Tuesday, November 22, 2011
An infrastructure improvement project by an other name is still an infrastructure improvement project
Call it what you will, the project formerly known as the "EAKAS" something-something or other is exactly what the commercial / industrial area north of Interstate 80 has needed for a long long time.
I suspect the project came out of committee (Public Works) titled the EAKAS project because a portion of the overall project involves the equipment and engineering needed for upgrades to the west Wastewater Treatment Plant which will be used to process the EAKAS waste-stream. The truth of the matter is the collection system which accepts wastewater from north of I-80 is currently operating near capacity during normal conditions simply because the system was never properly expanded and improved as the area continued to develop over the past twenty to thirty years. There was never a plan to expand the collection system. There was never a commitment from previous elected officials to do what needed to be done to accomodate future expansion in that area. I've said it before and I'm saying it again, the previous Peru administration was all too content to hail themselves "Leader of the Valley" while most of our infrastructure remained vintage 1950's and 60's. This project, like so many others, is long overdue and must be done in order to increase the collection system capacity for all customers in that area. Ironically, I'm told the sewer problems in that area have resulted in toilet and drain back-ups at several restaurants and businesses, including one of the most recent additions up there owned at least partially by former Mayor Don Baker. Proof positive that as they say, "What goes around comes around".
As for Alderman Potthoff's poorly veiled assertions that residential areas will be slighted if we spend infrastructure money in industrial or commercial districts. I disagree, we have just started a commitment to improve "all" aspects of our crumbling infrastructure. That commitment will come with a long term plan and an understanding that we have a lot of catching up to do. Dave Potthoff saw a political opportunity to "muddy the wastewater" if you will, and as he has done so often, cast the lone "nay" vote for a project that he and the previous administration knowingly neglected for many years. Speaking of which, perhaps we could name the project in honor of my mentor and aldermanic legend, Jack O'Beirne. As an alderman and chairman of the Water and Sewer Committee for more than twenty years, O'Beirne is as responsible as anyone for the deplorable condition of Peru's water distribution system as well as the wastewater collection system. Naming a sewer improvement project after Jack just smells right to me.
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39 comments:
steve seriously get off mayor baker-you are such a negative narrow minded person, so sick and tired of your whining-where were you all those years ago??? get a life, the new guy is absolutely no better even you as his good buddy would have to agree with that statement, quit blaming is so BORING while you are at it have a happy thanksgviing, i sure hope mayor baker enjoys his holiday, he has probably never been so happy to get away from such narrow minded people as yourself and other bloggers on here.
Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire….
The sewer backup was caused by unsupervised contractors hired by the city to perform a maintenance function that our own workers did not want to do. You see… in the new H&W Water and Sewer Company, the workers can pick and choose the jobs they want to do.
7:16 p.m. - Thank you. Happy Holidays to you also. You see my comments as negativity and that's understandable. But, my comments are based on the factual history of development in that area as well as my knowledge of the existing infrastructure in the city of Peru. I'm not placing "blame" on anyone for the current state of Peru's infrastrucuture, but I am going to make it clear to readers of this blog that certain actions and in-actions of the past are now, and will continue to have a major impact on our city today. That lack of planning, including the failure to allocate funds to update and expand our infrastructure has left the current generation and likely our next generation scrambling to pick up the pieces.
I understand your sensitivity when I mention the past. When certain issues arise, I can't pass up the opportunity to take a couple of jabs at Don and Jack. I have been told more than once what a "sarcastic ass" I can be. I'm guilty as charged.
I am a student of Peru politics and I have been paying attention in class for quite a while now.
I report what I've learned and despite what you believe, it's accurate information. I wouldn't report it if it was anything less.
Steve: You are absolutely right! It doesn't make any difference what we call this project. So, why the need to change it? The name came about when "Eakas" decided to expand. I think the problem people are having with this is the use of the 1/2% sales tax. Many city customers "South" of 80 also encountered serious back-ups destroying many finished basements. They believed the sales tax was to be used to fix more local situations and roads. I understand where you're coming from but what we'd like to know is where is all this money needed for these projects? No sales tax will even begin to be collected until next year. And yes, once again you are right - we are scrambling to pick up the pieces but I think maybe some steps should be taken to change the process. After all "changes" were promised.
Steve...your in a closed minded world of your own. How can you spend money you do not have? You preach about fiscal responsibility and then credit Harl for the sales tax increase and then credit him for spending those dollars not yet received. Your assertion that Baker owns a parcel is dead wrong. The attack on O'Beirne is pathetic. Lets talk some common sense. How would Baker know that Eakas would expand and need all the drainage required for the expansion? What would you be expanding for? A few years ago most of that property was private, it was then sold for industry. Each parcel requires a plan based on the need of the individual property. For you to say 20-30 years ago the system should have been expanded is again non-factual. Steve, the area was farmland. It is funny how things change. You were a big critic in the past on how Peru neglected residential areas for the benefit of the BIG Companies. This project if quoted correctly by local news will cost 1.9 million. It will offer 20 jobs. Non-union jobs. The cost is $95,000 per job. What would you say if Don or Jack or Bob bought that deal? Please give us more than blame and neglect stories. Were not drinking your cool-aid.
10:22 a.m. - It's all about planning and vision. Are you telling me that development north of I-80 was never anticipated to create the need for more than the 12" sanitary main that currently supports the entire area in question? If so, that's unacceptable. Anyone paying attention could have and should have seen the need for increased capacity at least twenty years ago.
Of course there are various infrastrucure needs throughout the entire city and they all must be addressed. That's why you create an asset management approach and you better believe it's going to cost some big time bucks. It's ultimately up to the elected officials to decide how much money we invest and how soon. If you can't agree to invest in your city's future right now then you are obligated to explain your alternative plan to us. But we have to start sometime soon and I believe now is the time.
So, get on board or get out of the way.
Would you plan and spend money for a major subdivision in Peru that is not yet built? That type of validation is what has closed banks and bankrupt cities. That is the same thinking that has displaced jobs and placed our country in harms way. Did the residents of Peru vote for a committee to determine where their tax dollars should go to? Steve you speak as a authority on tax spending and infrastructure needs. Your peddling the same program you were against just a few months ago. Transparency? Fiscal Responsibility? Spending? You have a new catch phrase called asset management. I am sure your management experience and educational background has enabled you to become a authority on such special phrases as asset management. We all know something smells rotten its just not the past performance we smell its the current pile of waste management you are selling us now.
Steve, what about all the customers south of Interstate 80! Too bad you and the mayor have forgotten about us. We should be taken care of first. Eakas can take care of themselves, thank you very much!
This project is nothing more than the Mayor greasing his buddies palms. All political nothing else..
Give me a break !
4:32PM
I believe the term asset management did not originate with Steve but with another member of the infrastructure committee. It was something I heard in a conversation but I cannot give you an details on what it involves.
Great catch phase, asset management. In financial circles it means where you manage to set your _ _ _. Personally I prefer, "how you handle your nickels & dimes".
Just add this to the list of Harl not sticking to his word.
4:32 p.m. - The answer to your first question is "Hell Yes", of course you would. Your overly dramatic comments about bankrupt cities and displaced jobs is exactly what happens when you don't plan and invest properly. Your comment about putting our country "in harms way" may be the most overused political "catch-phrase" in recent years. Shame on you for that one. You're a FOX NewsCorp fan aren't you? There is only one committee that will decide where our tax dollars go, that being the full city council. You see the term asset management as a "catch-phrase" because you are unwilling to take the time to understand what it means. It has been around in one form or another for some time. It's an important tool that forward thinking communities use to help them make good decisions now and for the future. Why would you oppose an organized approach? Do you favor the reactionary approach of waiting for system failures before acting as has been the case in Peru? It doesn't cost a lot of money to think ahead, to anticipate, to plan for future projects. It's the acual work that requires the loads of cash. If you don't see the value in planning, improving and yes spending money to improve your city's infrastructure system that is your right. And, if you can convince enough residents and the city council of Peru to take the same position we will continue to put what amounts to band-aids on bullet wounds and we can just forget about trying to fix what really needs fixing.
Five years from now it will be very apparent if the best decisions (are/were) made in the next five weeks.
To 5:55 p.m. - Why would you just assume that you have been forgotten? Please tell me you did not fall for the comments from Dave Potthoff in the newspaper recently. That would be a shame because everyone can acknowledge that we need many improvements throughout the entire city. It's not going to happen overnite. In fact, the best way to ensure that you are not "forgotten" is to encourage a detailed plan that includes your neighborhood's particular needs.
Does that sound like a plan?
To 8:33 p.m. / 11:41 p.m. / & 8:38 a.m. - I hope you characters remember to give special thanks today for the priviledge afforded you by this blog to make empty and meaningless comments that contribute nothing to the Thanksgiving feast. But, I'll bet folks like you will always manage to eat your fill whether you contribute to the meal or the conversation, right?
Just like the obnoxious uncle with the bad table manners who can't seem to shovel it in fast enough.
Happy Thanksgiving!
We all know that Steve did not invent the phrase asset management or really have much input in the new committee of study of the infrastructure. Managing the assets of the city is important. When my basement floods in the North part of town, I call this choices. When the City of Peru decides to give a private company taxes (not yet receieved) because they needed it. Your argument that the entire town needs improvements is like saying we all need higher incomes. The phrase is nothing more than a observation. All will agree in every community that their city needs infrastructure improvements. Reality steps in and points out that you only have so many dollars to make those improvements. Then comes choices. Then choices on how you utilize the new sales tax. The first choice made was to give a major portion of taxes not yet generated to fund the expansion of the North industrial area. You bought the propoganda that the whole area needed improvement. If Eakas would not have expanded, would the city still given the sales tax away for that area? And why didn't Easkas pay for the expansion? Because Peru got a new windfall with the tax increase. The good thing about the expansion is that it will create a few crane operator jobs for a short term. I hope your local construction contractors will get the work, after all its my money. Your comment of you better believe its going to cost some big time bucks. Makes me a very concerned that you have little concern about the ability of our residents to swallow your approach. And your response Hell Yes to putting in place infrastructure prior to a subdivion being built(tax payer expense) points out a lack of judgement when it comes to taxpayers. The all out approach to building short term construction jobs didn't work in Washington and wn't employ most of us.
Steve: (responding to your response to 5:55 p.m.) And to whom would you propose we submit this plan? In the past (recent past) plans have fallen on deaf ears. It's been a battle to get simple things taken care of let alone infrastructure.
I also believe Steve you mentioned changes that will be made or proposed in the next 5 weeks. What is that statement all about? We're not all in with the informed group. How can we make comments or submit ideas if we're not aware of what's happening and it's sprung on us at the last minute? That seems to be the norm lately and there doesn't seem to be much open discussion by our council.
To 11:43 - The Infrastructure Advisory Committee has already initiated the discussion intended to inform elected officials of the critical importance of properly assessing the condition of our streets, and water and sewer systems. Committee members have made a recommendation to elected officials to consider contracting with a professional engineer on a part-time basis to evaluate all city infrastructure and proceed to create a long term plan for improvement utilizing an asset amnagement approach. This contract engineer would be part-time, without benefits, paid at an established hourly rate which will be very cost-effective.
We have also suggested that Peru hire an "on-staff engineer" who would be a city employee. An on-staff engineer would enable the city to cut back dramatically on the "consulting fees" currently paid to Chamlin & Associates.
The Infrastrucure Advisory Committee has already focused the dialogue on the long overdue issues that will enable the city to begin proper planning for improvements.
In less than two months time this advisory committee has identified and recommended an excellent approach to getting things going in the right direction.
It's up to the council to decide if they think we have provided good advice or not.
To 11:35 - This committee has only scratched the surface in terms of the scope of future recommendations we will be making to the city council. And remember, its all free of charge. So, pay attention.
P.S - I'm done arguing with you. I admit you are consistent, consistently wrong that is. You are incapable of reasonable dialogue and I will waste no more time on you.
Steve, Like the Mayor stated the city only approved a contract from Chamlin for a few hundred thousand dollars, not the improvements. You appauled that move. Not you back peddle on that. You mention that the Infrastructure Committee intends to present the importance of the critical condition of the streets, water. But in the same breath you support the dollars going to the engineering firm and the private Eakas company. Your wrong about your advice being free.....
The engineering firm that you typically find fault with is a private company paid a hourly fee. The company is paid no benefits, no vacation, no sick days and has no union affiliations, no retirement obligations. Last week you were a water tester and a few months ago a aspiring Public Works Superintendent. Please don't tell us you been on a committee for a few months and now a expert on engineering services. And please don't share that you are the spokesperson for the committee. We are sure that more than a few members feel that the residential aspect is a priority, not Eakas.
No discussion from the council, no committee vote from the infrastructure committee, secret deals and dissappointed residents. No vote on the sales tax increase for the residents. Why have a committee or city council? The commitee is wasting their time with a Mayor that already has a agenda.
In response to your comments Steve when has your committee presented its' recommendations to council and what was their response? I think citizens, as a whole, agree these issues need to be addressed but also feel there are more immediate issues at hand. Some of these are what I would label wasteful spending, unaccountability, and lack of leadership. I, for one, agree with Peru needing an on staff city engineer but why now when council has just appointed Chamlin and Assoc. for the big Eakas project? Now your committee wants to hire a part time and a full time engineer? Will citizens get to voice their opinion before any more decisions are made?
Maybe it is now time for a town forum without restrictions with topics chosen by the residents of Peru. Topics of the peoples choice and not the mayors.
Why was there such a rush to increase the retail sales tax? Why was Eakas chosen to be the first benefactor of this increased sales tax? What benefits does the firm of Eakas endow to the City of Peru? Is whatever endowment Eakas gives to Peru any greater than the retail sales tax of the Peru Mall, Menards, other retail stores restaurants and motels on the south side of Interstate 80 which have been in position for a good number of years without any infrastructure improvements? Why hasn't North Peoria Street going into Peoria Street been straightened and the jog taken out of it and something better than the combination of the Plank Road, North Peoria Street and Peoria Street developed before the first monies of the tax increase going to Eakas for a expenditure that does not seem relevant to its stated purpose?
The citizens of Peru were under the understanding that the 1/2% increase was to improve Peru and its residential sections and could not understand what the rush by the Mayor to vote was all about? Now from all appearances we know and this super committee appears to be a smoke screen for his own agenda created by him and his new found friends (local, state, and national). The first weakness of the committee appears to be the inability of one of its member to accept any questions or constructive criticism and his sarcastic answers that are utilized to answer them.
No argument intended.
Anyone who thinks our city streets are really bad needs to take a drive on the Tri State Tollway around Chicago. That is an experience!
With elections less than a year and one half from now what advancement has this administration done toward term limitation. During the campaign of the last Mayors election it was a hot topic.
The 1st meeting of the Infrastructure committee Mayor Harl gave a map to everybody and then proceeded to tell the committee what roads he wants to have done. That told us that it was his agenda. Why waste our time? Then he quickly is moving on financing the new improvements with debt, yes he is selling bonds. More city debt. Its his idea but he smokescreens it with those well meaning committee members. He then gets in over his head with the Eakas deal and needs to utilize taxes not yet received to bail him out on that deal. He validates this move by saying he can utilize the money for any project. Will this continue to work on behalf of those few asphalt jobs? Not everbody on this committee fill the bobblehead job description. Not everybody is looking for the next city job. Not everybody is on the re-election committee.
This reminds me (more than a little) of Obama saying "it is Bush fault". You continue to blame the Baker administration and due to his longevity, I am sure a lot of it is true. But OMG it is time to move on. Lets improve the situation instead of making it worse. Take stock of what you have - over paid city employees, retirements that are unrealistic, Home rule allowing money to be used w/o good accounting (not the Treasurer) but allowing the money to be used for a pay as you need situation. A police dept that is overstaffed, over paid and unrealistic retirements. A fire dept that ran for years as a volunteer organization but now is highly paid, retirements and, apparently cannot organize themselves into a well run department. Not even mentioning the two head guys taking over mgmt of ESDA (with pay). It is a quandery how you can do 2 jobs in a disaster situation??????
PERU IS A CITY OF UNDER $10,000 PEOPLE. Our employees are paid more and overstaffed for even a city twice this size. Harl's 2+ years has shown no improvements and no cut backs. Our old power plant is still standing and a mess. Our roads are awful. Our sales tax is going up and up. Our aldermen still continue to feel as if they are omnipotent - no reporting of meeting attended on behalf of the City of Peru and neither did the Mayor. On and on!
The smallest organization requires its officers to be accountable. Not the City of Peru. CSO runs fundraisers "for the City" but no money is given back - no cost is made on their usage.
This is going on much too long but so is the inconsistencies of Peru government. Let's re-elect Baker!!!!!!!!!
9:27 AM
I would like to add that the Christmas decorations where I live in Peru are pathetic. Decorations and lights have been hung at Rte 6 and Walnut as usual. Don't they check to see if the lights work? You can only see half of the perpetual decorations because one half remains in the dark.
Maybe we can only afford to light that many lights after all this is the very south of the city and maybe there is no funding left for us.
Who is in charge of our decorations? I hope not the public works dept.
We can blame the past and presents mayors for our problems but, we the taxpayers are the answer. Yes, they are the leaders of our towns but we pay their way. The present mayor promised town forum meetings but has reniged on his promise. What you and I need to do is start attending both committee and council meetings, asking questions, demanding accountability, erasing wasteful spending, and become involved. If we sit back in our chairs and do nothing these problems and concerns that we have will never go away. Those in charge don't seem to care what we think.
To "Anonymous 9:58 a.m."...no offense, but all you said is "blah blah blah." I can't tell you the number of times I have read in this blog (under multiple articles) that regular citizens are basically going to storm city hall demanding accountability and answers. For lack of a better word, it is a threat, but a weak one at that. No one even asks questions at the regular council meetings, perhaps readers of this blog are too scared?....
9:58 PM
I believe I have gone to and listened to the discussions and votes at the Peru City Council meetings enough times to be able to voice a very accurate opinion.
The average individual and especially those who might be known to ask intelligent and in depth questions are many times talked down to, told that would be discussed at another time or simply told their time is up. In order words the opinion of the residents of this city is not encouraged unless it is to praise the works that this city is undertaking or to pat some city employee on the back for doing the job they are getting paid to do.
I guess our council meetings are meant to be cut and dry and without much citizen input or disapproval.
We are only told the positive. At times the Police Chief reads a letter sent from a resident because he is praising something the department has done and absolutely should have done. But that aside, I don't believe we would ever hear about something that incurred a citizens anger or disappointment. This could very well have been any dept. but that is just one that comes to mind. And the purpose is?
On the other Peru Blog there was a video:
http://stagevu.com/video/zxcmobsgvpti
Excellent Video..I STRONGLY suggest everyone who reads this blog watches it and then tells 2 people to watch and they tell 2 more...this is a national crisis. But, we cant fix NYC or Philly or Wyanet or even Oglesby..they all have their own issues to deal with so Peru MUST take a hard look at the situation and plan for tomorrow and the day after and the day after that. Call it what you want...blame whomever you want..BUT stop doing nothing! Eakas is a perfect example of the economic need for a strong water/wastewater systems and operation/maintenance! I don't care if it's twenty or twenty two hundred jobs! This "spending", this "asset-management", will lead to more growth in the years ahead. The complexity of the crisis and the enormity of maintaining the system is a job that takes dedication and an amazing spirit. We will fix the system, it WILL cost a lot of money. We WILL pay more for water. Keeping cost down for resolving the crisis will in itself be an enormous task! And again, stop blaming the past for the problems of the present. The problems are real and the solutions are even more real. The Mayor before Baker and the one before him are to "blamed" also if you need to. Mayor Harl and everyone should be grateful for the systems we have today. I am sorry for the lengthy post, but it is that I am just so tired of bitchin' and moaning about things listed on this and the other Peru blog, that the public needs to say; OK, it's my problem too. I have nothing against Mayor Harl nor do I have support for Mayor Baker. Thank you for posting this. By the way, I don't even live in your town.
To 7:07 a.m. - You are obviously a reasonable person with an independent perspective. Your comments make good sense and we should "all" make an effort to take your advice regarding blaming and bitching.
Nice to hear from someone who understands the benefits and importance of planning infrastructure improvements.
Anon 7:07 You have a very positive outlook and should be complimented on your well thought out comments. Being from out of town you have to change to the position of a Peruvian. Ask yourself "how are Peruvians going to benefit by spending approx $1,000,000 for Eakas when these added tax dollars were presented as being for residential streets and sewers". Also the electrical bills (prior to these improvements) have gotten larger and larger in the last year. When Eakas expands and uses more electricity, which the hydro plant will not be able to produce, the city must go out and buy electricity at a higher rate, thereby, raising residential electric bills. In no uncertain terms the residents of Peru are paying a higher rate of electricity than if we had no electric plants. Only 50% of the debt of the hydro plants has been paid for and the state has talked of discontinuing the green credit program. Remember if Eakas hires 25 it is highly unlikely that they will all be Peru residents. The increased sales tax dollars should first go to our own infrastructure as we presently have no idea of how many water main breaks are occurring in Peru in any given time since Alderman Jack O'Beirne has retired but we do know their are a lot of them.
I don't think anyone has stated that it's not important to plan anything Steve. Not only do you have to plan the improvements but first and foremost you need to plan a way to finance them. And, in my opinion, improvements should be catagorized by importance and state of repair rather than by the demands and needs of an individual business. And I too agree that "ALL" should quit bitching and blaming and that we "ALL" should work together. After all Peru belongs to all its' citizens not just your committee.
Do the minutes of the Infrastructure Committee have to be submitted and approved as written and read before they are placed on file? Just curious as to why the 11-07-11 minutes refer to comments and suggestions being made by Gary Grabowski. It's his brother Jim that's on the committee and I do not see Gary listed as present at the meeting. Just wondering!
How encouraging it was to hear of the support for Mom and Pop stores and to honor them with a special day. At a recent meeting, Sept 21, 2011 under 4.0 New Business 4.4 The next and last agenda item was proposal to be made about body piercing. Member Herington just wanted to ask how the stores in the mall that do ear piercing would be treated. Frank indicated that all of the existing ones would be grandfathered. He indicated that there would be an exception for national retail chains that offer the service
The decisions made by Peru's Asst. Bldg Insp are lax and always too late. As per above example he is completely out of touch in his representation of Peru with the modern times and his usage of the grandfather clause is his band-aid for his inabilities. He is Mayor Harls appointment and Mayor Harl should act upon this responsibility.
This blog is amazing. Steve wiggles his way on the special committee of which we DO NOT NEED, and all you hear or read in this blog is Steve, Steve, Steve.
Frankly the name Steve makes me so sick I could throw up !
What a riduculus statements Steve makes in this blog and he hopes to get people to buy into the stupidy.
Well look into a mirror and I say you are out in the 4th ward. So save your money and don't waste them on signs because you are going nowhere but will be a stay at home person.
To 9:17 a.m. - Hey, this isn't exactly the kinder gentler blog we have been talking about.
Don't sugar-coat it, go ahead and let it all out and tell us how you really feel. Just purge if you need to purge.
Considering your spelling and grammar, I really get a sense that right now, on file in a county courthouse nearby there are at least a couple of legal documents with titles like "Restraining Order", or
"Order of Protection" with your name printed all over them?
Seriously, you really need to get some help.
Feel free to contact me if you want to talk or get together. For some strange reason I get the impression that you might already know where I live.
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