Fox River Park water features flowing - My Web Times

Fox River Park water features flowing - My Web Times

Your Comments are Important But Does the City Care?

I read each and every comment before it is posted and almost always have the courtesy of posting even though I may not agree.   It is important that everyone have an opportunity to express their thoughts within reason.

If you ask your aldermen and even Mayor if they read this blog, you are likely to get the answers such as I don't have time or someone reads it for me as it upsets me. I would like them to know that they are all missing a great opportunity to listen to their constituents and their well thought out opinions that they took the time to post here.

Some don't have computers for various reasons. Computers used wisely open the world for you and information is boundless and I can't understand any elected official not having access to one in this day and age.

What I am basically saying is that your elected officials here in town don't know what you think and maybe don't even care, so how can you express your views to them. Many phone calls will get you an answering machine and you certainly don't want to knock on their door to tell them what you think. Not sure if they respond to emails or not.

I am bringing this up because the pool at present is an important and much talked about item in the grocery store,at the bank or even the Malls, among friends and at meetings of various kinds. And yet your aldermen and maybe even your Mayor may not know what their constituents think or want them to do.  Remember they are your representatives and should not vote on what  they want but on what YOU want done.

You may not use the pool but your money will pay for it no matter what their decision this next week is.
Maybe we need to start including the ward we live in to add credibility to our posts. Any other ideas?.
And if outside maybe that word would indicate you live elsewhere.

Explanation of the Core Soil Samplings Next

The pictures below are the 4" core samplings. Please start at the bottom picture and click and enlarge to see the diagram and locations of the pictured cores. C-1 was done in the deepest part of the pool, C-2 on the east side, and the last on the west. Except for the last, there are 2 pictures of C-1 and C-2. The light grey is the gunite that has been used as patching material in years past. You can see the original pool layer separating from the gunite in C-1, you can see almost total separation in C-2 and the west core sampling is the best but still shows disintegration of the original pool floor.

Core Samplings from the Peru Pool

City is Offering Jobs to All the Young People Who Worked the Pool

All the young people that were concerned about their summer jobs are being offered employment with the city of Peru for the summer. Four of the lifeguards have been hired by the City of LaSalle to work at their swimming pool.
Yes it does appear that the Peru City Swimming Pool will become a part of our history after the aldermen consider whether or not to rescind their previous vote to open the pool. To take place at their next meeting on June 2. Will they do the right thing?

Inspectors Peru Pool Needs to be Replaced

News Tribune reports today that the Peru Pool should not be repaired due to safety concerns and it is unlikely it will be opened during the 2010 swimming season no mater what city leaders eventually decide according to an inspection report received Friday by city officials.
Front page of today's paper

Updated Time for Williams Presentation May 24

Economic Reality Hits Home Yes We Are Having a Tax Increase

A poster asked that I put a new heading up for his post. I don't necessarily agree that the new tax is caused by this administration but is the accumulation of many years of low taxes and of course the current economic conditions worldwide.

It is Past Time for Peru City Residents to Wake UP

Sitting at the Council Meeting last evening and listening to the absolute blather coming from several of our elected Aldermen, namely Ald. Ankiewicz, Mertel and O Beirne, I could not but think how poorly their wards are represented by these men. They seem to think that they know better than anyone what is right and never what is wrong. They believe they are smarter than our City Attorney, Mayor Harl, qualified engineers from Williams Aquatics and Illinois Departments regulating the public pools in this state.

All the aldermen receive packets of information prior to the meeting and this weeks included a letter from the City Atty telling them of their liability of opening a pool with safety issues, a letter from the State of Illinois telling them that they were coming to inspect the pool. Their response is O'Beirne saying  again that the report from Williams is full of errors, (my personal interpretation of this is that he believes only Drennan and he know anything about the pool). Mertel with delusions of being Mayor attempts to appoint Ken Drennan as point person to Williams Aquatics.  Jamie you have been alderman for how many years and you think you can surpass the powers of the Mayor just because you feel like it. and submit your choice for an appointment for approval from the Council. And then the Mayor and City Atty have to tell you that you are out of bounds and cannot do that.
The balance of the Council members except Ald. Wren also contributed to this farcical presentation for public viewing.
You had to see this performance to believe it.

If you live in Peru, you need to be aware because you are not being represented honestly, call your alderman let him know how you feel. Call the Mayors office,  All of them have email addresses so if you are reading this you can easily send them an email. If you think he is doing a good job let him know and if you think he is wrong let him know. This is your town.

Trying to Influence Peru City Government

Tonight is one night I would have liked to have video taped so that each and every citizen of Peru could have seen not only their City Council perform but also how the presently employed Pool Manager filled the room with 16 year old teenagers in an attempt to influence the Aldermen by their mere presence to get ready to paint and patch the pool in readiness for an opening soon. It appeared that Linda Kasik was trying to use the kids for her own personal gain. If the pool remains open she can continue to operate the concession stand and manage the pool.  One of the teenagers asked why we didn't start working on this 6 months ago and another complained about the high unemployment rate for teens in this area. It is true about unemployment but I don't think any of the teens are old enough to thoroughly understand all the implications of code violations and safety issues currently at play at the Peru pool. I understand that a job at the pool is their prime and most important focus. But I also know that it is the responsibility of the adults in this city and primarily those directing policy as elected and appointed officials to only open the pool if they are 100% in compliance with all safety codes.
It was also apparent to me that many of the Aldermen are very politically motivated with regard to the pool, afraid that the people they represent will hold it against them if they do not open the pool. I think that every parent needs to know that there will be no question as to safety when the pool opens.  The pool needs a clean bill of health not only from the Williams Aquatics Co but also the State of Illinois Dept. of Public Health and any other governmental department  that my have rules concerning operation of a public pool.
I would like to remind the Council members that you did not hesitate to repair a baseball field in the name of safety, you installed a fence in the name of safety and now you are faced with a situation more serious than any put before you and you seem to say "So what", we need to open the pool.
Thank you Ald. Wren for your No vote, we understand and applaud your sensibilities.

Playground Equipment to Dalzell not to Peru Kids

An article in the News Trib. pictured the playground equipment destined for Nickeloid Park on First St. in Peru, it  was donated to the City of Dalzell because Peru did not have the manpower to remove it and relocate in a Peru Park for the kids in the mid Peru area south of the Peru Police Station to enjoy.
This is the Park for which it was intended. I guess there was too much playground equipment already there.

Pictures pretty much tell their own story.
The people pictured came in a City of Peru van and left soon after we got to the pool.
The black hose "appears" to be draining water from the deepest part of the pool from an open ungrated drain. ???????
Walking around the perimeter of the pool I came across the deteriorating concrete on the walkway, obviously has been neglected for a long time.
Also the concession stand, it looks like the face board around the roof has been neglected and in need of repair and hard to believe it happened in one winter.
My impression is that it all represents the total neglect the city has been experiencing for a number of past years.

A Nice Day for A Walk in Washington Park

Would You Take Your Children to Eat Here?

I was somewhat amazed to read the report on the Concession Stand at the pool. The Manager said it is inspected yearly and yet there seem to be so many violations, it takes away your appetite.

These are some exact quotes
"The concession building is in poor condition and has likely exceeded its life expectancy"

"The concession building does not have gutters downspouts, or a metal drip edge and the asphalt shingles do not properly overhang the fascia.  The fascia is rotting.  The building does not have soffits and the wood rafter ends have been subject to weathering and  insect damage"

"The food service equipment and furnishings in the concession building do not comply with current health codes.  All equipment and furnishings should have legs or casters so the floor can be thoroughly cleaned under them"

"The sinks and faucets do no comply with current health codes.  The unpainted concrete block walls above the sinks are splattered with stains, which are a health hazard.  The plastic shirt sheeting provides a visual  barrier for humans but also for insects and other pests"

"The interior materials of the concession building do not comply with current health codes.  All surfaces should be washable.  In particular, the unpainted concrete block walls are porous and can harbor mold, mildew and bacteria."

"the existing doors at the bathhouse and the concession building are in poor condition and are not accessible.  This door opens in rather than out in the direction of egress......
door hardware on this door is typical throughout the building which is no longer allowed by current codes" A deadbolt should automatically retract when the lever handle is turned for emergency exit.

Peru Swimming Pool Concession

Examples of Pool Problems

Kill the messenger and Deny, Deny, Deny

How can I even begin to put into words the appalling behavior by our aldermen at last nights presenentation by Williams Aquatics regarding the total dis-repair of the Peru Municipal Pool. From the incoherent ramblings of Jack O'Beirne to the total disregard for state and federal law expressed by Dave Potthoff and Jamey Mertel. Absolute "denial" by every alderman with the exception of Ron Wren who at least attempted to convince the others of the seriousness of the situation. When Alderman Wren mentioned that the details of the Williams report are now public knowlege and would be reported in the media the banter between the other aldermen spiralled into a bizarre discussion of whether or not the regulating agencies could be prevented from becoming aware of the existing violations so the pool could still be open this summer. With O'Beirne asking aloud, "Do you think anybody would call them"? Followed by Mertel's "I think we know who will be calling them", referring to a group of "troublemakers" in the gallery. Mertel and O'Beirne openly expressed their contempt for any citizen who would dare notify authorities of serious life/safety concerns at the pool. These guys just don't get it. They are in complete denial of the situation and they obviously lack the integrity to accept the report and deal with the problems at hand. Pool manager Linda Kasik was in attendance and indicated the pool is very "safe" and has passed annual inspections from the IDPH. Now she's on record and I will verify the facts and details of those inspections. The arrogance of these aldermen is astounding and I am beginning to believe that the only thing that would smack them into reality would be a tragedy at that pool resulting in a mega lawsuit against the city and probably each and every individual alderman because as City Attorney Schweickert advised, it now constitutes "Willful and Wanton" negligence if the city opens the pool without correcting those violations. It is crystal clear now that we are in for a fight to save them (aldermen) from themselves. This is only the beginning.

To Alderman O'Beirne, Mertel and Ferrari

To the above mentioned individuals  - Tonight reminded me of the old saying.

It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool then to open ones mouth and remove all doubt.



Williams Aquatics did not tell you what you wanted to hear but instead told you about the code violations in our swimming pool and the need to apply for the necessary operating permits and you insult them by telling them you only want to hear about how to fix the loss of water and you don't want to hear about any violations.

And when many of the citizens left the council chambers it was to apologize for your behavior to the representatives of Williams Aquatics.

Peru Swimming Pool had become a symbol of Peru's Past History

So many people have asked about why the Peru Swimming Pool has become such a hot button issue. Maybe because the swimming pool has become the only surviving building to which so many people can relate. If you are very young, you may remember having fun at the pool and if you are older, you may have had generations of your family enjoying a hot day at the pool. So in one way or another we relate to this institution. I recently had a conversation with  a gentlemen nearing 80 who spoke of all the good days he spent at the Peru Swimming Pool.

Our theatres have changed, schools have changed and our Library has moved, we have changed the manner in which we utilize our city parks and our shopping areas resemble any place USA but we still had the same wonderful swimming pool but now we are finding out that maybe it was not cared for in a prudent and safe way. Kind of like a slap in the face to the people of Peru who trusted our government to always do the right thing.

Money was wasted constructing buildings we didn't need in  an attempt to make the town look "perfect". And now a mere 15 years or so later, all that money spent could not keep businesses in downtown Peru, even the bank stands empty as does the Mirror building. And it is not hard to visualize several of the long time businesses in Peru ceasing to operate due to lack of business.

My point is that many years ago, common sense should have told us the Pool needed to be replaced but it wasn't on the previous administrations list of priorities and now as we deal with the 45 millions dollars of debt left to the people of Peru, we wonder how all this could have happened. In reality we all know how it happened, it was because we were not a vigilant community, asking questions and demanding answers.  It was easier to say, they (mayor and council) surely know what they are doing. But in reality they did not.

A call to attend the Peru council meeting on Monday May 10th

Please make an attempt to spread the word about the next meeting of the Peru city council on Monday, May 10th. If you can attend please do so and pass the word along to friends and family that it will likely be quite interesting to see the reaction of our aldermen to the report from Williams Aquatics detailing the current condition of our municipal pool. Remember, these aldermen voted unanimously recently to proceed with opening the pool in spite of the fact that Mayor Harl and City Attorney Schwieckert advised them to consider the possible liability of opening a facility with numerous safety and code violations. I think any resonable observer would agree that action by elected officials would constitute "Willful Negligence" if that pool is opened and someone is injured or worse. I think there is a good possibility we may be treated to a "special performance" by a few of our aldermen who typically behave as though they are not subject to rules, regulations, or even certain state and federal laws. So pass the word and plan to attend.

What is the Meaning of To Hire?

In Mondays News Tribune there was  an article titled "Area economic development professionals discuss activities", area economic directors gathered to discuss and share information.

Present were:
Princeton city manager Jeff Fiegenschuh and planning and zoning administrator Pete Nelson who gave information on city development.
Spring Valley sent Deb Ladgenski their economic development director.
LaSalle sent their economic development director Don Alesky
Oglesby sent Clinard, the economic devlopment/tourism coordinator for Oglesby
Streator sent a member of their area Chamber of Commerce and the executive director of the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry Boyd Palmer was present.

And Peru sent the Mayor's secretary who told the meeting that Peru "recently hired Bob Vickrey as Director of Community Development and his duties will include both community and economic development for the city".
The word "to hire" according to the dictionary is "To engage the services of (a person) for a fee; employ" or according to Blacks Law Dictionary "to arrange for the labor or services of another for a stipulated compensation"
So did Peru hire Mr Vickrey or not?

We have been informed that this was a volunteer position but this is the second time he has been referred to as hired. The first time was the initial article in the News Trib. and now by someone representing the city of Peru. I realize he is being budgeted for 24,000 in the new city budget for travel and other expenses but supposedly no salary.

So why are we again being told that he is being hired?
Is this an error by the News Trib?
How can we hire anyone when Peru has a hiring freeze?

Mean what you say and say what you mean and give us accurate information from a reliable person.

Help Clean Up the Oil Spill with Your Old Used Nylons

I just received an email from an online company that I order from with a request to send old, used nylons to help clean up the oil spill in the Gulf.
This is the letter:

Dear BrightLife Direct Customers,

The oil contamination of the US Gulf Coast continues.  Experts are not sure how long this spill will continue or what the ultimate cost will be to the many thousands of people and business in the effected areas.

But there is something that you can do NOW that will hopefully be easy and result in a tangible contribution to the clean-up process.

BrightLife Direct is directing this appeal to our customers who are able to send any old, snagged, or used nylon hosiery items to our partners, www.MatterOfTrust.org, where they will be made into oil-absorbing booms at various staging areas along the Gulf Coast. (Any nylon hosiery will do, not just compression hosiery!)  Just mail your old (clean) nylons to facilities listed below where volunteers have been trained to double, cut and stuff each nylon with human and pet hair from beauty salons and groomers around the country-creating chains that will surround and contain the spill and soak up drifting oil along our Gulf Coast.

To learn how this program works, go to
http://brightlifedirect.c.topica.com/maanYBqabXSbGcb7FBmbaehqiP/

BrightLife Direct worked with Matter of Trust during Hurricane Katrina and we were very impressed by their organizational skills and the enormous resources that they created from what we would usually consider waste!

But we need your help. Quickly!

The hosiery you donate can be used nylon-blend knee or thigh length as well as pantyhose.  Even nylons with small holes and runners.

As the area of the spill changes course so will the mailing addresses for the string of warehouses they have set up along the Gulf Coast. Here are the mailing addresses for shipments sent May 4, 5 and 6. Please check our blog, www.brightlifedirect.com/blog for mailing locations on later dates.

Mailing May 4 or 5 from Mid US to West Coast:

Jes Latin
680 Koko Court
Diamondback, MS 39525

Mailing May 4 or 5 from Mid US to East Coast:

Ingrid Setzer
1827 SW 1st Street
Care Coral, FL 33991

If Mailing May 5 or 6 from anywhere:

Sanibel Beauty Salon
2330 Palm Ridge Rd
Sanibel, FL 33957


If Mailing May 6 (Not later):

Gulf Spill Program
Averitt Express
9024 High Cotton Lane
Fort Myers, FL  33905

On behalf of BrightLife Direct, we’d like to encourage our members to participate.  As an incentive, if you able to make a donation of old hosiery you can save 5% by reordering on our web site www.BrightLifeDirect.com.  Just enter coupon code 202489 on the shopping cart page.
This is meant only for our customers who donate and must be used by June 1.