TIME: 6:00 P.M
PLACE: 1901 4TH STREET, PERU, IL
ROLL CALL: S. HARL, M. RADTKE, D. WALDORF, R. PEREZ, J. LUKOSUS, J. SHAW, M. VEZZETTI, T. BUBB, M. HART, J. LOGER, J. GRABOWSKI, L SCHAUB, S. WEBERSKI
I. Approve minutes of December 5, 2011 meeting
II. OPEN DISCUSSION
III. OLD BUSINESS
Discuss 2012 road, curb and north area sewer infrastructure program
IV. NEW BUSINESS
-Publications to advertise for Contract Engineer & extending deadline
-Committee participation in the interview process
-Implementation of Certification/Training programs for PW employees
-Establishing basic leadership structure for the Infrastructure Committee
56 comments:
Steve, how can this committee have any participation in the hiring of an "infrastructure" engineer if they have no voting power. Reading the blog, several people have commented that this was a temporary consultant job only.
Does this committee have the authority to make the kind of decisions listed above?
Who is the chairman of this committee?
I hope any decisions would be brought before the full council.
A reminder to all that the Infrastrucure Committee is now and always will be strictly (advisory).
As our mission statement reads, it is the goal of the committee to "research and identify cost-effective opportunities to improve the maintenance, operations and construction of city owned assets and facilities".
Any and all recommendations from the Infrastructure Committee will require review and approval by the full council.
Committee involvement in the hiring process would include select members of the Infrastructure Committee reviewing applications and participating in the interview process. Having committee members with a working knowledge of engineering and planning will help ensure a highly qualified candidate will be hired.
It sounds to me like Mayor Harl has "hired" his own council. Why would any "advisory" committee have any say tegarding hiring City employees. This line cannot be crossed.
Brian - Once again, we are an advisory committee consisting of elected officials and local professionals volunteering our time and expertise to help improve our city's infrastructure. We of course will not be hiring anybody. However, we have members on our committee with a specific understanding of the qualififcations and experience required for a top notch Contract Engineer. Why would you not welcome the input of industry professionals at no cost?
It is essentially professional consulting at no charge to the city.
You really should try to see the tremendous value in what this committee has to offer Brian. Instead, you choose to appeal to the lowest of human emotions of fear and conspiracy.
Steve, Possibly the easiest way to success of this committee would be to make a motion to increase membership. Therefore if a person had issues with the realm of voice being aspired by this committee they could express it with their reasoning at the committee meeting. I see no reason that the committee does not extend the first committee increase to Brian Foster, who is a well thought out person with a broad wealth of experience. If Brians present schedule would allow him to partake I would hope he would accept. The acceptance and success of this committee would increase if all volunteers would be accepted rather than a chosen few. What method defines the image of a open and transparent government a open or a closed committee?
The Mayor, you and other committee members should try to see the tremendous value Brian and many others have to offer, rather than "choosing to appeal to the lowest of human emotions of fear and conspiracy".
This committee is a waste of time and money .
what a joke this is lol total waste
please list next to each persons name there expertise please.
yeah- id love to see what they are experts in lol.
I have volunteered for this committee, and others, already. My opinions differ from the Mayor's - therefore I have not been accepted.
I don't presume to know what exactly each persons expertise is but this I can say for sure:
4 Alderrmen
2 persons who work in the financial field
1 person who works with waste water
2 persons that have some experience in the engineering field
1 interested individual who attends frequent city meetings and had submitted a resume for 4 th ward alderman
The remainder I do not know what they bring to the committee.
I don't know how many people expressed an interest in the committee when it was launched and I don't know of them who was not chosen. I also don't know if they have a chairman, perhaps it is the Mayor.
This is not a waste of money. It is different views on how different people see what needs to be done. Not like before, It was who you knew, or related to someone. I think this committee is a very good idea. g
The committee is a great idea - for its original purpose. Training and certification programs and interviewing potential employees are not functions that we agreed to.
waste
Does anyone think it is inappropriate to have 1/2 of the aldermen on this committee and the mayor? In my books that's an automatic victory when it comes to voting on an issue (the mayor breaks the tie). I think one aldermen is sufficient. He or she would bring all recommendations made by this committee to full council for voting and discussion.
9:14 I totally agree with you. Does anyone know if any women showed an interest in being a part of this committee?
Gee Steve, read your mission statement and it seems that this committee of yours has total control of every aspect of city business.
total joke..... absolutely laughable
Anyone who feels this committee is a total waste, absolutely laughable or a joke can always attend the meeting. As always, there is public comment at the end.
Brian I am glad that you realize why you have not been selected for various committees that you have volunteered for. Perhaps in time the Mayor will look upon your disagreements with his opinions and his disagreements with your opinions as a positive. A good manager does not want a roomful of yes people rather he wants people who stand on their own two feet and express their opinion whether it is popular or unpopular, in agreement or disagreement. These are the people who will save you and the issue that is being discussed from ending in failure and give the issue a favorable result. Many times the thorn in my side has directed me in the winning direction. Thank goodness for the managers who dismiss those who agree with them all the time and respect those who openly state their own opinion to them. I think that we both would agree that it is the level of intelligence and the confidence of the manager rather than the expression of the individual which results in the individuals acceptance or unacceptance. For the betterment of Peru keep on volunteering!
A comedy. Hiring potential candidates? Come on, is this for real? Its looks like a group of campaign supporters tying to run the city operations. Total joke and Laughable from Peru's leadership.
The agenda reads hiring and leadership! What is going on in Peru? Is Steve qualified to hire employees? And what kind of leadership does Peru need from this make-believe operations committee? Somebody please tell this not-elected group that the tax increase is not their play toy. Employees reporting to a committee? How much more political can we get, next step is you as a resident will have to request to have your street, water or sewer problems go to a committee. And not only will the employees have to check with their union spokeperson they will have to report to the committee. Why doesn't the mayor want the job of operating our city?
Steve, LOCAL PROFESSIONALS? Who is the Chairman of the Infrastructure Committee?
i agree
Is anybody here going to go to the infrastructure committee and voice your concerns or are you just going to hide behind your computer screen? FYI: the infrastructure committee DOES NOT have a chairman
I did go to the mtg and did voice some concerns about my ward as I feel that they are ignoring major thoroughfares and doing blocks that have very little traffic.
The Mayor did chair the meeting and passed out maps with codes as to what roads will be done with tax money (wards) and MFT will be the road in front of Menards and side of Rural King and the adjacent road in front of Rural King and Big Lots.
Also a map showing the North Peoria intersection and road where it extends toward the Mall and the work they wish to do there.
All the topics under new business were talked about but no specific decisions were made. Will possibly advertise online on several Illinois web sites, they have received 3 resumes from the previous advertising.
Justin Loger will be the recording secretary for the group.
qualified? pleaseeeeeee
To Brian - You and a few others are obviously very suspicious of this advisory committee. I remind you and others that this committee has no authority to make any decisions on anything. The goal of this committee now and as it has always been is to research, identify, and make recommendations to the full council on ways to improve Peru's infrastructure. Consider the two examples you made in an earlier comment. If you beleive that a highly trained and competent work force is unnecessary or that encouraging creating an education and skill improvement program for public works employees falls outside the scope of infrastrucure improvement then we will continue to disagree on that.
If you beleive that hiring the best qualified engineer candidate for a part-time position who will have the critical responsibility of creating a short term and long term infrastructure improvement plan should not be considered an infrastructure issue then we disagree again.
If the elected officials do not see value in any of the advice provided by this committee then that is their decision to make. If the elected officials do see real value and the potential for infrastructure improvement brought forth by this committee why would you or anybody else be threatened by that process?
Why is the engineering position being labeled as a contract engineer? Are you looking for a civil engineer that you want to sign a specific contract or are you looking for a contract engineer? What is a contract engineer?
Why is the city limiting itself to a part time engineering position rather than a full time engineer? Don't you think since you only received three responses in todays economy that it would be to the cities advantage to hire a full time engineer who is not going to leave the position as soon as he can get a full time position. What are the number of hours per week and the number of years service that the city is estimating for this position? It appears that you are going to get someone fresh out of school or someone who wants to be semi-retired and I would find nothing at all wrong with this if it is what happens. Has anyone thought of approaching our state engineering schools for ideas, applicants and interviews, or even some form of professional help with this project.
11:33 a.m. - The term "contract engineer" has created some confusion as to what the Infrastructure Committee has recommended. In fact, the position as discussed and agreed upon by the full council will be a part-time hourly position w/o benefits with hours not to exceed 30 per week. It was decided by the committee and the full council that this is the most cost-effective approach at the present time to achieve the desired goals of creating and implementing an asset management plan for the city of Peru. I agree with you that this position would be particularly appealing to a young engineer with some experience or perhaps someone retired or semi-retired.
What is the legality of a group of voluteers hiring a engineer? And what is the legality of that same group having employees go to mandatory training they deem necessary? It all looks like somebody on the committee wants to be the SPW. Are you qualified to be the SPW? And the comments made that Brian does not support a highly trained workforce, is another example of turning a question into a negative comment. All infrastructure problems should be considered, of course. However most will agree that giving you control over items that you are not qualified to handle is a mistake by those in charge. Lets wait and see if this mayor gives the selected few the ability to make those decisions. And it is a selected few that have taken the committee appointment as a power play opportunity, most members on the committee are doing the task of research,identify Peru's needs to a higher level. Those are commended. Its a few that look at this as a power play and to invoke their sense of control. Its the game of politics and this game has gone to embarrasing levels for Peru over the last few years.
Steve, Thank you for the speedy reply. I hope that the Infrastructure Committee and City Council have considered that they would turn the contract engineer into a full time position if the person hired and the position would be advantageous enough to the city. Like everything else it is a matter of getting the X and O's into their proper positions. Good Luck.
Anon 12:42 Could you please tell me what group of volunteers you are referring to in regards to hiring a engineer? If you are referring to the city council yes you are correct they started as volunteers but after the elections they are elected city officials. If you are referring to the infrastructure committee Please refer to Steves comment of 8:58 AM, January 17,2012.
Would you respond to the blog with the qualifications of a SPW and whom you would consider the individuals who possess these qualifications who have held this position including past and present.
If you have a idea that you believe would work better than the infrastructure committee (eight volunteers and four city officials) please submit it so that it can be considered for the next committee. Open minded opinions and good, positive ideas are what is needed in and for the future of Peru.
OK - it is fun going back and forth but it is not constructive. The point I and others are painfully trying to make is that the committee needs a specific mission that is formulated by the Mayor and approved by the council - that is all. The mission statement - "research and identify cost-effective opportunities to improve the maintenance, operations and construction of city owned assets and facilities" is vague - it needs another sentence to clearly define what is in and out of bounds. Vague mission statements lead to "mission creep." As far as most voters in the City of Peru are concerned - the mission of the committee was to identify projects to complete using the extra sales tax money. If the Mayor wants to expand the purpose of the committe, I think he should sponsor an ordinance or motion so everybody is clear on what the group is supposed to do. I have been part of many cross functional work groups - every one of them had a clear mandate.
Anon 12:42 would you please answer the questions which are directed to your statements.
Brian - "Vague" is the last thing the Infrastructure Advisory Committee mission statement is. The term "infrastructure" casts a fairly broad spectrum. Webster's II says, "the basic facilities needed for the functioning of a system".
The mission statement is clear, not vague at all.
Per you most recent comment about "as far as most voters in the city of Peru are concerned", I was just wondering how you are able to conclude that you are somehow in tune with what "most" voters in Peru are thinking.
Also, you did not answer my previous question which is, why would you or anybody else be threatened by an ad-hoc committee of volunteers with no authority whatsoever other than to provide suggestions to the public body?
To criticize and condemn the efforts and spirit of "impact" volunteering is just what we don't need in Peru.
I recommend the following website to better understand the basics of a community service platform. Go to citiesofservice.org. Lois introduced us to this organization some time ago. "Cities of Service" provides the basic framework for utilizing the knowledge and skills of citizens volunteering to improve their community. It is similar in spirit and purpose to the Infrastructure Advisory Committee.
Steve: The problem I have with this committee is that you keep repeating that you have no voting power. Then, why are there 4 aldermen on this committee who do represents 1/2 of our council vote? What is their duty or purpose for being on this committee? I can understand one aldermen but definitely not four. I know it's 1 from each ward but this committee, as I understand it, is concerned with the city as a whole not 4 individual sections. And, how often and when will your meeting results be presented to council?
Regardless of the fact that there are four aldermen on the IAC, the only thing that will ever come out of our commitrtee is "advice" or "suggestions". No "binding" decisions. And, any recommendation that does make it to the full council for a vote does not automatically have the full support of each and every elected committee member. If the council doesn't like the advice, it's over.
Steve, You cannot make your explanations much easier to understand. Maybe this will help:
'REGARDLESS OF THE FACT THAT THERE ARE FOUR ALDERMEN ON THE IAC, THE ONLY THING THAT WILL EVER COME OUT OF OUR COMMITTEE IS ADVICE OR SUGGESTIONS. NO BINDING DECISIONS. AND, ANY RECOMMENDATION THAT DOES MAKE IT TO THE FULL COUNCIL FOR A VOTE DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY HAVE THE FULL SUPPORT OF EACH AND EVERY ELECTED COMMITTEE MEMBER. IF THE COUNCIL DOESN'T LIKE THE ADVICE, ITS OVER.
So Steve - why don't you all just get together at the bar for your meetings? Because no matter what you say, everything you talk about is public record. The purpose of the committee is to influence the elected officials through collective expertise. That is not necessarily a bad thing. But, the Mayor, with the permission of the Counicl, formed the committee for a purpose. It has wondered beyond that purpose - It is time to go back to the Council and say - "Hey guys, I think we can help with this also..." What is so hard about that?
OK Brian - You are obviously threatend by the IAC. I'm sure you will continue to be critical of its every aspect.
You have chosen to reject the spirit and purpose of the committee. You seem convinced this committee is busy "constructing" an "underground" "infrastructure" of conspiracy.
Well, you're right Brian. You "nailed" it. You've "dug up" alot of "ditch dirt" along this "pipeline" of good intentions that is "flowing" "unobstructed" from this nafarious and evil "construction crew" of "committee volunteers" who are just "plowing" their way un-invited into the city's business of "streets and alleys" and "water and sewer" of Peru attempting to "pave" the way with some sinister "short-term plan" followed by a "long-term plan" "designed" to "improve" every aspect of our city's "infrastructure". Those awful committee members with their "electric" personalities trying to "generate" new thoughts and ideas. How dare they!
By all means Brian, let's discourage these individuals who feel they have something to offer their community from serving on volunteer committees like the IAC, and lets make sure to try and limit the impact of any recommendations form this group and discourage any meaningful public participation in the process of planning and improving Peru's future. Let's cut the legs from under this committee before they have a chance to really prove what they have to offer. How dare this committee be allowed to participate in the process. How dare them?
Who do we think we are?
You can't demand access to the process of government for your self Brian while at the same time trying to deny that same access to others. Can you Brian? Are you now an advocate of the old days in Peru where the unwritten rule was "You can come on in and watch for a while, but keep your ideas to yourself and keep your mouth shut"?
As I have stated in previous comments, is anyone here going to attend the Infrastructure Committee and voice your concerns, or are you going to HIDE BEHIND YOUR COMPUTER SCREENS??????
11:33 AM
What is your problem, there are 46 comments on this post and yes people including myself have gone and posted on the topics and also on the roads scheduled to be repaved. FYI that information came from the Infrastructure committee at their last meeting.
I'm not referencing JUST the Infrastructure Committee, I am referencing EVERYTHING. Granted, a lot of interesting questions do get posted on this blog, but NONE or VERY VERY few get asked during a council or committee meeting. 46 comments or not, if they aren't directed to the people who make the decisions, then what good are they???
1:12 PM
Most questions are not asked at council meetings simply because it is hard to get good answers there. I believe the Mayor gives someone 3 minutes for their question and does not like it to become multiple questions and answers, so it becomes more practical to ask our aldermen or the city clerk outside of the council chambers. Sometimes a FOIA is the next route to take and anyone in or out of the city can FOIA for information.
What questions do you want answered specifically?
Steve - I just checked again and got a second party to verify it. My last comment was indeed written in English. For the fianl time - I agree with the purpose of the infrastructure committe as it was explained to the people of Peru - to recommend projects that the new tax would be used to complete. I AGREE that they might be able to contribute to other aspects of the broad subject - such as training and employee interview questions. However, until the Mayor comes to the Council and redefines the mandate of the committee - the committee needs to stay in their box. I'm using the definintion of an advisory committee contained in the Federal Advisory Committee Act - I think this is close enough since I don't believe Illinois or Peru has a definition. Additionally, I'm trying to make a fine point about limiting government to its defined purpose - you can't felance this. You are obvioulsy to obtuse to pick up on this point.
Lois - did I miss something? When did the "Contract Engineer" become a "Part-time Engineer?" Unless I missed the change, the Mayor only has authority to seek bids from a cotract engineer. The City web page has an advertisment and description for a part-time position.
Brian, How dare you question Steve's intentions? I think you hit a real nerve! I don't think Brian is pointing a finger at the intentions of the group. Its the individual that defines the group and his intentions that have grown out of control. Most agree with Brian, its not the group.
Brian: Did you check out the lengthy job description and all the people this engineer is supposed to answer to (includes the infrastructure committee). I wonder who wrote these descriptions up and when.
im just against the IAC. what makes these people experts? i really dont know- just my opinion though
Brian - Last words on this topic from me. For you and your secret steering committee to be so threatened by the IAC that you would encourage restricting the power and authority of a committee that in fact has "no" power or authority at all, tells me the IAC is definately on the right track. You lose what little credibility you have by blindly opposing anything and everything on the sole basis that it may have been the initiative of someone you dislike personally and or politically.
Your criticism and contempt is duly noted.
Well Steve - I guess you are the only one that does not understand my point. Too bad, a mind is a terrible thing to waste. Maybe you should look at attending some continuing education classes at IVCC. I’m sure they have some High School English refreshers or possibly something in the area of managing cross functional work groups or even basic government structure. Your other statement is a bit cryptic. Is the Mayor putting together a steering committee? I was not aware of that, but I’ll consider it depending on its purpose.
Post a Comment