Peru Pages: Mayor's Dinner

Peru Pages: Mayor's Dinner

LIST OF INVITED GUESTS TO MAYORS DINNER

AGENDA

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2012

ROLL CALL 7:30 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

MINUTES REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 13, 2012 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 22, 2012

REPORTS

CITY CLERK’S REPORT OF CASH RECEIVED FOR JANUARY 2012 SALES, HOME RULE, AND TELECOMMUNICATION TAX RECEIPTS FOR DECEMBER 2011 COMMITTEE REPORTS ALDERMEN

1. ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE Potthoff & Radtke
(Wage-Negotiations, License)
DISBURSEMENTS for February 29, 2012

Motion to approve contract with MCS Advertising for community website design for $6,500
Approve $1,000 donation to the 2012 Kid’s Fishing Expo at Baker Lake on May 19th
Approve advertising expenses in the 2012 Official LaSalle County Visitor Guide for $399
Approve costs for City of Peru elected officials and invited dignitaries to attend the March 25th Mayor’s Association Dinner at Olive Garden

2. PUBLIC WORKS Waldorf & Lukosus
(Electric, Street & Alley, Water & Sewer) ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS REPORT for January 2012
Bid opening for the 2012 Curb Program

Authorize purchase of a Diamond Maintenance Tractor with attachments from Burris Equipment in the amount of $18,591.00

3. PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY Ferrari & Perez
(Fire & Police, ESDA, Health) PERU FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT for period ending February 18, 2012

4. PUBLIC PROPERTY COMMITTEE Ankiewicz & Mayszak
(Recreation & Parks, Airport, Buildings & Grounds) REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY/ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

MINUTES OF A ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HEARING HELD ON FEBRUARY 22, 2012, REQUESTING A VARIANCE AS PRAYED FOR BY THE PETITION OF TEST, INC CONCERNING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1602 FOURTH STREET, PERU, IL

AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A VARIANCE UNDER THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PERU AS SOUGHT BY THE PETITION OF TEST, INC. CONCERNING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1602 FOURTH STREET, PERU, IL

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING EXTENSION OF LOAN AND SECOND MORTGAGE MADE BY ILLINOIS VALLEY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC TO THE CITY OF PERU, IL

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 110, ARTICLE IX OF THE CITY OF PERU CITY CODE IN REGARD TO IMPOUNDING VEHICLES

AN ORDINANCE CREATING CHAPTER 3 OF THE PERU CITY CODE ESTABLISHING AN ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUDICATION SYSTEM

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH PDC LABORATORIES, INC UNFINISHED BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

PROCLAMATIONS

Fair Housing Month (April)

PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS PUBLIC COMMENT CLOSED SESSION MEETING ON COLLECTIVE NEGOTIATING MATTERS BETWEEN THE PUBLIC BODY AND ITS EMPLOYEES OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES, OR DELIBERATIONS CONCERNING SALARY SCHEDULES FOR ONE OR MORE CLASSES OF EMPLOYEES; MEETINGS HELD TO DISCUSS THE APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE OR DISMISSAL OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY, INCLUDING HEARING TESTIMONY ON A COMPLAINT LODGED AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE OR LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY TO DETERMINE ITS VALIDITY MEETINGS HELD TO DISCUSS LITIGATION “WHEN AN ACTION AGAINST, AFFECTING OR ON BEHALF OF THE PARTICULAR PUBLIC BODY HAS BEEN FILED AND IS PENDING BEFORE A COURT OR ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL, OR WHEN THE PUBLIC BODY FINDS THAT ACTION IS PROBABLE OR IMMINENT, IN WHICH CASE THE BASIS FOR THE FINDING SHALL BE RECORDED AND ENTERED INTO THE MINUTES OF THE CLOSED MEETING LAWFULLY CLOSED UNDER THIS ACT- EXEMPT UNDER SECTION 120/2 OF THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT ADJOURNMENT

Guardian Critcial Care Services

Guardian Critcial Care Services

I don't believe I saw any information on this service in our local news coverage but it is an area that I believe needs a bit more exposure.

The Guardian Care Critical Care Transport as provided by the Kurtz Ambulance Service is an alternative to the helicopter transport which is now our only alternative route. But when weather conditions are not good for helicopter transfer and we do not have local critical care availabilites, what do we do?

If I am wrong on this please let me know that PVAS provides all of these at this time. The Illinois Valley does not have a lot of medical specialists and surgeons available locally and we frequently find ourselves in the need of transport to a larger medical facility namely and usually OSF in Peoria.

Many transfers are done locally and done successfully but there are times when the ambulance will not have the necessary life saving equipment and the helicopter cannot fly because of inclement weather.

I did ask Kurtz about this service and I believe that they said that currently they operate 4 critical care ambulances with equipment as written up in the article. On board is a critical care RN and a paramedic and an emt driver. If the ambulance is called and there is a change of plans, no charge is rendered.

Peru hires Trovero for street projects « AM1220 WLPO News

Peru hires Trovero for street projects « AM1220 WLPO News

The 3 million dollar loan at work!

Easy Way to Find Archived Comments

There is a very good search bar near the top of the blog, write in the information you are looking for and hit Search and the results will be shown for some time back. I used one or two words and that may be the best way to go, as I was able to pull many many postings and topics.

News Tribune - News - Local - Peru Kmart to close

News Tribune - News - Local - Peru Kmart to close

Sloppy Work by the Committee and Council

The fireworks for the July 4 celebration were again brought up one more time by Ald Perez because Peru does NOT have a pyrotechnic company hired unless it is a secret, a deep dark one. Ald. Perez asked Ald. Ankiewicz of the Public Property Committee why the companies that attempted to make contact with the Peru Recreation Commission never got a reply. Evidently several companies were interested in putting a bid. Ankiewicz's reply was that we will do it like we always have and get bids in March. Knowing full well that they have never gone out for bids but just hired someone without regard to cost. This led me to the City Clerk whom I asked what the bids were last year and his answer was the city has never gone out for bids on the fireworks. Ald. Ankiewicz what do you say now??

Back to Ankiewicz who said I would need to talk to Ron Kelsey of the Recreation Commission as he has always handled the fireworks. OK Mr Kelsy is this your problem?

So we now have companies who were interested in putting in a BID and are never acknowledged because the Recreation Commission dropped the ball. One person on the council does not make a decision to hire a company, a vote is taken, but the Recreation Commission waits until there are probably no choices left to do the fireworks display and the only one left has already been assured they will get the job as usual. Many of us are now asking WHY? This is your money and they are not watching how carefully they spend it because it is very apparent they don't care. No one beside Ald Perez is asking questions about waste and poor managment.

Local Mayors Conference at Olive Garden

The local mayors conference will be March 25 at Olive Garden to coincide with the new restaurant’s opening, Mayor Scott Harl said. The city will pick up the tab for visiting officials,.(from NT)

This topic was brought up at the Finance Committee Mtg and initially I understood that the Mayor would pay for all those invited but informed that only Peru elected officials would have their meal paid for plus elected officials outside the city as Rep Kinzinger and others. Bartley our city clerk advised them to not plan a meal for opening day because things tend to not go as planned on the first day. Fell on deaf ears. Spouses or girlfriends are also invited, not sure if they are responsible for their own meal or not.

Is this a good idea with the rising unemployment in Peru due to store closings. Kind of looks like an in your face thing to me. Appears that Harls reelection campaign is in full swing.

MySmartGov.org | Week 3: It’s time for change | Township,

MySmartGov.org | Week 3: It’s time for change | Township,

This is about Indiana but just as easily could be Illinois. Politics as usual and at a cost to all of us!

Tuesday Feb. 21 Presentation by Kurtz Ambulance

Kurtz Ambulance Service will be giving a presentation to the Public Health and Safety Committee on Tuesday, February 21 @ Peru City Hall 6:30 PM Public attendance is always appreciated. If you are free please stop by and listen.

What is the Peru Recreation Commission?

The Peru Recreation Commission has pretty much been a confusing entity as it operates independently and spends money without City Council approval. The city council appropriates money for the commission and they then spend it as they decide among themselves. It is not necessary for them to return to the council to approve any expenditure, there is no oversight.

People like to compare them to the Library Board both composed of appointed members. The Library operates in the open and have a regularly scheduled Board Meeting each month at the same time. It is posted ahead of time and anyone is free to attend. Also I can see how the money that the state mandates the city of Peru give to them is being spent on. As last year, they did some internal improvements to the building etc. They provide programs for the community and maintain a web site for our convenience.

The Recreation Commission meets irregularly and not sure if there is public notice or not. I do know they met Feb. 14 but those minutes are not online yet , minutes of January 10 are available and in the minutes of that mtg, it is stated that they approved the minutes from November which are not online and should be.

They are given $50,000 from property tax and another 25,000 from the General Fund . If you want to check out the information it is located in the 2012 Operating Budget, page 25 and 26 on the city web site.

Appointed members of this commission are Janice Grabowski, Barbara Pyszka, Bryan Hartman, Ray Zbrowski, John Chuck Deisbeck, Tom Stuart, and Ron Kelsey. According to the minutes Bryan is now President.

I do believe this commission was previously called the Peru Park Board. You might like to read the minutes for Jan. 10, 2012 and see that they have many plans for Peru's recreation programs including a new baseball field, improved and repaired soccer fields, resurfacing tennis courts and of course Pickle Ball Courts which actually sounds like fun for all ages.

Progress One Step at A Time in Peru

I have learned that at a meeting of the Recreation Commission they were told that 2 of the items they have under consideration will need to go out for bids.

Yes! one will be the Fireworks and the second will be the resurfacing of tennis courts in Peru. Also under consideration is to use the 28th Street park basketball space for Pickle Ball. If you have not heard of it, google the name.

At this time, they have budgeted $20,000 for the Fireworks and $40,000 for the resurfacing project.

Rodney Perez
In case you are bored and need some interesting reading....

In regards to the debate concerning City of Peru donations

I will clarify my stance, and will be making further recommendations to the Peru City Council, and Finance Committee In regards to the council debate on donations, which led to my “Nay” vote for approving city donations to some very meaningful charity organizations

The City of Peru’ financial situation is no better than any other municipality, however, I feel our administration along with budget director Hylla is leading our city in a positive direction.
The City of Peru is in the process of proposing the budget for the next fiscal year. This is our opportunity as alderman to look at every line item, through every department, and then forward our recommendations to that committee for review

Due to the economy and the overwhelming amount of expenses caused by continuous water main breaks, and other city needs, it’s important our city leaders work along side our budget director to trim fat where we can

Making budget cuts are not always easy, especially when it includes taking money from the coffers of meaningful non- for profit organizations that request donations from the City. I made it clear! I support funding boys baseball, and girl’s softball through the cell tower funding by voting “Yea” to the $ 8,000.00 that will be split amongst the two leagues.

In addition: The City of Peru donates nearly $10,000.00 per year to the “same short- list” of non- for profit organizations, or events year after year. The list consists of approximately 8-10 groups, or charities that receive staggering amounts ranging from$100.00 and up. Since the majority of the council agrees “not” to cut back on the amount of donations, the city should work to be fair and balanced of all contributions and limiting which charities would receive continuous yearly donations such as “Maud Powell”. All other non- for profit groups should be rotated through, allowing other groups an opportunity.

Since the city is in the Budget Process and looking for ways to cut back, my recommendation to the council last evening was to start with “donations.” Cutting our yearly donations in half, with the exception of what is contributed to boys and girls ball leagues. (Which is contributed through the Washington Park cell tower funds).

After debate the Council voted 7-1 in favor of two donations that were on the agenda, which totaled $300.00. " yes".. only $300.00, which then total's nearly $10,000 at the end of the year. There should be two other requests for donations on next weeks agenda totaling $2,000.00 which is expected to pass by 7-1
If we are going to tighten our belts and become fiscally responsible we must keep our eye's on the Nickles and Dimes!
I understand the debate of fisherman and tourists coming into Peru and staying in our Hotel's and dining in, So then let's get serious and put our money in tourism because donating $200.00 to a Walleye tournament or contributing $1000.00 to a car club that will raise money for another non for profit organization that already receives $48,000.00 from the city does not bring in the tourism Peru needs.

I will make the following recommendation in regards to donations: First and foremost the city must have structure in it's giving of charitable contributions. This can be achieved by implementing “guidelines.” an “Application for Donation” request form would be filled out by the 501C3 organization then reviewed by the finance committee. This would give all organizations a fair chance of receiving assistance from the city.

I will also recommend the council “immediately” consider “evenly” dividing the projected $ 9,500.00 amongst the short-list of organizations, and clubs currently being considered. Since the city council chooses not to cut donation spending, I agree with Mayor Harl, and Alderman Lukosus that the $100.00 donated to Il. Valley Center for Independent Living, and the $200.00 donated to the Spring Valley Walleye Club should be increased without increasing last years $ 9, 500.00 budget. Both of these organizations are as equal as the organizations/ clubs that are receiving the $1000,00 donations.

If we are going to do this, We must be Fair!

Thank you,
Rodney Perez

Committee recommends accepting low bid for groundwater analysis

Fortunately for Peru taxpayers common sense prevailed at the Public Property Committee meeting last night. The committee made the only logiclal decision they could have by formally recommending to the full city council that the low bid from PDC Laboratories, Inc. be accepted. Leading up to the meeting there had been much speculation about the possibility of committee member Bob Ankiewicz attempting to obstruct the process of awarding the low bid in an effort to steer the contract to "high bidder" TEST, Inc. The difference between low bidder PDC and high bidder TEST was just shy of $17,000 per year. A group of TEST supporters consisting of at least two aldermen, including Ankiewicz, as well as one current and one former TEST employee had been considering tactics to discredit the bidding process as well as the low bidder in hopes of causing the contract to "default" back to TEST, Inc. Thankfully for the taxpayers of Peru, this group was clearly outmatched and overwhelmed by a professionally conducted and honest bidding process that will start saving the city money right away as it appears TEST has decided against performing what would have been it's final quarterly sampling event for the first quarter of 2012. The strategy of those who had hoped to corrupt the process of awarding the low bid appeared weak and primitive at best. Their intention was to "muddy the waters" or "groundwaters" if you will by trying to create the impression that the PDC bid was not as some like to say, Apples to Apples in comparison to what TEST has been providing for fifteen years. The groups focus was to use the committee meeting to cast doubt on the low bid by claiming that there might be additional "hidden" costs not apparent in the PDC bid. After all, Alderman Ankiewicz had been assured by TEST President Chris Perra that any other contractor would "never" be able to compete with TEST, Inc. Therefore, those other bidders must be trying to pull a fast one on the city of Peru. Upon hearing about the doubt being cast upon the low bid and low bidder, Clerk Bartley took the initiative to contact PDC in order to alert them that they may want to have a representative at the Public Property Committee meeting in order to address the rumors of "hidden costs". I also contacted PDC Laboratories late last week and urged them to send someone to speak at the committee. Last night, Gail Schindler, a Project Manager with PDC answered all questions and assured the committee that the bid they presented contains no hidden costs and that they stand by that bid as presented. Alderman Bob Ankiewicz was unable to provide any legitimate reason not to accept the PDC low bid and former TEST employee Kristy Mrowicki was unsuccessful in her attempts to suggest that PDC would charge the city more than their bid price. Mrowicki did verify that TEST's lab doesn't even perform much of the groundwater analysis at their Peru facility. It seems TEST actually "sub-contracts" a considerable amount of that work to other private laboratories throughout the midwest and as far awy as Ohio and Texas. I guess that explains why they have been charging the city so much for these services for all these years. Alderwoman Sherry Mayszak and Chamlin Engineer Mike Perry then agreed the low bid from PDC Labs was the best course of action for the city and suggested the committee recommend to the full council that the low bid be accepted. When Mayszak asked Ankiewicz if he concurred with that all I heard was a muffled grunt. I'm going to take that grunt as a yes. We are very fortunate in Peru these days that we have some elected officials who understand the importance of doing things the right way, and doing them in a professional manner as well. A special thanks to Alderwoman Mayszak for recognizing the importance of competitive bidding and pursuing this matter without being influenced by the status quo. Also, we need to thank Clerk Dave Bartley for preparing bid specifications and ensuring an open and honest bidding process. I remain hopeful that we will continue to move forward on these and other issues.

There Will Be A Stop Sign at Pine & 14th Street

The aldermen voted 7-1 to replace the Yield Sign at 14th and Pine with a stop sign not because it was needed because as I have been hearing from so many for so long, it is who you know when you live in Peru and I would like to add that "money speaks" This is located in the First ward, second precinct.

I am willing to bet that half of the aldermen who voted yes would not know where that intersection is and because one of their own asked, it was granted. Politics as usual in Peru.

Peru City Council Mtg Tonight No One in Charge

I missed last weeks council meeting so I looked forward to the one this evening especially since they had changed the format several weeks ago to include public comment at the beginning of the meeting. I have been at meetings where Mayor Harl asked if there was any public comment at the beginning and also at the end of the meeting. The change had happened when weeks ago Ald. Perez suggested that it would make sense to hear people opinions before the council voted on something of interest. I have seen it on agendas and people that go to the meeting each week have assured me that no public changes had been announced.

A group called Blood Sweat and Gears spoke up as soon as the meeting was opened and asked for a donation of $1000 and that is another story in itself which I will post on later. Mayor Harl immediately went to city business after that and I raised my hand to mention that public comment had not been asked for as I and another person had questions on a topic on the agenda. To my absolute amazement, Mayor Harl stated you could only speak if you had prior permission from an alderman. He did not seem at all interested or care if we had anything that needed to be mentioned. I do expect more courtesy from our elected officials as after all they are working for us and not for themselves. Is Mayor Harl only working for some people?

It appears that Mayor Harl has made changes in secret without informing the residents who attend or perhaps he decided he did not want any tonight. Protocol does not exist in Peru and neither does respect for the people of this town.

More to come because this is not the end of the meeting discussion.

Jack Abramoff discusses influence peddling with Kentucky lawmakers - Nation - TheState.com

Jack Abramoff discusses influence peddling with Kentucky lawmakers - Nation - TheState.com

Interesting piece and although it deals with national politics, some of it can be understood on a very local level.

Influence Peddling, Is This What We Have in Peru?

Reading through all of your thoughtful and well expressed comments, the word that kept popping up in my head was influence peddling. And then I thought about the "wine and dine comments" that our city elected and non elected office holders are taking part in and have for more years than I can remember. Are they partaking in what I would call influence peddling. So maybe cash is not exchanged in payment for contracts but maybe only good times and good food. Is that OK?

It has also been brought to me the information that according to our city budget not only was our insurance consulted rehired at the amount of $650.00 per month but that is an increase over the years before.

Is this something the Finance committee should be handling along with whoever the agent is for that particular insurance need? Many cities have commission forms of government and those elected officials are responsible for specific areas of the city structure as Finance, Public Property, Streets and Public Improvements and Public Health and Safety and they remain in those seats for a specified term and than run for the same office again. Our aldermen don't stay on committees long enough to gain long term knowledge unless their private occupation involves one of those fields.

This may sounds like a lot of topics all thrown together but in the end it all ends up on the same page, how are our tax dollars being spent? Wisely or not?

Water main break and boil order affecting service in Peru « AM1220 WLPO News

Water main break and boil order affecting service in Peru « AM1220 WLPO News

News Tribune - Lifestyle - Health - More doctor time?

News Tribune - Lifestyle - Health - More doctor time? Followup to a story a few days ago on the Peru Town Forum.

Followup to a story a few days ago on the Peru Town Forum.

The Real Cost of Stop Signs | Viewpoints | Opinion | Epoch Times

The Real Cost of Stop Signs | Viewpoints | Opinion | Epoch Times

This is a must read for any Peru resident as I understand there was a request for a stop sign at the corner of 14th and Pine.

Landfill groundwater analysis bid results 1 thru 4

Bid openings occurred at last nights council meeting. No action was taken on this matter as the bids were referred to the Building and Grounds Committee for review and recommendation. These bid results speak volumes on the value of open market competition for city contracts and services. I will provide a more detailed post on this issue in the near future. Until then feel free to comment on these very interesting results. These numbers represent annual cost. PDC Laboratories $27,021.14 / Environmental Monitoring Technologies, Inc $35,124.00 / Practical Environmental Consultantts, Inc. $36,806.00 / TEST, Inc. $43,950.50.

Is This What is Happening to the USA (N.T. Open Forum)

I am out there doing my civic duty, keeping the economy going spending my Social Security money.

I was in Target at the checkout. I had a quilt, sheet set and a pillow sham to purchase. I was not allowed to purchase them because the items were not in the system. Seriously! Target stores never heard of a thing called override. Other stores do it. And there was a whole wall of these things. The check out girl called a boss — that boss called another boss. Now three people are looking at me. Now I am embarrassed. The check-out pointed out that the sham went through. The boss scanned with a hand held scanner and said, not in the system. He took it off my bill. These check out people were just doing their jobs (not paid enough) really. Instead of fixing the problem they snatched up all items and take them away. Everyone at the check out lines are now looking at me and it is very quiet! Now I want to cry.

I am not done yet. Instead of crying I ask for a complaint card. I get one and called. I get India! Target stores outsource to India? I asked the girl if she was in India and she said “yes.” She was very polite. Target sends American money and jobs to India? People in America can’t take complaints? I am just saying! America is in big trouble. Now I am very glad they did not take my money. Target will get no more of my Social Security money. JoAnn Taber Spring Valley

News Tribune - News - Local - Sinkhole in standoff between Peru, landowner

News Tribune - News - Local - Sinkhole in standoff between Peru, landowner Pike Street hill

Online Drive To Keep Peru Jewel Open « AM1220 WLPO News

Online Drive To Keep Peru Jewel Open « AM1220 WLPO News

In The News or Not Regarding Peru Hospital

I recently read in the open forum section of the News Trib, an article about Hospitalists now at IVCH. At first when I read this, I thought it might be something about covering for physicians on weekends and Holidays. But today a friend called and told me about an experience a friend of his had had several days ago when his father became ill.

First going to the physicians office, he was told to take him to the ER and then discovering that the doctor would not be seeing him in the hospital but after admittance he would be take care of by a hospitalist hired to manage medical patient care for hospitalized patients.

I have been unable to verify whether this will cover all local doctors or only those that choose to participate. Does anyone have any further information on this very important topic to local residents?

Public Property Commitee Minutes January 25 - Interesting Stuff