This blog is maintained for the sole purpose of allowing the people of Peru and those interested in the cities of the Illinois Valley to express their views.
“It doesn’t take a majority to win, just a tireless minority that will keep starting brush fires in the mind and hearts of their fellow men.” Samuel Adams
This heading got me to thinking about the fire department problems that were previously brought up. Just wondering, since things seem to have quieted down, if problems have been solved and if so to the satisfaction of all involved? It seemed to be a complex situation that just disappeared. I sincerely hope the problems were resolved and not just put on the shelf and ignored.
No problems solved that I am aware of. The first time problems surfaced and we became aware of issues within P.F.D. it soon fizzled out but resurfaced once again. Again it is quiet but since all the same players are still present and the same organizations exist you can count on something coming back. Isn't this the way things go on in Peru? So many things surface and go away unresolved and that is why they keep coming back.
No Lois, this is the way things go from time to time in any organization. Someone is disgruntled, people react while lacking information and things get blown out of proportion and then the gossipers have something to talk about. Issues eventually get resolved by the people who can actually solve the problem. Real problems are never resolved by anonymous people gossiping and speculating.
Lois, you are so correct. Peru presently has too many loose ends and unsolved problems which are never solved and therefore they keep coming back again, again and again NEVER REACHING A FINAL CONCLUSION. I would like a definition of whatever 9:44 means by THINGS. Yes controversy snowballs whether it is dealing in a public or a private institution. The gossipers, taxpayers in this instance who have every right to question a government institution, especially the one being referred to,the fire dept. a government facility dealing with the taxpayers public safety and supported by these same citizens.Thew issues have been caused by members of the fire dept and their conduct and will have to be solved by outside sources so that the citizens can have a restored faith in this government facility. Recent history has shown that this dept cannot handle their own problems. After all the accusations that have been made a get together such as the annual smoker, a dealing of a couple deck of cards and a spinning of the big wheel will not suffice to restore confidence in this group this year or possibly for years in the future unless this problem is solved correctly and in the open. You are absolutely correct 9:44 AM you have a real problem. Who do you believe can actually solve the problem it is still unresolved.
To 9:44 a.m. - Your comment is well stated and completely accurate. I will always support the right of anyone to comment on this blog. However, it must be pointed out that there will always be a small percentage of anonymous commentors on this blog who continue to make uninformed and inaccurate comments based solely on personal feelings and agendas. Their only goal is to confuse and create conflict and unrest. They are cowards and parasites. The most miserable of creatures. An accurate comparison would be to envision the character "Gollum" from "Lord of the Rings".
Your comment has renewed my hope that there are still mostly reasonable and rational thinkers visiting this blog. Thank you.
Steve and 9:44 - how do you know whether it is just a disgruntled employee or a real problem that exists? While I agree with portions of your statements it is not always an employee and many times it is the fault of those in charge. Everyone knows that favoritism does exist in all facets of life and that the best workers are not necessarily the "bosses" pets. Many times the opposite is true. Just my opinion.
Peru has many loose ends and MANY unsolved problems. For instance I learned today that our ASST Bldg Inspector makes 28.50 per hour while the Code Officer who got more done in 2 months than the ASST. did all year was only making $10 per hr.
An employer must provide all employees a safe, healthy, hostile free environment free from any hazards and complying with all state and federal laws. A threat would be just as unacceptable as assault and battery. If for any reason this is not being provided and proper corrective action has not been taken a employee may and normally does seek legal retribution.
In a brief study and comparison of the Asst Building Inspector and the Code Officer you will also find that the Code Officer generates the city a significant amount more than the Asst. Bldg. Insp in finances.
Steve, great points. So very true. Lois, your statement about the code officer getting more done in 2 months than the ASST Bldg all year. Please give numbers and documentation of this. Please don't make general statements without the facts. Otherwise it takes away from the reliability of this blog and is just heresay. Lois, I really agree with you many times so just want some clarification on the above mentioned.
I have been a consistent watcher and observer of our council members and department heads for the past 2+ years. I have listened to the ASST wobble around issues and sorry I can't give you specifics because whenever he speaks it is in riddles. One time on the issue of signage at rte 251 and Shooting Park Rd he removed almost all signs except one which was also a violation and when questioned he said because he wanted to do it that way. He has so many things to get to that he never will. I have not seen the reams of paper but I assure you that they are there. Sources always have to be protected. The code officer cleaned up a number of issues in parts of the east end of town that just were not getting done such as non running cars removed from yards, grass cut all over the place, boats properly stored and on and on. Things that had not been getting done. FYI I don't go to meetings with a tape recorder so verbatim is not possible. Minutes will not relay this information and it becomes the opinion of those in the audience.
I am also informed that the city provides the asst bldg inspector with a vehicle. Meter readers drive all over town using their own cars and are reinbursed mileage but Frank Taylor needs his own car and I am sure gas is also provided. Why?
The majority of the citizens of Peru have never had a car furnished to them from their employer but the leader of the valley a role model of government confusion prides itself on huge debt and prosperity rather than austerity. For example why doesn't a city employee have to park his car in a city facility at the end of the work day and drive his own vehicle to and from his work place. The Asst. Bldg Inspector does not need a city funded vehicle nor does the Asst Fire Chief nor does any other city employee. Wasn't it the thinking of the new administration that these initial costs plus insurance and maintenance would come to a halt. At the hourly rate Peru pays these people they are not going to go away. That is a guarantee that the taxpayers can be assured of.
Anon 6:56 Now that you have created a interest in what the asst bldg inspector does would you please inform the rest of us in numbers and documentation. With the huge building boom in the "era of Frank" it shouldn't take long to do your own research. Is Frank in his position because of the squabble between the Mayor and some of the councilmen with seniority. Remember that the Mayor relieved the Bldg Inspector who was in the favor of the council and as a result is the Mayor stuck with the Asst Bldg Inspector. Politics does not necessarily make for better government.
I can tell you that there are 2 homes being built in Peru and according to ordinance building permits should be visible from the street. Not only are they not visible they're not posted anywhere on sight. Wouldn't that be the assistant building inspectors duty?
8:10 You have brought up a topic that I have been questioning and wondering about lately - why do many of our city workers need to have city paid vehicles to ride to and from work? Not only are they provided with a vehicle, they're are either SUV's or trucks (gas gusslers). Insurance, gas, maintenance, all big expenses. Does anyone know how many vehicles Peru funds?
The fellows while having coffee together today are in complete agreement that no city official or city employee should be supplied with a vehicle for their own personal use and the personnel who are given a work vehicle should have to park them at the end of the work day and pick them up the following morning on city property. This would extend the life of the city vehicles by reducing the number of miles applied to them annually and result in a savings of big bucks to the taxpayers. Being that Peru already has a insurance consultant lets see what the drop in premiums would be in black and white. Also maintenance fees and gas and oil expenses. It is rather evident that many honchos of Peru that are living off the taxpayers believe they should be taken care of from the womb to the tomb.
Speaking of large, gas guzzling vehicles for city employees the council will be presented with a proposal to purchase an F250 crew cab for the fire department (I think it's for the assistant chief). This will be done tomorrow 11-16-11 at the 7:30 council meeting.
I can see where the building inspector and super of public works and the super of electric does not need a take home car. They are not called out for emergencies where they can not spare the time to go get the city vehicle. But this is the way it's always been done. The police and fire department members who have take home vehicles are emergency responders, and on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week sometimes. They do not have the time to go get a department vehicle. They need them to carry their equipment and be ready to go at a moment's notice. There are many ways to cut out the fat in Peru. Things need to change. Remember the election is closing in. Thank you.
7:46 PM I understand the emergency responder but should that new vehicle become the individuals personal vehicle to use at all times with all aspects of automobile maintenance and repair and gas to be furnished by the city? Shouldn't he or she be obliged to contribute a percentage of the cost if it is used as a personal vehicle which I understand it is. I wasn't there so don't know absolutely if this is correct. Is this one of the perks of the job? I know that private companies do this for some employees as our daughter has a company car. But when it comes to choosing a car, there are limitations and nothing like this I can assure you.
Aren't all policemen and firemen emergency responders? Should we provide all of them with gas guzzling trucks? What about the 4 engineers who are full time firefighters who are trained to drive the firetrucks? Shouldn't they have city vehicles? Food for thought!
7:46- What about all the other firemen? They are on call 24-7 also but they have time to go get a department vehicle. They use their own personal vehicle for transporting gear and pay for maintenance and fuel out of their own pocket.
You are right but I bet the argument would be that you are volunteer and the vehicles that are purchased are for full time employees. Like they purchase cars for others working for the city like dept. heads and asst. dept. heads.
And everytime the Mayor says he has cut all he can, we are finding out that our tax dollars are again being spent as they shouldn't. Maybe the excuse is that is the way it has always been done but it is time to wake up, be assertive and say it will no longer be that way. It is a new era and we are now reviewing policies and see that we are paying for vehicles that are a luxury not a necessity for the dept. City vehicle on the job, getting there is your responsibility and definitely not for your personal use even if you are an emergency responder. Get a blue light in your car if necessary.
Lois: Are the fire chief and assistant fire chief full time employees? I don't think so because they both have other full time jobs. Therefore, if the city would use that as their argument for giving out city vehicles then the engineers (full time firefights) should get the vehicles (McClaughlin, Abbott, etc.) No matter who gets a vehicle first of all times and money is supposedly tight (do they need such big gas guzzling vehicles or is that what they want) and just because it was done in the past doesn't make it right today.
Wouldn't it be more cost productive to utilize the electric truck that was a very expensive hobby for past city officials. The next department that asks for a new vehicle should be awarded this parade experienced showpiece. Presently where is this battery operated jalopy?
Full Time Drivers 331-Dennis Lemmer 332-Gary Eccles 333-Rick Abbott 334-Matt McLaughlin
I was wrong the asst fire chief is part time. What does part time mean for a part time asst. fire chief and what does part time mean for a PFD Chief? Who determines hours? Do they have part time hours that are complemented by OT? So we have 2 part time dept. heads?
Yes we pay for their expensive,oversize, gas guzzling vehicles which they do not deserve. Why? Because not enough of the citizens care enough to openly express their true thoughts. If city council meetings were conducted in front of a full house of citizens do you think the Asst Fire Chief would have been approved a new SUB? Do you think it would have even been brought up? Vote of city council Aye 8 Nay 0. Results a city of less than 10,000 with a average of five million dollars in sales tax can't afford ______, ______, ____________, ______________ etc without raising its sales tax %. Every time our local representation gets their fingers on a few nickels they spend handfuls of dollars foolishly. The only thing Peru leads in is the amount of young never returning to home after they get a education because there is nothing here for them in terms of a job or a future. Presently Peru's future is not in its youth because they are not staying home. This is where the Mayor promised to form a active committee in finding out what could be done about this condition and he should have created a committee as promised. Instead he debated with aldermen to get a increased sales tax for infrastructure trying to find some comparison between a school and roads. Maybe it is time to realize that the future of Peru is not in trips to Chicago or Washington but it is right here in Peru. Those few of you who want to take your shots at this statement feel free if you can't face the TRUTH! HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING
31 comments:
This heading got me to thinking about the fire department problems that were previously brought up. Just wondering, since things seem to have quieted down, if problems have been solved and if so to the satisfaction of all involved? It seemed to be a complex situation that just disappeared. I sincerely hope the problems were resolved and not just put on the shelf and ignored.
No problems solved that I am aware of. The first time problems surfaced and we became aware of issues within P.F.D. it soon fizzled out but resurfaced once again. Again it is quiet but since all the same players are still present and the same organizations exist you can count on something coming back. Isn't this the way things go on in Peru? So many things surface and go away unresolved and that is why they keep coming back.
No Lois, this is the way things go from time to time in any organization. Someone is disgruntled, people react while lacking information and things get blown out of proportion and then the gossipers have something to talk about. Issues eventually get resolved by the people who can actually solve the problem. Real problems are never resolved by anonymous people gossiping and speculating.
Lois, you are so correct. Peru presently has too many loose ends and unsolved problems which are never solved and therefore they keep coming back again, again and again NEVER REACHING A FINAL CONCLUSION. I would like a definition of whatever 9:44 means by THINGS. Yes controversy snowballs whether it is dealing in a public or a private institution. The gossipers, taxpayers in this instance who have every right to question a government institution, especially the one being referred to,the fire dept. a government facility dealing with the taxpayers public safety and supported by these same citizens.Thew issues have been caused by members of the fire dept and their conduct and will have to be solved by outside sources so that the citizens can have a restored faith in this government facility. Recent history has shown that this dept cannot handle their own problems. After all the accusations that have been made a get together such as the annual smoker, a dealing of a couple deck of cards and a spinning of the big wheel will not suffice to restore confidence in this group this year or possibly for years in the future unless this problem is solved correctly and in the open. You are absolutely correct 9:44 AM you have a real problem. Who do you believe can actually solve the problem it is still unresolved.
To 9:44 a.m. - Your comment is well stated and completely accurate.
I will always support the right of anyone to comment on this blog.
However, it must be pointed out that there will always be a small percentage of anonymous commentors on this blog who continue to make uninformed and inaccurate comments based solely on personal feelings and agendas. Their only goal is to confuse and create conflict and unrest. They are cowards and parasites. The most miserable of creatures. An accurate comparison would be to envision the character "Gollum" from "Lord of the Rings".
Your comment has renewed my hope that there are still mostly reasonable and rational thinkers visiting this blog. Thank you.
Steve and 9:44 - how do you know whether it is just a disgruntled employee or a real problem that exists? While I agree with portions of your statements it is not always an employee and many times it is the fault of those in charge. Everyone knows that favoritism does exist in all facets of life and that the best workers are not necessarily the "bosses" pets. Many times the opposite is true. Just my opinion.
Peru has many loose ends and MANY unsolved problems. For instance I learned today that our ASST Bldg Inspector makes 28.50 per hour while the Code Officer who got more done in 2 months than the ASST. did all year was only making $10 per hr.
Anyone make any sense of this?
An employer must provide all employees a safe, healthy, hostile free environment free from any hazards and complying with all state and federal laws. A threat would be just as unacceptable as assault and battery. If for any reason this is not being provided and proper corrective action has not been taken a employee may and normally does seek legal retribution.
In a brief study and comparison of the Asst Building Inspector and the Code Officer you will also find that the Code Officer generates the city a significant amount more than the Asst. Bldg. Insp in finances.
Steve, great points. So very true. Lois, your statement about the code officer getting more done in 2 months than the ASST Bldg all year. Please give numbers and documentation of this. Please don't make general statements without the facts. Otherwise it takes away from the reliability of this blog and is just heresay. Lois, I really agree with you many times so just want some clarification on the above mentioned.
I have been a consistent watcher and observer of our council members and department heads for the past 2+ years. I have listened to the ASST wobble around issues and sorry I can't give you specifics because whenever he speaks it is in riddles. One time on the issue of signage at rte 251 and Shooting Park Rd he removed almost all signs except one which was also a violation and when questioned he said because he wanted to do it that way. He has so many things to get to that he never will. I have not seen the reams of paper but I assure you that they are there. Sources always have to be protected.
The code officer cleaned up a number of issues in parts of the east end of town that just were not getting done such as non running cars removed from yards, grass cut all over the place, boats properly stored and on and on. Things that had not been getting done.
FYI I don't go to meetings with a tape recorder so verbatim is not possible. Minutes will not relay this information and it becomes the opinion of those in the audience.
6:56 PM
I am also informed that the city provides the asst bldg inspector with a vehicle. Meter readers drive all over town using their own cars and are reinbursed mileage but Frank Taylor needs his own car and I am sure gas is also provided. Why?
The majority of the citizens of Peru have never had a car furnished to them from their employer but the leader of the valley a role model of government confusion prides itself on huge debt and prosperity rather than austerity. For example why doesn't a city employee have to park his car in a city facility at the end of the work day and drive his own vehicle to and from his work place. The Asst. Bldg Inspector does not need a city funded vehicle nor does the Asst Fire Chief nor does any other city employee. Wasn't it the thinking of the new administration that these initial costs plus insurance and maintenance would come to a halt. At the hourly rate Peru pays these people they are not going to go away. That is a guarantee that the taxpayers can be assured of.
Anon 6:56 Now that you have created a interest in what the asst bldg inspector does would you please inform the rest of us in numbers and documentation. With the huge building boom in the "era of Frank" it shouldn't take long to do your own research. Is Frank in his position because of the squabble between the Mayor and some of the councilmen with seniority. Remember that the Mayor relieved the Bldg Inspector who was in the favor of the council and as a result is the Mayor stuck with the Asst Bldg Inspector. Politics does not necessarily make for better government.
I can tell you that there are 2 homes being built in Peru and according to ordinance building permits should be visible from the street. Not only are they not visible they're not posted anywhere on sight. Wouldn't that be the assistant building inspectors duty?
8:10 You have brought up a topic that I have been questioning and wondering about lately - why do many of our city workers need to have city paid vehicles to ride to and from work? Not only are they provided with a vehicle, they're are either SUV's or trucks (gas gusslers). Insurance, gas, maintenance, all big expenses. Does anyone know how many vehicles Peru funds?
The fellows while having coffee together today are in complete agreement that no city official or city employee should be supplied with a vehicle for their own personal use and the personnel who are given a work vehicle should have to park them at the end of the work day and pick them up the following morning on city property. This would extend the life of the city vehicles by reducing the number of miles applied to them annually and result in a savings of big bucks to the taxpayers. Being that Peru already has a insurance consultant lets see what the drop in premiums would be in black and white. Also maintenance fees and gas and oil expenses. It is rather evident that many honchos of Peru that are living off the taxpayers believe they should be taken care of from the womb to the tomb.
Speaking of large, gas guzzling vehicles for city employees the council will be presented with a proposal to purchase an F250 crew cab for the fire department (I think it's for the assistant chief). This will be done tomorrow 11-16-11 at the 7:30 council meeting.
At the creation of this blog there were two original founders. Are there still two and are they the same two?
Still the same 2, although I do most of the postings.
I can see where the building inspector and super of public works and the super of electric does not need a take home car. They are not called out for emergencies where they can not spare the time to go get the city vehicle. But this is the way it's always been done. The police and fire department members who have take home vehicles are emergency responders, and on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week sometimes. They do not have the time to go get a department vehicle. They need them to carry their equipment and be ready to go at a moment's notice. There are many ways to cut out the fat in Peru. Things need to change. Remember the election is closing in. Thank you.
7:46 PM
I understand the emergency responder but should that new vehicle become the individuals personal vehicle to use at all times with all aspects of automobile maintenance and repair and gas to be furnished by the city? Shouldn't he or she be obliged to contribute a percentage of the cost if it is used as a personal vehicle which I understand it is. I wasn't there so don't know absolutely if this is correct.
Is this one of the perks of the job?
I know that private companies do this for some employees as our daughter has a company car. But when it comes to choosing a car, there are limitations and nothing like this I can assure you.
Aren't all policemen and firemen emergency responders? Should we provide all of them with gas guzzling trucks? What about the 4 engineers who are full time firefighters who are trained to drive the firetrucks? Shouldn't they have city vehicles? Food for thought!
7:46- What about all the other firemen? They are on call 24-7 also but they have time to go get a department vehicle. They use their own personal vehicle for transporting gear and pay for maintenance and fuel out of their own pocket.
9:17 AM
You are right but I bet the argument would be that you are volunteer and the vehicles that are purchased are for full time employees.
Like they purchase cars for others working for the city like dept. heads and asst. dept. heads.
And everytime the Mayor says he has cut all he can, we are finding out that our tax dollars are again being spent as they shouldn't. Maybe the excuse is that is the way it has always been done but it is time to wake up, be assertive and say it will no longer be that way. It is a new era and we are now reviewing policies and see that we are paying for vehicles that are a luxury not a necessity for the dept. City vehicle on the job, getting there is your responsibility and definitely not for your personal use even if you are an emergency responder. Get a blue light in your car if necessary.
Lois: Are the fire chief and assistant fire chief full time employees? I don't think so because they both have other full time jobs. Therefore, if the city would use that as their argument for giving out city vehicles then the engineers (full time firefights) should get the vehicles (McClaughlin, Abbott, etc.) No matter who gets a vehicle first of all times and money is supposedly tight (do they need such big gas guzzling vehicles or is that what they want) and just because it was done in the past doesn't make it right today.
Wouldn't it be more cost productive to utilize the electric truck that was a very expensive hobby for past city officials. The next department that asks for a new vehicle should be awarded this parade experienced showpiece. Presently where is this battery operated jalopy?
Full Time Drivers
331-Dennis Lemmer
332-Gary Eccles
333-Rick Abbott
334-Matt McLaughlin
I was wrong the asst fire chief is part time. What does part time mean for a part time asst. fire chief and what does part time mean for a PFD Chief?
Who determines hours? Do they have part time hours that are complemented by OT?
So we have 2 part time dept. heads?
And we provide them with expensive, oversize, gas guzzling vehicles?
Yes we pay for their expensive,oversize, gas guzzling vehicles which they do not deserve. Why? Because not enough of the citizens care enough to openly express their true thoughts. If city council meetings were conducted in front of a full house of citizens do you think the Asst Fire Chief would have been approved a new SUB? Do you think it would have even been brought up? Vote of city council Aye 8 Nay 0. Results a city of less than 10,000 with a average of five million dollars in sales tax can't afford ______, ______, ____________, ______________ etc without raising its sales tax %. Every time our local representation gets their fingers on a few nickels they spend handfuls of dollars foolishly. The only thing Peru leads in is the amount of young never returning to home after they get a education because there is nothing here for them in terms of a job or a future. Presently Peru's future is not in its youth because they are not staying home. This is where the Mayor promised to form a active committee in finding out what could be done about this condition and he should have created a committee as promised. Instead he debated with aldermen to get a increased sales tax for infrastructure trying to find some comparison between a school and roads. Maybe it is time to realize that the future of Peru is not in trips to Chicago or Washington but it is right here in Peru. Those few of you who want to take your shots at this statement feel free if you can't face the TRUTH! HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING
4:13PM
You will get no disagreement from me.
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