Downloads | Committee Meeting Minutes | MINUTES

Downloads | Committee Meeting Minutes | MINUTES

I thought perhaps many people here in Peru are not aware how easy it is to review minutes from committees and council meetings all easily accessible through the city of Peru web site. Take a few minutes to see what your aldermen are discussing.

Rezin to keep Peru senate office open - My Web Times

Rezin to keep Peru senate office open - My Web Times

OUR VIEW: Grants are good -- but then what? - My Web Times

OUR VIEW: Grants are good -- but then what? - My Web Times

Our aldermen specifically Ald. Ankiewicz is very much in favor of this proposed bus to bring shoppers to Peru if they wish to shop. I do agree with the article that we need to make sure it is a lasting project and not just while grant money is available. If you are using Firefox as a browser, you will receive a warning so either use a different browser or choose to ignore. After I was warned about this possiblity and finding out it was only Firefox with the problem, I choose to ignore.

"Great Expectations" for 2011 and beyond

With every new year comes a sense of opportunity to improve ourselves and our community. 2011 brings with it an extra sense of urgency and uncertainty about the economy, jobs, taxes and of course politics in general. Right now in Peru there seem to be three seperate and distinct "schools of thought" when the discussion turns to local politics. The first group, of which I identify most with, are convinced the city of Peru needs an infusion of new faces and ideas on its city council. We read the City Treasurer's reports and we understand his comments regarding the deficit spending that has been the standard operating procedure for many years in Peru. We realize the seriousness of the city's financial state and we are amazed that the current aldermen continue to deny any responsibility for it. We prescribe to be optimistic in the new year, a new perspective, new energy, and new possibilities for the future. All in all a pretty optimistic view looking forward. The second group consisits of individuals who are convinced that there is absolutely no need for a "changing of the guard" on our city council and the current aldermen are doing a fine job. They believe there is no room for improvement in the way our city does business and they are content to continue to think "inside the box". And furthermore, this notion that the city of Peru is in serious financial distress has been overstated by those of us in the first group. These folks see no reason for all the clamoring for reform in Peru and they dismiss those who disagree with them or hold them accountable as "Troublemakers". In fact, shortly before the Mayoral election of 2009 Alderman Jack O'Beirne was so upset with me for reporting to the Illinois Attorney General's office that O'Beirne and Mayor Baker had knowingly violated the Open Meetings Act for the purpose of illegally negotiating a contract with TEST, Inc. that my pal Jack cried out in open meeting, "We got some real troublemakers out there like you Mr. Weberski". Jack did us all proud that night. The AG's office conducted an investigation which determined that O'Beirne and Baker had knowingly violated the OMA and a letter of reprimand was issued to the city. Finally, there are those citizens of Peru who have no interest whatsoever in the goings on at city hall. Chances are they have never paid much attention and have never bothered to vote in any election. It's likely they have never even been registered to vote. In fact, as I was gathering signatures for my petition of candidacy for alderman in the 4th Ward there were more than a few residents that asked me who the alderman was in their ward. These folks are totally dis-connected from the very political process that will ultimately have a tremendous effect on the quality of life they experience in Peru. I think we can be optimistic about the future of Peru. The economy is improving, albeit slowly, and more and more people seem to be paying attention and getting involved. Those of us who demand a voice in determining the future of our city understand that we will be labeled "troublemakers" by the guardians of the past. We find ourselves in good company with others in our country's history who were called the same.

Two Illinois Towns Are Set to Share Fire Chief | Firehouse.com

Two Illinois Towns Are Set to Share Fire Chief | Firehouse.com Neighboring cities of Sterling and Rock Falls working together. This will be something to watch.

Greetings

On this eve before Christmas, I would to wish to thank all you who take the time to visit the Peru Town Forum and sometimes express your opinions or tell us what you would like to see written about. Thanks also if you just come by to read posts and comments.

A Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to all. Please be careful walking or driving in all this "White Christmas"

We Want a Govenment That Works For Us

This was written sometime during the administration of Chicago Mayor Jane Byrne (1979-1983) but it seems that a cure has not been found for this disease as some of our elected officials on the Peru City Council seem to have the same symptoms.

Department Information

Department Information

Fire Department - EMS - City of Kewanee, Illinois

Fire Department - EMS - City of Kewanee, Illinois

bcrnews.com | St. Bede for seniors Assisted Living Village

bcrnews.com | St. Bede for seniors

Peru EMS Service Oct 2010 N.T.

Article has been removed at the request of the News Tribune LaSalle IL........ Sorry about the wrinkles and creases but as I was going through old papers I found this and wondered if it answered some of the questions people have.

Tuesday Dec. 21 Lotto for Ballot Placement

Tomorrow at 9 AM, there will be a lotto to determine placement on the April 5 ballot. This is for the election for aldermen in all 4 wards.

PVAS Peru Volunteer Ambulance Persists

Ald. Mikyska acknowledged that we do not know what will happen to the ambulance service when LaSalle goes on their own March 1. As it stands now with the income from LaSalle, he said the profit was 17,000. perupages.blogspot.com comes up with different figures.

I chose to ask several questions during the public comment part of the City Council meeting. I directed my questions to Ald. Mikyska and after informing him that I had read the bylaws of the service, I asked who wrote them. The City Atty. took over the question saying it is possible that he had written them. Those of you who have read the bylaws are having a hard time believing that as am I.

Question 2. Is the $4000 per mo. from Peru to PVAS, a donation, a subsidy or a contractual obligation? No definite answer was given.

On Monday evening an ordinance will be passed providing the continued funding for another year unless someone objects and I can't see that happening.

Should the aldermen be looking at a different structure? Most definitely and unless they do, we may find ourselves asking LaSalle if they will also serve Peru? Irony, yes, but it is possible.

OUR VIEW: Working hard for a better Streator - My Web Times

OUR VIEW: Working hard for a better Streator - My Web Times> ANOTHER STORY AND ANOTHER PARC GRANT REQUEST

Peru Election Process Moving Along

Monday was the day for aldermanic petitions to be turned in to the Peru City Clerk. Actually they allow one more week for those who did not get their petition turned in yesterday. As it stands today the April 5 election ballot will look like this:

Ward 1
Incumbent Jamey Mertel (8yrs) will be opposed by Mike Radtke

Ward 2
No incumbent - Jack O'Beirne retires after 24 years
Those running for this seat: are Rodney Perez, Bob Borostowski, Jim Hurst

Ward 3: Incumbent Dave Waldorf (4 years) opposed by Mary Landsiedel
and Joe Witczak

Ward 4: Incumbent Dave Potthoff (20 years) will be opposed by Steve Weberski

Christmas Decorations in Peru

Friends have told me that they think the Christmas decorations in Peru are "pretty pathetic". Tonight we happened to drive through the down town and yes I didn't see much that looked very nice.,

I know that the Peru CSO puts up the decorations with the assist of the city electric trucks but my question is who is responsible for buying them. How old are the current ones and how often should they be replaced. If the CSO does pay for the purchase of Christmas decorations, I have a suggestion for them. Instead of blowing up so much money with fireworks on July 4, save some of the money and purchase new lights for Route 6 business districts.

July fireworks are gone in the blink of an eye but the Christmas decorations are up for at least 6 weeks. Many homes in Peru look fantastic with their brilliant light displays but downtown is another story. We drove west on 7th street and the homes toward the west end look super nice. I know there is not a lot of spare money but surely we can do better than this years Christmas display.

If you know of a particular street in Peru that looks very Christmasy, please share with us.

News Tribune - News - NCI - Dimmick school superintendent weighs in on Peru TIF talks

News Tribune - News - NCI - Dimmick school superintendent weighs in on Peru TIF talks

Peru and What About the New Commercial TIF

PERU CHRISTMAS Parade Years Past

I think maybe this was the 1940's and the pictures were taken on Fourth Street between Calhoun and Pike Street.

I Don't Understand PVAS

At tonight's city council meeting the Mayor brought up PVAS and that we needed to look into and get a financial report on the ambulance service since it has been at least 6 years since it was done.

Now we all have to understand the very strange manner in which the ambulance service is run since the Board of Directors have total control and if needed they can appoint a new member of the Board without any need to get approval of anyone else. That will happen when one of them retires from office. At present the Board consists of the "old guard" of Ankiewicz, Mikyska and O'Bierne and since O'Bierne will be leaving the city council in April when a new alderman will be elected from his ward, they will need to select a friend of theirs in his place. This new member does not need to bring anything to the Board other than to be an elected official, no other qualifications needed and of course to be in agreement with those already there.

OK so now the Mayor is asking for a financial report and I could almost see the hairs on Ald. Ankiewicz's head stand up or perhaps it was on his chin. How dare the Mayor ask for that information even though the city gives the ambulance service 4000 per month with no questions asked. This very strange setup was established during the tenure of former Mayor Baker and in MHO, was done to keep a strangle hold on information to the public. Instead of looking for a number of well qualified people in the financial and medical community, it became a buddy system where no information other than the monthly number of calls from Peru LaSalle Peru Twp and Dimmick was made public.

If anything needs a breath of fresh air, it is PVAS.

Private Party or Public Gathering, Does It Need to Be Posted

10:59 AM Where ever you are getting your information, they are lying to you. The party was NOT paid for by the city, the city did not sponsor a Christmas Party this year for their employees.

My sources tell me that the PW Dept. paid for their own Christmas Party which they have every right to do. They also have a right to gather in a place of their choosing without a public expose'

Has being employed by the city now put the workers into a position that even when not working they must only meet behind locked doors? The Christmas Season is often celebrated with "good cheer" when people get together and should this have been any different. Last year we complained that the city did not need to spend large sums of money to entertain their well paid employees, so it looks like this year they took the citizens disapproval into consideration and did not sponsor the annual Christmas Party but that did not and should not prevent employees from paying for their own party.

On the flip side, there have been complaints about city workers not working as well as they should or as hard as they should and if you have a complaint please lodge it with the proper authorities, The Mayor of Peru. Please keep in mind they he may not know or see what you do, so let him know. But remember to disassociate the Christmas Party with the other unrelated work ethics problems. These are not new problems but ones that have existed for many years and old habits die hard.

In this situation (the public works Christmas Party) personal dislike by a few individuals has led to hatred and an attempt to disparage the Mayor in any way possible and particularly his membership in Union 150. I would like think that most people in Peru think for themselves and will not be influenced by hearsay and gossip.

Cities will Celebrate with Santa Tomorrow

Just as a reminder tomorrow Peru will have a Christmas Parade through town, starting at HB Cabinet (old Coke plant) and will go to the Fire Station. Starting time is 1:30PM If you can't make that, you might check the News Trib. for the schedule of events La Salle is planning including a parade with a walking Santa Claus and also some indoor activities.

Why are the Peru Police and Firemen pensions underfunded?

City Treasurer Gary Hylla provided the city council with another "wake-up call" at last nights meeting. Hylla informed the council of the poor financial condition of the Peru Police and Peru Firemen pensions. Fortunately the Firemens pension fund appears in better shape than the Police fund, but both remain underfunded according to figures provided by the Illinois Department of Insurance, which is the agency assigned to oversee government retirement funds in the state. Experts in the field agree that a fund can be considered properly funded when its assets are at least 80% of its obligations. At present the Peru Firemen pension is funded at 75.53% and the Peru Police pension is funded at just 45.63%. I had just read an in-depth story in last Sunday's Chicago Tribune about this issue titled "Suburbs face their own pension mess". Check it out at in the Tribune Watchdog section at http://www.chicagotribune.com/. The Tribune story points out that numerous suburban city leaders' failures and mis-steps have collectively helped create another staggering layer of crisis beyond the better-known problems that have the state in a stranglehold. And last night Treasurer Hylla confirmed that Peru's elected officials have failed in their resposibility to properly levy taxes and transfer those dollars to the pension funds, therefore pushing more and more debt to the future. Essentially, kicking the can down the road. Nor have they worked to lessen the burden on the funds by adjusting plan benefits, employee contributions, or by simply not hiring new employees. Sadly, the practice of pushing debt forward by elected officials is all to familiar in the city of Peru and this is just one more example of that. Last night Alderman Dave Potthoff described the requirement to contribute to these funds as an "Unfunded Mandate" from the state of Illinois. It is in fact an "Unfunded Obligation" from Peru's elected officials. One person interviewed for the Tribune story put it best by saying, "When you have politicians with this discretionary authority, where they don't have to pay, that's a real problem. They gave themselves a huge tax break during the best economic times we had." City officials in Peru have been shorting these funds and others for too long. All the while claiming the most prosperity and lowest taxes around. That's easy enough. Don't fund your Library and don't fund your employee pensions. Not exactly a sound long-term financial strategy. Now the hens have come home to roost and there are even more bills past due than we thought.

princeton-academy-application.pdf (application/pdf Object)

princeton-academy-application.pdf (application/pdf Object)

Interesting idea I found while browsing on the computer. It looks like it is meant to encourage the small business owner. Maybe a good idea.

Have a nice Thanksgiving!

I suggest we all take a little break. Let's loosen up a bit and enjoy an extended weekend with family and friends. The issues of today will still be there on Monday. So, be safe and thankful for the things we all sometimes take for granted.

Less Bang for Your Buck at Peru Council Meetings

It appears the past 2 City Council meetings were operating at a loss. The facts are at last nights meeting and the previous one, 7 aldermen were present along with the Mayor, City Clerk, Treasurer, Test, and Chamlin Eng., Police Chief and Fire Chief. All except the Aldermen are salaried and bring no extra cost to the city but each aldermen receives $95.00 per meeting. And Test and Chamlin would not be charging to be at the meetings anyway, at least I hope not. The meeting on Nov. 17 was 15 minutes long and I figured it cost us $46.34 per min. and then last night, they met for 30 minutes at a cost of $23.17 per minute. In addition consider the lights and heat. Isn't it time to cut the meetings down to 2 a month like almost every community in the state and maybe nationwide.

If they w0uld do this, it would save the city at least $1520 a month or 18, 240 per year if my math is correct. Take that saved money and put it in the "pool fund", show the people you are ready to sincerely make an effort to save money and at the same time work toward really saving some money to help reduce our debt and building up savings for the pool that they believe we need.

The Powers Behind PVAS Peru Ambulance

For several years now there has been controversy about the structure of Peru Volunteer Ambulance Service. Their past history is not so shiny and bright and has caused many residents to wonder about the way it in which the leadership has conducted the ambulance service. I can only hope that some light will finally be shed on the way the entire system operates, starting at the very top. I welcome all comments and particularly from these who have knowledge of what actually goes on with the powers that be. Roberson may be the director but who does he answer to?

News Tribune - News - NCI - Scenic byway proponents seek Princeton input

News Tribune - News - NCI - Scenic byway proponents seek Princeton inp Interesting article about the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway following smaller communities from Ottawa to Havana and this means Peru is also included although not mentioned in this article. Since we are along the Illinois River, do you see any potential in further development of Water Street and connecting with LaSalle and the I & M Canal? Do we have anyone looking into this possible source of tourism into Peru and if so what?

A Personal Note - Watch For the Deer!!

Coming home last night from Iowa City, we encountered a deer that stepped right in front of our moving car and he stopped us in our tracks and rendered our truck undriveable Evidently there are so many deer out that way that people in Davenport were killing them in town bows and arrows according to the tow truck driver. Do be careful at this time of year as an accident can happen so fast.

An "Agenda" vs. "Obstructionism and Gridlock"

I had to laugh at some of the "Hater" comments on the News Trib blog regarding the pool issue and the upcoming aldermanic election. The comments referring to the individuals who will challenge the incumbent aldermen as "Troops" or "Soldiers" of Mayor Harl, and the lame attempt at "fear-mongering" by claiming the existence of this grand conspiracy to promote some sort of sinister "agenda" by these challengers. The commentor went on to describe the "Gloom and Doom" scenario that awaits the unsuspecting voters in Peru if these challengers are successful next April. We are then informed that those of us who dare to challenge these incumbent aldermen intend to be nothing more than puppets and rubber stamps for Mayor Harl. That is certainly a frightening and un-American picture of the democratic process in Peru. What is particularly interesting about this claim, which comes from an obvious supporter of the previous administration is the absolute hypocracy coming from someone who then goes on to praise Don Baker as though the "Rubber Stamp" method was not standard operating procedure during the Baker era. I know better, and so do many other citizens in Peru. That is exactly why there needs to be turnover on the city council. These sitting aldermen have had more than enough time to put forth their own initiatives to improve Peru. But instead they have for years chosen to bask quietly in the long dark shadow of Don Baker's success. Never asking the questions that should have been asked. Never demanding an honest accounting of city finances. Never so much as even inquiring how Don and Judy were actually managing city funds. We now know the razor thin margin that city finances had been operating at for a long, long time. I hold them all responsible for that. The current operating strategy from these aldermen is obvious. Obstruct any initiative and maintain gridlock regardless of the negative effects on the city. This is unacceptable behavior. I will not attempt to speak for any other candidate, but I am more than happy to address the accusation that I will be a rubber stamp for any mayor. Not a chance! My thoughts and positions on issues are now and always will be my own and will be based on the good of the city as a whole. Period. My years of observing the actions and behavior of Peru's elected officials continue to this day to provide me with the basis of what is wrong with local government in Peru. I already know what doesn't work and I am anxious for an opportunity to provide ideas for a different approach. Do I have an agenda? You bet I do.

The Council tonight voted to authorize the city of Peru to add $5.00 to each utility bill for each meter whether it is residential or business. The Mayor said it would be much fairer to add a percentage instead of an amount but the council was not interested at this time. The vote was 7 to 0 with Ald. Mikyska absent. The residents in attendance offered diverse viewpoints with the majority in opposition to the increase.

The grant request will be sent in without the signature of Mayor Harl. It is uncertain as to whom will be the authorized signature on the form. Ald. Ankiewicz and Wren both said they would sign it but my question is who determines who has the authority to sign the grant request. Does a legal paper need to be signed to give them the authority? I asked the City Attorney and he replied that he knew nothing about it. Ald. Waldorf had said last week that it was his understanding from IDNR that the paper would not bear much weight without the signature of the Mayor.

The News Trib will certainly have more in depth coverage of citizen comments.

Fiscally responsible our City Council is not. Keep in mind it was last spring when the council refused to accept the offer made to purchase the gen sets because former Mayor Baker said they were worth more and so we spent more money on rechecking them and received less from the same company who initally offered more. Then we just spent 15,000 to Williams Aquatics to determine the pool was out of code and not worth repairing and then we spent $3000 to Chamlin for one meeting of the Bike Path Committee and a couple of possible paths mapped out. Another 3000 to NCIC to write up the requestfor the pool grant and $6000 to Chamlin to apply for the Tiger 2 grant for our roads which we did not get. Now another 5 to 7 thousand to Williams for further plans for the IDNR. Do the math. It must be easy to spend the taxpayers bucks.

For the Early Risers

Tomorrow morning Mayor Scott Harl will be on WLPO at 5:30 A.M for an interview with John Spencer regarding the swimming pool problem in Peru. I do believe it will be rebroadcast but have not been able to verify it with the radio station as of now.

$5.00 Municipal Pool Fee on Utility Bill on the Horizon

It is now official as per being on the agenda for Monday nights meeting.
"Motion to implement a temporary (duration to fund the project) $5.00 municipal pool fee on all utility bills subject to approval and acceptance of a PARC grant.

Also a Motion to donate $500 to the Illinois Valley Fine Arts Trust.

I attended last weeks finance meeting and don't recall either of those topics being approved to come before the council on Monday evening. Isn't that the purpose of having finance meetings to approve items that the full council needs to vote upon.

I think the Peru residents need to find out their legal standing regarding whether or not they are obligated to pay the extra money. Can we declare it is a hardship and maybe the Peru Twp. can pay our portion? As is stands today, I have no inention of paying the unnecessary fee.

Will someone please inform us what the Illinois Valley Fine Arts Trust is and why we are donating that large sum of money to them?

My family and most families I know have to live within a budget. Why doesn't the city of Peru? City debt is basically the same as earlier posted but yet the city continues to ignore that and when money is wanted, what do they do but add another fee onto the overburdoned taxpayer.

You Had To See This To Believe It

Attending the city council meeting tonight was like a visit to Disneyland.

All went smoothly initially, routine business was discussed and the council unanimously overruled the veto of the Mayor regarding the Parc grant application. They were assured by the city atty and city clerk that they did not need to provide proof that the city had funding to meet the requirements set forth by the DNR on their application grant in spite of the fact that the application clearly states the opposite.

Perhaps a class in Reading 101 and Finance is in order for all. Particularly for members of the council who also sit on the Finance Committee as Ald. Mertel, Ankiewicz and Mikyska. It seems to me that those 3 aldermen should be very aware of the finances of the city, right? Wrong, Ald. Mertel thinks we have enough money to be able to honestly apply for the grant and says so in response to a citizen question.

The same question is given to the Treasurer to verify what Ald. Mertel has just said about ample funds being available. His answer was a simple negative shaking of his head. One very classic moment that had to impress upon all, the seriousness of the finances of the city and Alderman Mertal is not aware of it.

Ald. Ankiewicz thinks we will have "dead babies" if we do not have a pool built. Do you think he knows they give swimming lessons at the YMCA here in Peru?

These are all educated men on the city council and yet they continue to be irrational in their voting decisions. What gives? If they cannot govern in a manner that is best for all the residents, perhaps it is time to not run again as they give no honor or respect to the office they are holding. They are making a mockery of our city for all to see.

For all those at Mike's tonight, it is time to stop and get real and rational. We who are the unwanted watchers know all of this is not even about the pool.

Thank You for attending

Thank you to everyone who took the time to join us on Saturday at Centennial Park. We had a nice turnout and enjoyed some great food and fellowship with friends and family. There is so much we can accomplish when we plan and work together. Special thanks to the candidates who stopped by the Fire Ring for a chat.

News Tribune - News - Local - More spring election petitions go out in Peru

News Tribune - News - Local - More spring election petitions go out in Peru

Double D Digs -- Indoor tennis club finds new home - My Web Times

Double D Digs -- Indoor tennis club finds new home - My Web Times

PAC fundraiser this Saturday at Centennial Park

The public is invited to attend a fundraising event at Centennial Park in Peru this Saturday October 30th from 12 Noon until 9:00 p.m. Food and refreshments will be provided for a $10.00 donation which will be used to support candidates in the upcoming April 2011 election cycle. The menu includes bratwurst, baked beans, pasta salad and deserts. Beer and soft drinks will be included as well. In addition there will be a "Fire Ring" burning for the duration of the event as a symbol of pride and unity among PAC members and all others who support quality local government. There will be Bags and Bocci-ball competition on the lawn as well. Please try to make it at some point during the day and pass the word to others who wish to support a worthy cause as well. Peru Action Committee is a grass-roots citizen group working to improve local government in Peru. We anticipate good weather and good will for all on Saturday at Centennial Park in Peru. See you there.

Will Somebody Please Explain

The Peru City Council met tonight and Mayor Harl presented his veto of the resolution - Parc 3 Resolution of Authorization passed by the city aldermen last week.

His objection to this resolution is as follows:
Failure to implement and pass ordinance to certify and acknowledge that the City of Peru has 100 percent of the funds necessary to fulfill the qualifications of this resolutions as required by the State of Illinois........ ...In closing I am not against filing for a grant for the public swimming pool, however, I choose to be fiscally responsible for the benefit of the city's future generations.

The council of 7 men voted to have the resolution put on the agenda for the next meeting to overide the Mayor's veto and the motion was brought up by Ald. Jamie Mertel of the 1st Ward.

After the meeting, I asked Ald. Potthoff and Ferrari as to who would sign the DNR request and also asked Atty Schweickert and none of them could give me an answer. The Atty said in 30 years as City Atty serving Peru, he has never encountered this.

I came home and went into the DNR web site and found their rules for applying for grant assistance and in black and white number 7 states "A signed document by the applicant verifying the applicant has the resources to initially finance and subsequently manage the project area and will comply with program regulations and indemnify the Department from any liability relative to the project and 8. a schedule of proposed expenditures/reimbursements from anticipated start through project completion.

Either someone is not reading the rules of the DNR or is just trying to make a political statement which is not adding to any credibility the members may have had.

When you ignore the rules for applying for a grant by ignoring the rules the department has set up to apply for a grant, is this rather like fraud. To knowingly submit an application with NO MONEY to fulfill the necessary obligation, how does that make you look and how does it make the city of Peru look. Not too bright in MHO anyway.

Tell me where I am wrong. And who is going to sign the PARC grant application since the Mayor will not for the above given reasons and it requires a signature.Would one of the members of the council be willing to put their name on the dotted line and accept financial responsiblity?

The mystery that is PVAS

The recent request by LaSalle to PVAS for an ambulance to be stationed in LaSalle "around the clock" is about to re-open a festering wound that had hardly begun to scab over since the issue was last brought up shortly before the last mayoral election in Peru. At that time LaSalle was simply trying to convince the PVAS Board of Directors to allow them a seat at the table. You have to remember who it is that makes up this PVAS Board. It is now and always has been comprised of Peru elected officials. That's how the by-laws of the corporation were written long ago. Don Baker designed it that way when the city of Peru took control of the previous ambulance service. In 2009 LaSalle was finally allowed a seat on the PVAS Board of Directors. Well, sort of. LaSalle was allowed to have one city official attend meetings as a "non-voting" member. At that time a compromise was reached to allow an ambulance to be stationed in LaSalle for a portion of every day and LaSalle would pay a specified amount to PVAS on a monthly basis. Baker decided to throw LaSalle a bone and they accepted. Flash forward to today and it's time to re-negotiate the deal and LaSalle wants more coverage. That sounds reasonable to me. Certainly the PVAS Board of Directors are reasonable men, aren't they? Who are these guys anyway? Let's see, there is Bob Ankiewicz, Joe Mikyska, and oh yes, my mentor and Mr. Reasonable himself Back Peddlin' Jack O'Beirne. If I am wrong about the roster of Board members I'm sure someone will correct me. The mystery that surrounds this "not for profit" corporation that is PVAS is something that I have never been able to figure out. I have a copy of the By-Laws of PVAS, Inc. that I have read and re-read that only leads you in circles in terms of what it actually is and how it is supposed to operate. The only thing you are sure of after reading the by-laws is that they were designed to give total control to the city of Peru. If you were to ask one of those Peru aldermen to explain "in detail" exactly what the PVAS is and how it is operated I believe they would be hard pressed to enlighten you. Who owns it? Who controls it's finances? Why can't LaSalle be included? Why is the city of Peru so intent on controlling the service? Why do the board of directors have to be Peru aldermen? What qualifies politicians to oversee an ambulance service? Why is there so much confusion about an ambulance service? Who is responsible for creating all the confusion and ill will between Peru and LaSalle in the first place? I want to make it clear that my comments have nothing to do with the individuals who work or volunteer at PVAS. I understand they are professionals who are doing excellent work and they have nothing to do with the political aspects of this issue. I understand the need for this vital service. However, as a citizen of Peru I hope to someday see the mystery of the Peru Volunteer Ambulance Service revealed.

News Tribune - News - Local - La Salle fire chief wants ambulance in city around the clock; Contract to expire between La Salle, Peru

News Tribune - News - Local - La Salle fire chief wants ambulance in city around the clock; Contract to expire between La Salle, Peru

DNR PARC Application Requiring Prove of Funding by Peru

IML 2009 One Alderman to Convention

Hold onto Your Wallets Peru Thinks They Need More Cash

I have no doubt after tonights meeting that the majority of the Aldermen are not looking out for your best interests but only in their image and their perceived image of the city. Mayor Harl refused to sign the resolution before him regarding the building of the new pool and the application for the PARC grant from the state of Illinois. His refusal was based on the fact that DNR wants to know that the city has the funds to take on this project and then IF they are selected to receive some of the funding, they will be reimbursed. MAYBE. To say that the aldermen were irate would be kind. The Mayor knows better than to further sink the city into more debt and remember that we are somewhere around 40 million at present. We have already sunk approximately 20,000 into a pool that exists only on paper.

Ald. Mikyska is so obsessed with the image of Peru, it is hard to understand. He believes that someone will not move to our town because we lack a swimming pool and our IMAGE will be severely damaged. His suggestion for money was to add $5.00 to your utility bill each month until we have the cash.

Personally I believe that the pool went down under their watch and now we are the only Illinois Valley town to be without a pool and that is what people will remember them for. Peru has so many other problems that the pool is miniscule in comparison.

When I commented to the council that $5.00 each month could hurt those who are on a fixed income and those who are unemployed and already having difficulties, I was rudely interrupted by Ald. Potthoff telling me that they had done nothing yet regarding the increase. Sorry to tell you Dave that I sat through the whole meeting and I was well aware of what was taking place. This is the Alderman who always professes to be watching out for the residents. I guess he believes that 5.00 a month is a pittance. To him it may be but let me remind him that 5.00 might very well be the cost of a prescription or a meal.

It looks like the property tax will need to be raised to be able to continue to contribute in the needed amounts to the police pension fund. To be announced later.

Tonight after watching this performance, I could only be thankful that there will be an election in about 6 months.

IML Travel and Expense Reimbursement 9.2010

IML Convention expenses 2005 thru 2010 total $36,645.

We looked back to the previous five years for our report on this issue. Year to year average for city officials for the past five years was around $1,000 per person per year to attend the conferences. In 2009 Aldeman Mikyska was the only official to attend at a cost of $1,025. From 2005 thru 2008 there were usually seven or eight city officials in attendance each year. Lois is going to attempt to post all of the records the city provided us in order for you to view and draw your own conclusions. It appears there has never really been a proper procedure in place for expense re-imbursement. Another example of a lack of professionalism. If there was a standard form provided by the city it was not used properly by all officials all the time. So, like so many things in Peru during previous years there was no consistent policy or rules in place regarding expenses and accountability for city officials. Totals year to year are as follows, 2005 $7,300 / 2006 $9,757 / 2007 $10,236 / 2008 $8,330 / 2009 $1,025 / 2010 $5,444. In looking through some of the files you will see a number of expenses claimed and paid without proper reciepts or verification. This should never be allowed. You will see some excessive meal expenses. For Example, former Building Inspector John Micheli enjoyed a meal at "The Chicago Chop House" in 2008 that cost us $335.35. I think that qualifies as excessive. You will see that at least a couple of your aldermen like to frequent a place called "Hooters Chicago". I only go to Hooters for the Chicken Wings. You will notice that one alderman was re-imbursed for the cost of treating he and another alderman to a pricey meal one evening for a total in excess of $200 but neglected to provide any type of reciept to verify the expense. And new for 2010, you will see that some of your aldermen were a bit more conservative than they typically have been in past years on the taxpayers dime. That's a good thing, right? But others maybe not so much. So look through the files and you be the judge. The jury is still out in terms of what if any dividends may result from our elected officials attendance at this or any previous convention and if it was worth the cost to the citizens of Peru. You decide.

Rock Top Sculptures -- 'Man Through Time' sculptures proposed for Starved Rock - My Web Times

Rock Top Sculptures -- 'Man Through Time' sculptures proposed for Starved Rock - My Web Times Do you think we need some manmade designs on Starved Rock or should we leave it alone with its natural beauty. Don't we go there because of the beauty nature has given us, not some statues that would be better somewhere else. I don't see to associate cavemen and frontiersmen with Starved Rock and no one needs statues of modern man.

State eliminates grants to Streator Unlimited - My Web Times

State eliminates grants to Streator Unlimited - My Web Times

PARCgrant-programlaunch.pdf (application/pdf Object)

PARCgrant-programlaunch.pdf (application/pdf Object)

Too Many Committees, Too Many Regulations

Tonights Peru City Council meeting has emphasized the fact that there are too many committees with too many rules that are now hampering local business development in downtown Peru. Indirectly we were also shown that we have a Building Inspector who does not have a working knowledge of how to do his job. Frank Taylor  was hired as an asst. building inspector when the past inspector Wayne Kasza was hired by former Mayor Baker. He stayed on when John Micheli replaced Kasza and when Micheli was dismissed we had Frank Taylor doing the job alone with the promise of a building inspector to be hired soon. A year later and here we are with the "assistant" attempting to fill the position. There are times when you try so hard to save money that you hurt yourself in the long run and unfortunately this is what Peru has done. So before anymore screwups happen get us a qualified inspector. A better answer would be a city engineer who can do both jobs.

Most of the next story you will read in the News Trib and I won't repeat it here. There is a beauty shop in Peru by the name of  Shear Wizards (former Bob's Barber Shop) and they wish to make a small addition onto the building which they own. They have been dealing with the Zoning Board, Peru Downtown Redevelopment Committee and the Design and Review Committee and Building Inspector Frank Taylor and after 2 months have been unable to get the necessary paperwork done so that they can proceed. In frustration they attended the city council meeting to see if they could get things done so work could be done before bad weather sets in. By coming and I wish to thank them for doing so, they have shown us that we don't have a working relationship among the various city committees, inspectors and anybody else involved to get things done in an efficient, orderly manner to assist business development.

I suggest we disband the Peru Downtown Redevelopment Committee put together about 1990. It has ruled downtown development with a earth tone paint and maroon awning fist ever since.  This committee certainly has not brought business to downtown and I will suggest that their outmoded rules have actually deterred new business.

Why not a Peru Business Association formed to work in conjunction with a new building inspector.

LaSalle Jazz Fest 2010 Thanks for the Great Event

This is the second time we have gone to the JazzFest and we have thoroughly enjoyed it both times.. Lots of good food and great music. The weather even cooperated and gave them a nice warm evening.

So our thanks to all of the people who helped to plan and organize the event. It was so nice to see people of all ages together having an evening of good fun.

"We" are the answer!

Lois has posted a number of articles on this blog from local newspapers that point out the successes that arise from citizen involvement in their own local government. The common theme in all the stories is as follows. When citizens get motivated and involved things get done. It is so clear. We wonder why we have gridlock and obstructionism on our city council on the most important issues affecting our city. We wonder why many of our elected officials seem to be completely disconnected from what our priorities should be considering current financial conditions. So when we see a story of success in another community we ask ourselves, why can't we achieve such things? The answer is we can and we must. Citizen involvement is the driving force behind the majority of successful initiatives in communities around this country and we all need to embrace it and welcome it. And when I say "we", I mean everybody from the mayor on down. I know we have volunteer organizations in town who do good work. The CSO, the Lions Club, and others. Some of those organizations provide excellent community service and others are more or less self-serving as far as I'm concerned. But when it comes time for taking up a cause and seeing it through, the people are the ones who get the job done. It's really up to us. There has been much said on this blog about the importance of attending council meetings and staying informed of the issues. That still stands. But we all need to step it up a bit. There is no shortage of issues that need to be addressed. We need input and participation in so many areas in Peru. We have no downtown business association. It will take citizens to create it. We see geat potential for business and recreation opportunities on our riverfront. It will take motivated citizens to make that happen. We want bike and walking paths in some areas of town right? Instead of calling on citizens to take up the cause through volunteerism, our elected officials only response is to throw thousands more dollars at Chamlin and the project "dies" immediately after the check clears. What the hell was that? Chamlin isn't going to bring additional recreation opportunities to Peru, we are! We have so much to overcome. Including this narrow minded pattern of behavior that we have to "engineer" our way in and out of every situation. Why is that? We obviously have many elected officials who have no idea of the potential resources and energy that exists in our community just waiting to be tapped into. One of the sessions offered at the recent IML Convention focused on how elected officials can encourage and cultivate ideas and volunteers in their communities to achieve great things. I wonder if all six of our guys attended that session. I am convinced that the majority of Peru aldermen would be horrified by the very thought of calling on us citizens for anything. Furthermore, I believe if this concept was suggested to the current city council they would see it only as a threat to their "authority" and would reject it immediately. So, I ask you all. What now are we to do?

Commentary on Illinois Problems Including with Grants

http://www.donorsforum.org/s_donorsforum/bin.asp?CID=17354&DID=43463&DOC=FILE.PDF

Sex-offending doctors often left on honor system - chicagotribune.com

Sex-offending doctors often left on honor system - chicagotribune.com For your information only, I found this a very disturbing article and I think we should all be aware and alert

Welcome To Illinois: Home Of The Deadbeats | Progress Illinois

Welcome To Illinois: Home Of The Deadbeats | Progress Illinois

News Tribune - News - Local - Peru to seek grant to help build new pool

News Tribune - News - Local - Peru to seek grant to help build new pool The maximum amount available through this IDNR grant is 2.5 million and the possible pool cost at present is 3.5 million and that does not include demolition of the current structure.

State to examine billing records of other ambulance services

State to examine billing records of other ambulance services This is Iowa but I wonder if it is also happening here in Illinois. Sounds a bit familiar.

Forum: Reforms needed to stop rule by professional politicians - Peoria, IL - pjstar.com

Forum: Reforms needed to stop rule by professional politicians - Peoria, IL - pjstar.com Applying this to all levels of our government sounds good to me.

Elections for Alderman April 2010 Petitions Available Now

Petitions have been taken out by Dave Potthoff Fourth Ward, Dave Waldorf Third Ward and Jamie Mertel First Ward. For the Second Ward, petitions have been taken out by Rodney Perez, Robert Borostowski and Timothy Freed. Also former alderman Joseph Witczak has taken out a petition for the seat currently held by Dave Waldorf.

If any of you reading this blog are at all interested, you can pick up a petition at the Peru City Clerks Office during regular office hours.  If you are interested in a cooperative and working city government and think you might be able help the citizens of Peru to  achieve that goal, please stop by for your petition. Believe me there are people who will help you. What we have now is aldermen who are not interested in achieving that goal.

A Walk in the Park -- Streator seeks volunteers to beautify city - My Web Times

A Walk in the Park -- Streator seeks volunteers to beautify city - My Web Times So many people have asked why we in Peru don't have volunteers helping in the parks, I guess we need to ask the Streator SPW how to get the job done here locally.

Where is the Swimming Pool on Your List of Priorities for Peru

I had a conversation with a friend last evening and he believes that due to the fact that the alderman spent money in the amount of $2000 for a grant to be written that they believe that a new pool is very important for the IMAGE  of Peru and will find some way to finance even if the grant is not obtained.

My point was that certainly the people in Peru would not agree with that but we know that a city election is just around the corner next Spring and all those running for re-election are looking for something to hang their hat on. Some of the aldermen were very unhappy when Treasurer Hylla went public with our 41 million dollar debt.  Because as we all know city government in Peru was a very well kept secret for 40 years and no one had a clue as to the predicament we now find ourselves in.


OK now we are aware of the unpleasant financial facts and also of the fact that the pool as it stands is past history. Do you as a resident of Peru want to burden your children and even future grandchildren with the debt to finance a pool just so our IMAGE  is improved? Whatever your answer is will you let your alderman know or are you likely to just let things go on as usual.

Unless you take the time to share your opinion with them, they will assume that what they are doing is what you want of them. Stand up for what you believe and that is what I believe will improve the IMAGE of Peru.

Peru Workers Out Cleaning the City Today

Early this morning, I heard the street sweeper going by and friends tell me a lot of work is being done in the 28th Street Park sprucing the park up by cleaning out weeds and trees. How are things in your neighborhood?

Congratulations Peru Library on 100th Anniversary

Congratulations on your very successful celebration on Sunday. I had planned on attending but family matters did not allow. The write up in the paper was great and it sounds like it was a resounding success. Wish I had been there.

Thanks to the elected officials of Peru that did come and represent the city: Aldermen Ferrari, Wren and Waldorf. Nice that a former Peruvian Jim Waldorf, brother of Dave was a part of the celebration singing in the Barbershop quartet.

The weather cooperated and a great turnout showing that the people of Peru enjoy the library and appreciate all the hard work they are doing for the community.

Illinois Municipal League 2010 For Steve

"Greetings from Chicago. We're so glad you're not here"!

I recieved a small token of "appreciation" from the Peru aldermen who attended the IML Convention last week. It arrived in my mailbox on Saturday afternoon in the form of a ticket to the Annual Banquet of the IML on Saturday night at the Hilton Chicago featuring "The Ultimate EAGLES Experience. Face value $100.00. I have to admit, I am somewhat impressed that one of them actually may have come up with the idea to "jab" me a little bit because of my criticism of their attendance at the convention. I would not be surprised if it was one of the aldermanic spouses or someone else who actually suggested the prank. They got my address right but then mis-spelled my name. So to whoever it was I say, well done! I appreciate anyone with a similar sense of humor. If I had recieved it a few hours earlier I would have had the last laugh because I would have showed up and sat down at their table and had dinner with them. Now that's funny. I can only hope they pooled their money in order to purchase the ticket for me. Surely they would not attempt to pass the cost of a practical joke on to the taxpayers of Peru. Or have they already done just that?

MARK KIESLING: Pabey's not the exception, he's the rule

MARK KIESLING: Pabey's not the exception, he's the rule This is one of the articles Steve is referring to and I thought it was a very good commentary that might make some people in our own community squirm a bit.

East Chicago Mayor and city engineer convicted

Several months ago I reported on a story in the Northwest Indiana Times regarding the indictment of East Chicago Mayor George Pabey and his city engineer for unlawful use of city funds, manpower and resources in a scheme to renovate a home owned by the mayor located in Gary, Indiana. Both men were convicted yesterday on federal charges which could result in sentences of ten to fifiteen years in prison. As many readers of this blog are aware, I have pointed out instances of similar activities which have taken place in residential and industrial settings in Peru during the past thirty years. In reading the associated articles in the NWI Times it is apparent that political corruption is alive and well in Northwest Indiana. I encourage readers of this blog to go to www.nwitimes.com and read "Pabey Convicted" and the other associated articles related to this story. It is certainly worth trying to understand how some elected officials and others eventually arrive at a point that allows them to make a concious decision to steal from the citizens they have been elected to protect. I think it reflects the inherent danger of allowing an elected official "unchecked and unchallenged" authority, as was the case during the tenure of former Peru mayor Don Baker. This is a story worth remembering.

Nice Work on 38th Street Thank You Peru

Thanks to the City for getting a much needed piece of street work done and that is the corner of 38th and Venture Drive. Very nice and a definite improvement. UC Paving did the work for $5,855.


I couldn't help but think that this was well spent money by the City in contrast to the $2,000 recently awarded to NCIC to apply for a grant for the swimming pool. Consider this: The cost of a new pool to Peru is approximately 4 million and maybe more. The Grant would cover 75% of 2.5 million and we would have to pay 25% of that amount if the grant were given to the city.  But the caveat is that we have to pay the all of the 2.5 million and than be reimbursed for the 75%. 2.5 million would give us about half of the money and definitely not enough  for the pool.

It makes more sense to use money that we have available and fix the roads even if it is only small areas as the 38th street project. We drive on these roads all year long, we only would use the pool for 70 days of the year.

Why do the aldermen continue to spend money on "dream" projects when we have "necessary" work that needs to be taken care?

Shopper Bus is in the News Again as LaSalle May Drop It

At the LaSalle City Council meeting last night , they discussed the Peru shopper bus which LaSalle shares with Peru.  According to Mayor Grove their expenses are too much for the number of riders that get on the bus and they are considering dropping it. Please read the article in the News Trib for details.

We discussed this earlier in the year (February) on The Peru Town Forum and questioned whether the bus should be discontinued because of the expense to the city for only a few riders, average number about 8. The bus is leased and there is a monthly expense plus the driver. Perhaps it is time for both cities to take a look at the shopper bus and determine whether it is economically feasible to continue. And if LaSalle discontinues their use and their share of cost, will Peru finally say it is too much of an expense for just a few riders?

Should elected officials be attending the IML Convention on our dime?

We have six aldermen registered to attend the IML Covention this week. They are Mikyska, Ferrari, Mertel, Waldorf, Pothoff, and Wren. The aldermen approved expenses for themselves for the convention quite some time ago without any discussion before the vote passed unanimously. In the past they would all be given $500.00 up front and anything above and beyond the $500.00 was supposed to be submitted in the form of reciepts for approval afterward. Last year Mikyska was the only one to attend and his expenses totaled almost $1,000.00. With six of them going this year it is going to add up to a significant expense to the taxpayers of Peru. My opinion is that no elected official should be attending this years convention unless they intend to travel up and back the same day. If they want to stay overnight they should pay their own lodging for themselves and their spouses. I can see the city paying the fee for the seminars plus expenses for mileage and a meal. Nothing more. This was an opportunity for these guys to show some restraint. Especailly after they were informed again at last weeks council meeting how they must "Cut Costs" because expenditures continue to exceed revenue. Hello! Instead they just use the opportunity to show those of us they know are watching that they will do what they want and we can't do anything to stop them. I think that depends on what they mean by "stopping them". We will see about that soon enough. The unnecessary expenses of lodging and the Saturday Night Banquet at $100.00 per ticket with this years entertainment, an "Eagles" tribute band is not going to benefit Peru. How exciting is that? The Eagles! I understand we have some regular Eagles "groupies" among our aldermen and their spouses. I really hope they intend to use the entire occasion to learn something for the benefit of the city. Not just to take their wives to dinner and a concert. At least the taxpayers of Peru "might" be getting a break on the cost of meals for city officials and guests on Friday evening. That's the night that Chamlin & Associates will be "wining and dining" our elected officials and spouses at Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant in Chicago. In years past when some of them would stay three or four nights, TEST, Inc. would also take their turn "entertaining" our elected officials at another downtown Chicago eatery. Cocktails included of course. That way the booze never shows up on a reciept submitted to the city for reimbursement that someone might file a FOIA request for. Get it? I will never understand why these guys continue to allow themselves to be exploited and so easily influenced. And so cheaply, too. But when all is said and done. Who do you think is really stuck with the check?

Scarecrow entries deadline Sept. 23 - My Web Times

Scarecrow entries deadline Sept. 23 - My Web Times

When they are done and up, this might be fun to check out. I remember being in Eugene Oregon when they did a similar project with their famous ducks. (as in the University of Oregon). Only wish I had done photos, it was great and the ducks were then auctioned off.

I believe Princeton did a dog and cat theme last year in their downtown. Great community efforts.

If we are doing anything locally let me know and we will put it online.

This is just a post on the light side and hoping some of our downtown merchants might take a clue or perhaps some interested local organization.

Aldermen avoid critical vote on the financial fate of Peru. Or did they?

There was no support for any sales tax increase at last nights council meeting. Only those in opposition gave their respective thoughts on why they would not support a sales tax. Dave Potthoff stated an increase in sales tax would "discourage people from shopping locally and encourage them to do their shopping on-line". Bob Ankiewicz said "it will not matter if proceeds from a sales tax increase are ear-marked for street improvements because if an increase was approved the citizens could not afford to own cars and they would have to walk anyway". I'm not making this up. It will be in the minutes. Mikyska and O'Beirne are in favor of an increase, but only because they think they could use it to fund a pool. Good luck with that fellas. Mertel was rather perplexed after Treasurer Hylla detailed once again for them the extent of the deficits in the General Fund, the Water and Sewer Fund, and the enormous amount of debt service we are paying on. Mertel apparently still cannot quite rationalize that we are essentially "broke". Ferrari said nothing. No motion was made or seconded for a vote on the matter. Mayor Harl reminded the council that they had recently approved purchase of new diesel generators (I think about 2.5 million) and the Electric Light Fund reserves are going to be running thin and may not be able to support the rest of the funds as well as the day to day operations of the city. Hylla told them they have only two choices. #1 - Raise revenue or #2 - Cut spending. Makes sense to me. But, none of the alderman responded. I am quite sure that most of the aldermen think they did well last night and the city will go on just fine without any additional revenue. I'm also pretty sure they think they have no other responsibility or accountability in working to correct the financial mess they helped create. That's where they are dead wrong. Now more than ever before they are going to have to not only cut future costs and eliminate future improvements on streets, curb and sidewalk, sewer and now even electric system programs and improvements. They will also have to make huge cuts in existing programs and departments that will certainly include lay-offs in every office and department and that means there will also be a reduction in many if not all city services. These cuts need to add up to more than $1,000,000 according to Treasurer Hylla. Yes, that's six zeros. I think this could end up being the best thing to happen to this city in a long time. Or possibly the worst if the aldermen do not respond properly. It's kind of like a "Tough Love" program. These aldermen, specifically the committee chairmen, will now be required to make the toughest choices of their political careers. Because, if they fail to make massive cuts in existing costs and expenditures and the Electric Light Fund eventually becomes unable to subsidize the rest of the funds, this city will be financially bankrupt within one year. It's that serious folks. So if any of the aldermen are thinking they might have dodged another bullet last night, and they can go back to sitting on their hands again while somebody else cleans up the mess. Oh no! They are in for a very rude awakening. If they fail to do their duty to make drastic spending cuts very, very soon. Well, we all know the story about the state called "Illinois".

Why Are We Spending Almost 11,000 on the City Parking Lots

It is on the agenda for Monday night to award UC 10,855 to  to seal and stripe the city parking lots:
Opposite Debos, From Peoria to Fulton between 4th and 5th street and the parking behind the City Hall. Today I drove through all the above mentioned lots and see that all are in good condition with adequate striping. Then I went around the block and back up Fulton and find that 4th St. Fulton corner to be in deplorable condition. What is the point of having "perfect" parking lots and deplorable rutted broken down roads. Would that amount of money that is going to the lots at least make the Fulton St. corner better than it is now. Any prospective business would wonder what kind of priorities the city of Peru has.

Peru City Council Scheduled to Discuss Impending Sales Tax Increase

The News Tribune article on the impending increase in sales tax suggested by City Treasurer Gary Hylla has brought more than the usual number of comments. The actual discussion is expected to take place on Monday Sept. 13 at 7:30PM in the council chambers.

Do you agree that this is the way to pay off our debt and pay for city services and employee wages?

 Will it drive people to shop online and pay only the base rate of 6.25%?  How about eating out? How about the city pool, would you pay more sales tax to help fund a new swimming pool? 

Violations show lack of attention to public access

Violations show lack of attention to public access

Help public 'follow money' via websites

Help public 'follow money' via websites

News Tribune - Business - Business Daily - IVCH to open FastCare Clinic at Peru Wal-Mart

News Tribune - Business - Business Daily - IVCH to open FastCare Clinic at Peru Wal-Mart

How do you feel about opening a clinic in WalMart? Will it be putting the average shopper in more contact with sick people? I noted how they will give you a silent pager if they are busy and then you can get out and walk around among all the non ill shoppers until they are ready for you.
We are always told to avoid crowds during the flu season so will this make things worse? Will it help or hurt the Walmart business.
I have seen eye glass clinics in Wal Mart but do not remember coming across a health clinic. Are you pro or con and would you use it?

P.S. This is for the person who did not comprehend the article or did not bother to read it and I deleted his post.. In case some of you don't know, I do have some medical background and by sick people I don't mean those with chronic or debilitating  diseases and most of the illnesses mentioned can be transmitted to others in an airborne manner.

Bicycle Path Committee Meeting 6:30 PM Sept. 7

This meeting time has been bounced around so if you are planning on going and just happen to double check here, I wanted to make it seen right up front. It is at 6:30 NOT 7:30 PM TONIGHT 9/7/10

City of Peru Treasuers Report July 2010

Has Peru actually become an equal opportunity employer? Are patronage and clout on the way out?

It was mentioned at a recent council meeting that there were more than seventy-two applications recieved in response to the recent public posting for a position in the public works department. I have to think that there are some very well qualified applicants in that bunch. Also, the Electric Department will be seeking a Journeyman Line-Man very soon. What an amazing contrast in hiring practices there is in comparison to anytime in the history of Peru. The only fair hiring procedure Peru has ever practiced has been for police officers and firefighters. And only then because of state and federal hiring laws requiring municipalities to establish fair and honest procedures. Don't think for a minute that some present and former elected officials in Peru would not have attempted to influence the hiring of cops and firemen if they had the opportunity to do so. Consider the possibile cast of characters we might have protecting us from crime and mayhem if the old time "Powerbrokers" like Baker, Kowalczyk, O'Beirne, Kolowski, Nowakowski, Frederickson and some others had been free to use patronage, nepotism, and clout in deciding who would be added to the city payroll. As a matter of fact, I'm sure Baker was probably mayor before the police and firemen hiring laws were inacted. It must have been quite a shock for Don to have to "refrain" from hiring all the cops and firemen in town. An old-time politician could wield a hell of a lot of power and influence having hired every cop on the payroll. Unfortunately, there have never been any laws regulating the hiring of any other municipal employees. That enabled Baker and other influential insiders in Peru to continue to hire by their own "special standards". No application process. No interview process. No hiring process, just back room deals. You need only have relations, not qualifications. It is refreshing to finally see a fair and impartial process of hiring in Peru. We have already come a long way in terms of doing some things right. I have to admit that despite the method in which most current employees made their way onto the city payroll, there are some extraordinarily talented individuals among them. But, because of the refusal of those old time politicians to establish a "legitimate hiring process" there are equally as many current city employees who can only be described as overpayed and underskilled. Also, we need to be aware that just having a hiring process in place will not assure a quality hire. There is still the possibility of "human interference". Example: Committee Chairmen will be allowed input on new hires that will work in the departments those aldermen oversee. Unfortunately, that means there will be opportunities for guys like my pal Jack O'Beirne to corrupt the process. But I think even Jack will have a hard time screwing this up. He will likely just nod off during the interviews while daydreaming about how he and Don "yoosta do all da hirin' of da guys". Good ol' days......My ass!

News Tribune - Sound Off - Open Forum (Aug. 30): Why does Peru pay so much attention to Maud Powell?

News Tribune - Sound Off - Open Forum (Aug. 30): Why does Peru pay so much attention to Maud Powell?

Personally I have always thought the Maud Powell statue was in an inappropriate location.  Should the veteran's memorial have been installed in a more prominent location instead of at Veteran's Park?.

Now we know, it's all about "Image"

I have heard about the importance of "image" for Hollywood mega-stars and professional athletes. The negative impact of a domestic violence charge against Mel Gibson will certainly have an affect on the box-office and video sales. Charges of lying to Congress about steroid and human growth hormone abuse by Roger Clemens will likely destroy his image as one of the best pitchers in the history of the game. And rightfully so. Last week we were informed by 2nd Ward aldermen Joe Mikyska and Jack O'Beirne that the "image" of Peru depends on whether or not we build a new municipal pool. So there you have it. It's all about image. Using 2nd Ward logic, all we have to do is spend three or four million on a fancy new pool and the image of Peru will be saved. We will be overflowing with image. We will have so much image we might be able to market and sell the excess image to surrounding communities via an image auction. So we've got that going for us. Which is nice. Please keep in mind Joe Mikyska as chairman of the Finance Committee is suggesting a new pool is a "Priority" for Peru. I'm not kidding, Chairman, Finance, for real. Common sense tells me that a new municipal pool in Peru should not even make the top five priority issues at present. A new pool will be great someday, but not now. It can wait. It is clear that Mikyska and O'Beirne are unable to disconnect themselves from the SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) of the Baker era that relied heavily on creating "image" over reality. The image of "Leader of the Valley" which only highlighted the arrogance of those elected officials who bored us bellowing it and only served to alienate our neighbors. They were in fact "The Cheater of the Valley". The image of "financial health" and "prosperity" which we now know was essentially a hoax in which at least some of the aldermen themselves were unwary victims. Which is no excuse for not knowing. What we need more than anything right now is elected officials who are able to use common sense judgement. Image don't pay the bills. We do! Move on, there's real work to do. Note to Aldermen: Make sensible decisions based on current factual financial conditions and you might just create an image of a city council with a clue.

LaSalle County Nursing Home / Public vs. Private ownership

I have recieved a request from a member of the LaSalle County Board to provide an opportunity for feed-back from the public concerning the possibility of LaSalle County discontinuing its operation/ownership of the Nursing Home. There has been discussion of selling the facility to a private entity who would continue to operate the facility for profit. I believe there is also the possibility of a Public/Private partnership which could signifgicantly reduce the cost of operating the facility for the county. These partnerships are becoming more common between government and private business entities. If anyone can provide the financial condition of the county home, please share that information. In any event please be aware of this issue and share your thoughts with us. Thank You.

Downtown Peru, Dull Boring and Lacks Design & Color

Back in the early nineties the city of Peru decided to redevelop the main business district  at a great expense and it is  still being paid for at this date, I might add. It is from the decisions made then that we have the Mirror bldg. and the Maud Powell Plaza. Originally the design called for extensive changes including not only  an East Plaza  but also a West Plaza with courtyards, fountains, outdoor furniture, kiosks and clocks. The east Plaza was Putnam Street and the location of the current Maud Powell Plaza.  The west Plaza as designed by PGAV Urban Consulting was drawn up to close off Fulton Street and make that the West Plaza with Debo Hardware occupying the location of the current City Hall.  (Until it was pointed out to them, that if Fulton was closed, there would be nowhere to turn north from Fourth St. until you reached Pike St.) Amazing that the urban developers did not come to that conclusion until local residents pointed it out to the city and that was the end of the West Plaza. Soon afterward Debo decided against a new building and that was the end of more changes and the gradual conclusion of the downtown redevelopment and to what we have today.

Included in the designing  was adding a "shed-type awning with white or gold trim to provide theming and continuity and building freshness on Fourth Street throughout the area"  (a quote from the Master Plan.) Primarily the building renovation proposed to upgrade the original brick, replace windows and doors as necessary, paint trimwork and building features in contrasting colors with the earth tone of brick. Numerous other plans that never even got off the ground.

The city soon adopted ordinances regarding the awnings which still exist today. Has the maroon awning done what the designers anticipated? Yet the city to this day and I mean this day enforces the maroon awning ordinance.  Do you see it as a detriment to an interested party coming into downtown?  I believe the Peru Downtown Redevelopment Committee is still in existence, not that we ever hear anything about what it does or plans.


Is it time for some new ideas and perhaps even eliminating the themes that have not worked to make the downtown area any more inviting to prospective businesses than it is now? Since the Master Plan was drawn up, we have lost businesses such as the bank, Letterkraft, Sears and the City Clerks office in its prior location. Downtown has become a one stop destination and usually in through the back door from the parking lots. We did not even run the 175th parade through our main street. Is it that dead there? Do you see any way we can make it a place people want to be? What would it take?



I

What has happened to Peru Downtown Redevelopment?

BIKE TREK: Paper Trail -- Bloomington-Normal paths honor Constitution - My Web Times

BIKE TREK: Paper Trail -- Bloomington-Normal paths honor Constitution - My Web Times Speaking of bicycle paths this an article about the ultimate type of bike path. I have friends who have family that use this and you ride around and beneath traffic and not with it providing a safe bike path.

I Will Not Accept Any Further Comments on Employees Attending IML

I feel that it serves no purpose for some people to continue to harshly and unfairly comment on the 2 city employees who will be attending the IML conference.  It has been agreed upon by the Mayor and Finance Committee to approve the expenditure for the trip. If some of you don't approve or like, that will be your problem.
If you wish to complain you can call a member of the Finance Committee (names are listed on this blog under committee members) and do your complaining.
This is final so do not send any postings about this.

Illinois Municipal League - 97th Annual Conference

Illinois Municipal League - 97th Annual Conference The details

Illinois Municipal League - 97th Annual Conference - Tentative Conference Program

Illinois Municipal League - 97th Annual Conference - Tentative Conference Program If you wondered ? this is the conference schedule. Ordinarily I wouldn't put this on, but someone has decided to make it a big issue.

Comcast agreement approved. Broadcasting of council meetings yet to be determined.

The new agreement between Comcast Cable and the city of Peru was approved by the city council last night. According to Joan Sage of Comcast the agreement provides for the future possibility of broadcasting city council meetings on a designated channel on the Comcast system. Ms. Sage indicated that the city must determine what specific equipment they would need Comcast to supply to facilitate broadcasting meetings. The city could purchase equipment or hire a third party to provide the service also. If the city decides to add terms to the agreement and have Comcast provide the service there would need to be a charge added to the billing of each Peru Comcast customer. I believe Ms. Sage indicated the charge would be a small charge per customer per billing. As far as I'm concerned the broadcasting of council meetings is way overdue and is something that must be implemented asap. There should be no excuses from any elected official about not wanting to place a "burden" on the citizens of Peru for this service. The video feed should also be made available on the city website in addition to the cable system so that it can be accessed on-line anytime by anyone. So enough talk. Get it done!

Time and Location of Peru Twp August Meeting Monday

If you have an interest, plan to attend.

'The next meeting is at 4:30 PM on Monday, August 16th. The meeting is at the Peru Township Building on Peoria Street.'
 perupages.blogspot.com

Aldermen to citizens: Your request to participate in the democratic process is "DENIED"

Regardless of which side of the pool issue you're on. And because there are no less than three sides to this quagmire, it would have been nice to at least get an invite to the pool party. But, instead of suiting up for a little dip in the political process of an advisory referendum we were informed by our aldermen that they once again consider us the proverbial "Turds in the swimming pool." Last night, our aldermanic brain trust banded together to defeat a motion by Alderman Ferrari and seconded by my old pal Jack O'Beirne to place a simple question on the November ballot as an advisory referendum asking "Should the city of Peru proceed with planning and funding a new municipal swimming pool? As was predictable, the notion of the common citizen providing input or direction to our aldermen obviously left most of them feeling very threatened and unreasonable. They appeared unable to wrap there mind around the fact that this was simply an "advisory question" which did not obligate them to take any particular action. Regardless of the outcome of the vote in November the aldermen would still hold ultimate authority to determine what if any action is taken on a municiapal pool. They discussed last nights motion as if they were deciding whether or not to break ground on a new pool first thing next week. From Mertel deliberately trying to "muddy the waters" (pun intended) by claiming there needed to be a volume of information on the ballot explaining the history of pool construction in the U.S., to Potthoff patronizing us with his extensive knowledge of pool design and municipal taxes. To Waldorf thinking out loud, "After all we are the elected officials and we make these decisions". Oh my! I have to admit that I am not sure which outcome of the proposed referendum they were more afraid to have to deal with. At least a couple of them have said any move forward would have to be new construction. They are on record. This would have been an opportunity for people on any side of the issue to not only cast there vote on election day but to actively campaign and recruit others to paricipate in the democratic process leading up to the election. Why would an elected official see that as a threat and where do we find ourselves now? Believe it or not, I think there still exists a couple of "characters" on this council who will start the bizarre process all over again this coming winter by suggesting once again to patch and paint the old hole in the ground and squeel with glee, "Fill er' up Kenny". I am not currently in favor of new pool construction. At least not in the forseeable future considering city finances. That's a no-brainer. I think they must demolish the existing structure as soon as they have an opportunity to do so. By "they", I mean "city employees" not a contractor and haul the debris down to the Riviera by the River landfill "hideaway resort" of a certain city employee at no additional cost to the city. Then, I would hope that any discussion regarding water related recreational opportunities in the city of Peru be strictly limited to the "Splash Park" theme which is something we may be able to afford. Nothing more. I urge you, please do not forget those aldermen who conspired to deny us a chance to participate in the democratic process. Be sure to inform your neighbors and other residents of Peru that the culprits were Jamey Mertel, 1st Ward. Joe Mikyska, 2nd Ward. Dave Waldorf & Bob Ankiewicz 3rd Ward. Dave Potthoff 4th Ward. Ron Wren, 4th Ward was absent for last nights vote but had previously mentioned he was opposed to the idea of an advisory referendum. These are the guys who chose to leave the rest of us off the pool party guest list.

PeruPool.pdf (application/pdf Object)

PeruPool.pdf (application/pdf Object)



This is from the News Trib and a detailed description of the money spent by the city in attempts to keep the swimming pool operating. Also I noted how closely Chamlin was associated with work done or sent out for bids and I also remember just a couple of weeks ago he said and a quote "we don't do swimming pools".
Do you see something different?

NOW YOU KNOW: Is reopening the Streator pool feasible? - My Web Times

NOW YOU KNOW: Is reopening the Streator pool feasible? - My Web Times Another city with a closed pool and no money

I'm all for an emphasis on "work" in our Public Works Department

1st Ward Alderman Jamey Mertel has recieved a request from Public Works Superintendant Gary Bleck to consider his request for a new hire for the department. Bleck has indicated there is a need for a new employee due to a manpower shortage in the department. The shortage is due to recent employee retirements and some current employees work status as "restricted duty" and unable to perform at 100%. Alderman Mertel is in agreement with Gary Bleck that there exists a valid need for a new hire in the department and Mertel has recommended the process should proceed to do so. One of the qualifications suggested for a new hire by Gary Bleck and other city officicals was that it would be advantageous to seek a prospective hire who is a licensed plumber in order to utilize his skills and credentials where appropriate on city owned property and infrastructure. Not a bad idea at all. Of course this new hire would be expected to perform additional duties within the public works department. He might shovel asphalt. He might operate equipment. He might repair water-main breaks. He might rake leaves into the Leaf-Vac in the fall and then plow snow in the winter after he recieves his CDL which will be a condition of his employment. He will be expected to do what has to be done just as it says in the agreement between the public works employees represented by Local #150 IUOE and the City of Peru. Peru Public Works has a number of outstanding employees who are dedicated, responsible and hard working. However, as is the case in many organizations and government entities, Peru Public Works also has a few not so dedicated, not so responsible, and not so hard working employees. This is a work-place reality that every management team struggles with. I remain hopeful that current efforts to improve the efficiency and personnel issues in every city department will eventually be successful. There is much to do.

Our Only Choice is A New Swimming Pool or Is It?

Wisely the Council Members decided that the first 2 options presented by Williams Aquatics were not worth spending money on as neither one of those options had any guarantee with them because we would be using the same compromised pool and bath house that we currently have. In a perfect world all the residents in town would agree to go ahead and plan a new pool.

The Council would certainly like to be able offer that to Peru but considering our financial condition, we cannot do that. Are grants available? You can apply for them with no guarantee that the state or federal government will have the money to give.  The Mayor would like a referendum on the November ballot but that request would have to be turned in by August 16.

Looking at beautiful pictures of pools that can be built it is very tempting, but then we need to look at the short term use each year for a swimming pool. Also is the swimming pool a playground for the toddlers and mid age kids? Should we also plan on making it a place that advanced swimmers and adults would enjoy using? So it sounds like anywhere up to 6 million for a pool used approximately 70 days a summer. Very much a dilemma and not an easy solution at hand.

Peru Alderman suggests considering sales tax hike to fund municipal pool

Alderman Jamey Mertel (1st Ward) encouraged his counterparts in the city council to consider raising the city sales tax in order to fund any future municipal pool project. This rather bold move by Mertel took more than a few of us by surprise. Jack O'Beirnes mouth dropped open in complete confusion again. Even more so than usual. Of course none of the other aldermen commented on the idea for fear of being linked in any way to such a blasphemous suggestion. Mayor Harl commented that all ideas should be considered and he repeated his hopes of allowing for an advisory referendum on the November Ballot with a question asking Peru voters if they want to proceed with planning and paying for a new public swimming pool. I give Mertel credit for stepping up with what will certainly be a very controversial suggestion. He seems to be working without a safety net and I suspect he will get a serious scolding from the other aldermen for deviating from their plan of forcing the Mayor to make all the tough choices. I do not see Mertel making that suggestion if Dave Potthoff were in the room last night. Potthoff arrived late for the meeting after Mertel had already stunned the crowd. We must remember that sales tax in Peru has always been the "Golden Goose" or "Sacred Cow" that enabled "The Don" to always play fast and loose with city finances. Those sales tax bucks (and the Electric Light Fund) allowed Baker to subsidize or prop up any and all other city funds that were failing to pay for themselves. Those bucks allowed for a bloated "full time" employee payroll and an even more bloated "part-time" patronage summer program. Those bucks provided the under-funding of the Peru Library for years. Those bucks allowed Baker to spend virtually any amount on any thing (Peru Municipal Building) at any time. And as long as those sales tax bucks rolled in Baker could abate taxes and be hailed as The Messiah. Those days and those bucks are long gone and at present we have a sluggish economy and lagging sales tax reciepts in Peru. How will our city sales tax rate compare with surrounding communities and how will area consumers react to an increase in Peru's sales tax? Is Alderman Mertel threatening to kill the Golden Goose? I recall a bit of a backlash when the rate was raised to fund Parkside School. I'm all for a healthy debate in open meeting about this one folks. I think we may see some of the alliances that banded together against Mayor Harl will become a bit strained over this issue. This is good stuff!

Peru Township in Perspective in LaSalle County

I believe that the twp of Peru is the smallest in the county and it is a good question as to why they needed to raise our twp taxes by the large percentage that they did.

Thanks for Stopping to Read the Peru Town Forum

Sending our thanks to the bloggers out there who are stopping by to read the Peru Town Forum, some on a regular basis and others occasionally.  An average of 50 to 60 per day depending on the topic being discussed. We have topped over 100 per day when people have a lot to say.
Coming from 36 cities in Illinois and at present 11 different states. Both those numbers vary depending on topic and day of the week. The stats usually include several foreign countries and today that included Germany and Brazil.
Of the cities in Illinois of course Peru provides the most interested readers but also includes larger cities like Chicago, Wheaton, Naperville, Lockport, Bloomington and Glen Ellyn.
And of course we would like to hear your comments too.

Aldermen to Trovero: "Kiss my asphalt good-bye"

With the recent unanimous vote to reject the lone bid for our annual street program, I wonder if there is some way to determine how our engineering estimate compares to other nearby communities for similar work. As Lois reported in a previous post, Ottawa decided to accept the bid from Advanced Asphalt which was also over their engineering estimate, albeit not to the extent that Peru's was. I am not an engineer, although I did play one on T.V in the 90's, on Baywatch. Those were the days when Pam Anderson was not quite as "big" a celebrity as she is now. Anyway. What I am wondering is if it would be possible to compare the quantitiy of work bid in each city and the engineering estimates for the proposed work in each city in order to try to determine what caused the disparities between estimates and bids. Can someone get to work on that and report back to us? I know the aldermen in Peru are convinced that Trovero was just trying to "turn the screws" on us and that is always a possibility, but I am not convinced that was the case. I am not saying they should have awarded the bid. I wish they would have left themselves other options in order to get some work done this season. They could have scrutinized the engineering estimates and the bids of other local cities (LaSalle also) as I suggested or possibly even allow the contractor an opportunity to shed some light on the situation if he still feels his bid is a fair one. Something that was left "unsaid" during the discussion of this matter on Wednesday was that there exists an "unwritten understanding" between some contractors in the area that they will not encroach on each others geographic base of operations when bidding certain projects. That of course does not allow for a very effective bidding process. We would hope that a local contracor would not see it as just an opportunity to inflate his bid. They are after all, our neighbors and local residents themselves. This situation is going to have to be replayed before too long and I hope our elected officials are looking for ways to come to terms with it. My personal opinion is that the city consider making a committment to proceed with a plan to perform at least a portion of the asphalt resurfacing program "in-house". Yes, it means a considerable capital investment for some of the speacialized equipment needed. We make significant capital investments in our city all the time. Why not do so for the purpose of performing our own street paving. We have Street Department employees represented by Operating Engineers who have the finest training and skill improvement facility in the country. Peru city employees can get hands-on instruction on this equipment at little or no cost to the taxpayers of Peru. Now, before you "union-bashers" start piling on......No, I don't want or need a job with the city! No, I don't believe Mayor Harl will hire "a bunch of his union buddies!". No, I don't have paving equipment to sell to the city! No! No! No! It's an idea. Maybe it could work? Too progressive? Too expensive? You tell me!