17:
you are remembering things as they were; where are the children who want a pool in peru now? at home in their own swimming pools or busy texting their friends!

Peru Town Forum said...

I didn't want a new heading for this information so here it is: The Task Force has now had 3 meetings, the first was informational material, the 2nd was an interview with Doug Bernabei of Public Service and the next, yesterday, was with Jeff King. They will meet again in 3 weeks.

Peru Town Forum said...

9:59 AM

Depends upon where the children live, doesn't it? Or they might be at a swimming pool in La Salle, Spring Valley, Oglesby, Ottawa, Mendota or Princeon. Could be at our Y if they have a membership. Ottawa also has a splash pad.

Anonymous said...

If memory of the newspaper report serves me correctly the task force was created to determine if Peru needed a city administrator.
Why would they initially question Doug Bernabei and Jeff King, Wouldn't independent sources who have had experiences with a city administrator be much more reliable? Secondly since it has been repeatedly suggested that this committee is no more than a cover up for Doug Bernabei to be appointed city administrator he should never be interviewed by this task force. All will know how determined local government is by how many are finally interviewed for the position and by whom and who is selected. As education is factored into the candidates background in house promotions should no longer be considered.

Anonymous said...

Where can I find minutes of the task forces meetings?

Anonymous said...

If the chief is selected as the administrator for the city, he must give up his job as Chief of Police. In my opinion he should be told this up front, because public safety is first and foremost and should not be jeopardized by trying to hold two positions.

Anonymous said...

It doesn't sound as if they are interviewing for the position. They are interviewing the current management to find out what they do.

Anonymous said...

Well since the kids do not have a splash pad or pool, maybe we could arrange a group of kids and show them volunteering which can help a city or organization prosper. We have many people that do not work for many many reasons, and so we should encourage them or their kids to give a hand. Taking care of plants is not taught in school, so it can be a learning and volunteering opportunity.

Making the city clean looking is important to visitors. Businesses want an attractive outside so they attract visitors, but it takes work and time(which many don't have when running their own business.)

Anonymous said...

If one was to observe that a person was hired for a full time position and held this position for years and than took on another full time position plus the latter full time position and 2 other part time positions besides and his partner does the exact same. Wouldn't you be interviewing management positions especially if you were paying for these people.

Anonymous said...

It is absolutely killing a few on how forward thinking the city is. Shame on you for wanting to see people fail to advance your agendas and personal candidates. As a business owner and lifelong resident I am thrilled with the works of our city. We have not seen so many positive things happening like this in a very long time.

Peru Town Forum said...

7:28 A.M.

You are talking of Peru? Sounds many of us don't live in the same town because we are not seeing what you see.

I have been attending the Task Force meetings with an open mind and so far it is just verifying what I am seeing here in Peru and it is not what you are seeing. All I can say is that you either are a close associate or are receiving special favorite treatment. Or perhaps you would like to drive on the roads I drive on. This city city needs someone to run it that will not be swayed by money or benefits of the job and has the education and independence to govern as it should in a fair and unbiased manner and is open to ideas. They should not be the kind of person who believes he/she is going to convince us that they are right, end of story.
I have always believed there are 2 sides to every story.

Anonymous said...

Going back to its founding, Peru has been a city of insiders and outsiders. Going all the way back to the days of Beebe, Fulton, Brewster, Maze, Bulfer, etc. the City has been primarily for and governed to support the connected business men. While the names may have changed, the "system" has not. The average resident of Peru is not a concern. The city is here to support the connected business men. I overheard many years ago at a public gathering that the City would be much better off if they could do away with the residential zones! The comment was not made by an elected person - rather one of the connected businessmen. That attitude still prevails.

Anonymous said...

9:22, no I agree with 7:28, your the problem. This city is up grading roads every year, along with water and sewer. We have a terrific electrical service, parks look good, lowest tax of any town around us. The biggest problem is no matter what this administration does you will not except it, thankfully your negative attitude is a group in the minority, as our elections show.

Anonymous said...

9:52 Every city would be in good standing if there were just business areas. You wouldn't need the costly services that residents require. That's not a secret. And who are all these business people that government supports at the cost of residents? Connected sounds like a mafia term, expand on your concerns.

Anonymous said...

I choose the word "connected" precisely. That is what it is.

Anonymous said...

10:27, have you driven passed the parks lately? They don't look too good.

Anonymous said...

To 10:27 and all others who comment.
It appears that many of us have to research why the government has been created and what responsibilities it has.
Yes the city is upgrading roads along with sewers and water. Yes it is, quite past due even though it is a reason governments exist. As for Peru having a terrific electrical servidce, city ownership is now in the 3rd century and it has always been a huge plus. Now if Peru would hire someone such as a double E to further advance the utility rather than a Police and fire chief. City parks which have been owned by the city for a long time are not advanced as they were years ago and in most cases are nothing more than outdated,poorly maintained and ballfields. As for taxes Peru always been the lowest in property taxes because of the electrical departments financial hand outs and sales tax Plus the fact Peru did not have a plan in maintenance or roads.
Some who consider Peru to be so advanced should take a long look back to know the reasons why rather than think it is those of 2015 that deserve credit. Please tell what this group has done positively.Rock concerts at the airport, having land annexed away from them by LaSalle and increasing oositions pay by 2 to 3 to 4 times are not positive.

Anonymous said...

What is so hard in figuring how to divide 60 planters evenly say for 20 blocks? Simply cut the 60 planters in half and take 3 half's per block on 1 side of the street for 20 blocks and do the same for the other side.
Please use the good side facing the street and water from the opposite side which has dirt alongside it.
Don't forget to add flowers.

Anonymous said...

This is a topic. How many planters in Peru? The most pressing issue in Peru is planters? Most cities would rate taxes, water quality, police protection, lack of shopping choices as topics of importance. Peru has flower planters as the main topic of interest? You Peruvians don't know what real issues are. Or you have a very slanted point of view of those who edit the blog making topic like flower arrangements of major importance.

Peru Town Forum said...

3:48 PM

I will answer you with my questions?

How many new planters were purchased and who paid for them?
If no volunteers do this, how many people will need to be hired to plant and maintain?
Will they need to be watered in a dry spell and has the city made arrangements as to who will do this?

Will the water truck be allowed out to water the flowers and I believe only employees are allowed to do this?

All surrounding cities have advertised for summer help and what has Peru done? No advertising to hire in a fair and honest manner, so who will be hired?

What was the cost of the plants and who paid for them?

I love a beautiful city but I also appreciate it being done in an organized and responsible manner. If the planters were purchased for specific people who will have the responsibility?

Do we have enough city employees to take on the task of landscaping this cityscape?

Anonymous said...

Haha, 3:48. Peru has good tax rates, quality water, excellent police/fire protection and lots of shopping options, so no need to discuss those topics. At least not until the TEST vote comes around again. Flowers may not be a big issue for you, but why is it that every other town around here has beautiful flower displays and hanging baskets and Peru can't seem to figure out how it's done?

Anonymous said...

We don't even seem to have enough city employees to empty garbage cans in our parks. I don't know what they're doing but I do know things are not getting done.

Anonymous said...

It has been agreed upon that the parks look horrible. Grass on city property such as the 12th street triangle has been sky high for weeks. now lets get serious just what do you want from the city workers - blood.
Peru is a huge town and to accomplish all that has to be done the city departments would need a time clock line and pay line from here to Chicago in double file and than it would still be doubtful.
Word is that as a cost saving devise all pay of each family with more than one in the family working for the city this summer will be accumulated into one check and than it is to be divided at the family home. It is being referred to as the save a tree foundation.

Anonymous said...

Get real 9:08. That is not legal.

The question is will the city hire an outside company again this year to cut grass and do landscaping or will city workers start doing it again.

6:06 the garbage cans were very full at Baker Lake on Sunday. Don't we have city workers that work weekends that are supposed to take care of that?

Anonymous said...

4:49

There is a very good group of volunteers that will be planting the flowers. The City pays for the plants.

Anonymous said...

9:42 MAY 11th. The city has indeed hired the outside company's to do the grass cutting and landscaping in some of our parks.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Rodney ,Sherry , and all your volunteers who started this program and continue to do it . No matter how many planters there are , or who paid for them , I guarantee this group will take care of them and in turn beautify a small part of Peru . That was and will be their goal year after year . Thank You all !!

Anonymous said...

Peru does not like volunteers! They get in the way of redistributing money from our pockets to the city worker and crony contractor pockets.
If Forrest Gump lived in Peru - they would inflate a big Rat Balloon in his front yard because he cuts the grass in the city park for free!

Anonymous said...

7:00, your statement is so sickening sweet, you put these people on such a pedestal you have to be related. Great if they want to do this, that's their thing, it doesn't impress as many people as you think!!

Anonymous said...

To 12:35 PM, FYI, Peru has a huge population of "Gump like" residents. Proof of the "Gumps" presence is revealed in the results of the last municipal election.