The comany in question that has been conducting the Peru display is Melrose pyrotechnics. They are "heavy hitters" of the fireworks industry in and around the Chicagoland area.
I myself work for another fireworks display company and I have inquired about the Peru show many many times...to no avail. Phone calls go unreturned, etc. Before Peru started using Melrose Pyrotechnics, they were using another firm, New Horizon Pyrotechnics, an ILLINOIS based company, however, they had a lot of issues with getting the show set up on time, etc.
I can say that Peru is going to be gathering 3 bids from 3 different companies, one of which is Melrose. Melrose will probably win the bid regardless of what the other two companies propose. I see this on a regular basis. I have come in $3,000 under budget with more product in a proposal and they still win the bid.
It has to do with their "reputation" and the fact that they do Navy Pier and EVERY professional sports team in Chicago and hundreds of displays throughout the state. Thats just on the 4th of July too! Yes they have won International Awards for their shows...BUT they don't put that same quality product in a typical $20,000 display. You need to spend about 50k before you get a show of that caliber.
They're all about quantity...NOT quality. I would love to have the opertunity to bid on the Peru display. We already do displays in Grundy and Will county...but whats the point?
12:31 PM, March 02, 2012
42 comments:
How do you bid fireworks displays? And it appears that the sour grapes company that did not get the job has given a pretty grand positive review of the company that is getting the job. Good judgement and great job by the Rec. Board. And we hope the display will still be on Water Street!
Thank you for opening our eyes to something we suspected was not on the up and up.Have previously heard rumor to this effect but your response solidifies these rumors. I have witnessed Hennepin's fire works on several occasions and they are definitely equal to, if not better than ours. And, I know for a fact that they spend thousands less than we do. Why would anybody spend more for less? Got to be a reason or a connection somewhere. This is your tax dollar citizens of Peru. Fight to have it spend wisely!!!
Are you serious anon 1:52? If you could get a better display and save some money in the process - you're against that.
Can't resist answering your "like the status quo" comment. To go out for bids you tell all companies interested in bidding where you will have them, whether we want aerials or no we don't, too expensive. You discuss themes, costs, dates, lengths of display, safety and there is probably more.
We have yet to discover any good judgment because no one is welling come forth and discuss the event openly. Time to come out of the dark room and show yourself and your fireworks spending to the people who pay for it, the residents of Peru. I am so tired of the attitude, we make the decisions about July 4 and here is the bill, pay it.
"willing" not "welling"
With all the comments coming in from people who travel to see fireworks it shows that Peru really doesn't need fireworks. Since there is so much dissatisfaction and so many who don't care if Peru has them and so many who don't want them why is Peru having them? If Peru has them will the majority still be annoyed by their neighbors who illegally shoot them off and create unsafe conditions, one in which they should arrested for.
3:01 PM
I believe it was last year that I heard more illegal fireworks than in years before. Police cannot possibly keep up with complaints and by the time they arrive, everything is quiet. People know how to set them off and hunker down and when police go to the next complaint in another part of town, bang there they go again.
Peru's by far are the worst in this area, so go ahead spend more they still aren't good compared to UTICA'S, HENNEPINS, STREATORS etc. - those alderman that push to keep using the same companies over and over in every aspect of the cities finances are a joke and should be voted out of office! I have yet to hear of anyone outside of this immediate area traveling here to see Peru's fireworks, but they do travel to see other towns
time to disband the senior alderman and their "scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" mentality and start fresh - if we start with that can only get better!
Instead of putting your name as "Anonymous Pyrotech," why don't you put your real name or give us something that lets us know what you are saying is legitimate? I'm not saying that what you are saying isn't true, but if we were to address this at a city council meeting and we were asked to give a credible name, what are we supposed to say? "Anonymous Pyrotech" told us so? If you feel you can provide a better show at a cheaper cost, address this at a council meeting in front of the 25 other people that would be present there. Just a thought.
Forget the fireworks --- Go watch someone elses and save the money for something needed.
Justin,
I just contacted the gentleman from "Extreme Pyrotech". This is the company that came to one of our meetings we had when we were looking into Baker Lake. They would also like to bid the water street show. As of today he has not yet been contacted to give a bid, I do know his contact information has been given to the board.
I let Extreme Pyro know about this blog page along with the conversation so he may come on and share info with the readers.
Rodney
To the Good Citizens of Peru, please allow me to introduce myself (but let me say that I am NOT Anonymous Pyrotech!). My name is Robbie Novak and I work for Extreme Pyrotechnics. I was at a meeting of yours in the fall discussing the possibility of a second show at Baker Lake for a more "family friendly" show.
Anonymous brings up some good points. Let me add another: MORE SHELLS DOES NOT MEAN A BETTER SHOW. Quality of shells, and what you do with the shells you use is what counts. We use the Fire One computer firing system to shoot our shows (of which Utica is one). This entails a lot of time choreographing our shows before the product is ever pulled, boxed and shipped.
When I say choreography, I don't mean that there is music playing while we shoot, I mean that the music (along with computer timecode) that plays actually fires our shows, with accuracy of the effect with the music within 0.1 to 0.01 seconds! You can't do that with low quality equipment or product. Our vice president is in China 3 times a years inspecting/testing our shells and cakes before giving them the "OK" to ship.
Having said all of that, I believe that Peru has an excellent venue for their show, and that it is too bad that with a very respectable budget of $20,000, they can't entertain the crowd. I believe that I'm on the list to receive an rfp for the show, but haven't heard anything at this time, and my holiday week is filling up.
I am not going to comment specifically on any other company in my industry, but I can talk all day about mine if you let me!
My final comment about the proposal process is that whatever town you are, your proposals should include the fact that as a sponsor, you have the right to audit the show, which means before the show is set up, you can ask to see everything that the proposal says is in it. I've seen opposing bids and the subsequent shows that other companies put on, and I can tell you that they don't provide what their proposals say. Our shows include not only a product list, but also a script, and I'd be happy to walk you through the audit process if we shoot your show.
Stay safe people! We are actually having a "Shooter's school" in Princeton in April. If you want to learn how to do fireworks safely, go to www.extremepyro.net and sign up, or convince your neighbors who are endangering your families to do so!
We've know had references made from 2 separate pyrotecs company that have apparently showed interest in bidding on Peru's fireworks display. It seems as though neither company has received any response or interest from those in charge of our display. Why, is no one from our recreation commission (if this committee is indeed in charge of our fireworks) answering these requests and or giving an explanation on this blog? Makes one wonder!
I think our local politicians need to get over it. Each City in the Illinois Valley can’t afford a fireworks display on their own. Time to swallow the pride, get together, and plan one event for the entire valley. Peru, LaSalle, Oglesby, Spring Valley, Utica should pool resources and have display. Have it at Starved Rock, have bands all day and an orchestra during the fireworks. There could even be beer gardens for those that like beer. It is too late for this year – again. But we should start planning for 2013 NOW!!!!
Rodney meeting and discussing business opportunities with other potential bidders is called inside trading and unethical. He is not a authorized Rec. Committee member and not authorized to secure any fireworks display. Nor was he authorized to have a display at Baker Lake or change ambulance services. Self Promotion, beware Mayor Harl. He will be painting his big truck red with his campaign logo FIREWORKS ON EVERY CORNER VOTE FOR ROD.
9:47 AM
Relax and get yourself a cup of coffee. You are complaining about Ald. Perez who is an elected official serving on a committee for Health and Safety but I don't see anything in your post about the unelected people controlling all aspects of the Peru fireworks. Seems maybe you have your complaints directed to the wrong place. I have not heard one word from anyone on the Rec. Commission justifying what they seem to be doing,.
The post from the pyro company really supports the notion that it is not possible to bid a show. It varies on the show. To those who have constantly voiced the bidding process, the post describes how wrong you are and supports the dedication and professional approach from the Recreation Commission.
Lois: That's because the Recreation Commission has to answer to no one and therefore they don't have to justify anything to do.
If it is not possible to bid a fireworks show, then it should not be handled by non elected people. End of story.
We elect a mayor and council to make those decisions and in addition the state of Illinois mandates a bidding process for anything over 20,000 unless a majority of the aldermen oppose it.
Sounds like you are in favor of a oligarchy,
9:47
Wow you are angry over this. Could you own property that has a good view of the show? Maybe a nice lawn to relax on? No crowds of drunken throngs to hassle you and your family? Or maybe you own a business that rakes in the cash during that drunken brawl? Did anyone ask the baker lake people if they wanted a soccer field in their back yards? I mean, if you build a house next to a park do you suppose that people may USE said park? This year lets get the addresses of all the aldermen's parties for the fireworks and we will tell the drunks on water street that there is free beer at those locations.
1:45PM
You know, I kind of like your idea about the free beer. :). I have one in mind who never misses having his Fourth of July party at his house with a view.
welcome to my Peru , The Corrupt Leader of the Valley !!
Lois, Your right lets have Ald. Perez make all those decisions he has a much better perspective on Peru than the 8 or more on the Rec. Commission. When has there been free beer on Water Street? The Rec. commission is appointed by the Mayor. Because they have to answer to nobody would indicate that they are independent and have the best interest of Peru. If you want your red cup filled up just go to the next airport event, where we are sure that the same concerned council member who wants to eliminate the water street celebration will be there to bartend and fill your cup up with some cold suds. Get that petition going to eliminate the 3rd of July celebration or maybe another one of those 99% surveys.
Lois Wrote:
I have not heard one word from anyone on the Rec. Commission justifying what they seem to be doing.
I am "Laughing out Loud" at this comment.
What makes you think any of these committee members even read this blog?
And if any of them do read this blog why would they write a response?
You ask questions and then “answer them yourselves” with accusations of wrong doing.
Please continue to entertain yourselves but don’t expect other people to join your blog.
4:21 apparently you joined the blog
oh come on now. Everyone knows that the sausage puller really controls the rec committee.
For the record, I contacted Alderman Perez when I heard last August that Peru's Fireworks show was going out to bid this year. We discussed the feasibility of a second show at Baker Lake. I attended a PUBLIC meeting where the subject was debated. The idea was subsequently voted down. There were no back room discussions; Alderman Perez was seeking information as (any good committee member should do) to make an informed decision. I do not like the implication that myself, my company or the Alderman are involved in anything illegal or unethical (oh, and by the way, insider trading deals with information used to gain a financial advantage in the stock market). I will also not engage in any name calling in this or any other blog, as I find that to be a needless waste of energy.
I am fortunate enough to shoot fireworks shows for what I feel is the best company in the nation, Extreme Pyrotechnics, and if you'd like to see what I'm talking about, go to Utica's show on July 1st or Princeton's show on July 4th (This is our first year in Princeton, and the difference in the show from the past is going to blow you away!).
I do like the idea of bands all day and fireworks at night. Why don't we do a "Battle of the Pyro's" show with different companies competing with fireworks? I'll go head to head with anybody in the valley, because it'll be nothing but good publicity for my company! Be safe!
Thank you Robbie for your thoughtful and insightful explanation to this blog.I could make excuses for the city such as we are just learning to govern ourselves independently because for 40 years we had a mayor who made all decisions and was able to persuade most of the aldermen most of the time that it was the right decision.
But that does not work anymore and we expect everyone who sits on the council or who sits on a citizen committee to use their best judgment for the city and not for themselves, their friends or their egos. I will not make excuses for anyone.
It is really time that people took off their rose colored glasses when signs proclaimed Peru Leader of the Valley and looked at our city and see the issues in front of us and use their God given sense to stop looking backward and to look forward for ways to improve this city for all of its residents because that is their responsibility.
I wish you continued good luck with your business and I just bet that there will be people from Peru that will travel to Utica or Princeton to see the shows that you will be putting on. We will watch for times and locations when summer comes.
Thanks again.
I wrote the 7:39 post. Why is it that you will allow a comment that degrages a public official by calling hime a childish name. The name I used in the 7:39 post is vulgar and something a 13 year old boy might say to irritate somebody. Thats all fine - I wrote the comment as a test for you. You see, I have also wrtitten many many comments that have not been allowed referring to Steve's waste water background . All of these have been deleted even though they are about the same as the sausage comments. Actually the 7:39 comment is almost exactly the same as a comment I made that was deleted - just change the vulgar name.
It is apparent to me that you have a personal vendetta against Steve and I don't wish to indulge in that type of childish play. Ald. Ankiewicz is an elected official who has put himself in the public domain and that is the difference.
I don't personally believe that Bob Ankiewicz would be offended by the comment made about being a sausage puller as that was part of his job and certainly his fathers profession and I admired his father as a very good person and don't believe he would have been offended either.
Hmmm wonder who 5:25 works for....
Mr. Steve is an appointed committee member that also has put himself in the public eye. And I can't believe that you don't understand what is being referred to when someone is called a sausage puller. Hint - it has nothing to do with food.
Anon 1:33 PM There is nothing clever about your referral to
Alderman Ankiewwicz. After 30 years of military experience and approximately 16 years as a Alderman I am sure he would inform you that if he is not your favorite person still respect the position. Your rude remarks and disrespect are a embarrassment and a disgrace to the entire citizenship of Peru and should immediately stop.
I do believe that Lois does not understand what your unintelligent, crude name calling stands for as it appears she comes from a finer line of cloth than yourself. I personally believe that if someone did catch onto your intended interpretation to maintain respect for themselves they would not admit it.
Happy to say I didn't catch on either or I would have replied much sooner. Sorry Bob , but it just so happens that every once in awhile no matter how much of your lifetime one volunteers to others and your country there will always be a idiot or two who'll think they are cute by acting like a ***********. Rather than filling in the word I'll let everyone use the word they find appropriate.
Anon 5:25 and 1:33 work together - and Anon 1:33 is a sick minded person! Act professional!
whoa ---- slow down a minute 8:19. I'm the one (5:25 & 1:33) trying to point out that this blog thinks it is OK to slam Alderman Ankiewicz. And I don't believe that anyone has ever thought over the last six months that the crude individual using the reference is complementing him on his cooking. This blog allows you to degrade public officals - if they are the ones the blog is against.
It may surprise you that most people don't have their mind in the gutter and that is proven by the fact that no one and I repeat no one including public officials have every indicated that the reference was anything but a takeoff on being the owner of a deli. Ald. Ankiewicz or any public official from the President of the United States down to our local officials is open to scrutiny for their publicly stated positions and votes. I have never degraded Ald. Ankiewicz personally or anyone in his family. I have know them for a long time and they are good people. Politically I very seldom agree with his decisions or votes and I have a right to publicly say that.
You may never have degraded anybody but your partner Steve has never had a thought that hasn't been much more than a vindictive name calling forum against city contractors, former mayor, Alderman that served under Baker. Somebody told me that you can judge a person by the company they keep.
Steve expresses his thoughts and not mine and I express my thoughts and not his and not very often are we in agreement.Steve signs his name and I sign my name and you sign your anonymous. Not a very level playing field is it?
Put you full name with each disgusting comment you wish everyone to see and I might put it on, in fact please sign your name to any future posts you make. I don't think you have the courage to do so. Prove me wrong and that is my test of your character.
Lois, very nicely stated and directly to the point. I ask all who have a idea that someone is submitting double meanings to the blog to inform Lois or Steve so that they can eliminate this childish practice.
It is not the intention of the blog to personally insult or harm anyone nor is it the intention of this blog to be the tool of others who wish to do such.
Personally I feel that all of us who appreciate the time volunteered by Lois and Steve to the blog endorse them 110% in censuring any comments which they feel questionable.
8:23 AM
You neglected to sign your name to your last posting and also the one before that.
I read this blog because i've been watching Peru politics for over 30 years . I won't sign my name because i don't need retaliation against me or my family . I also dont slam people either .
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