Power Plant is Coming Down

Thanks to the Girl Scouts

girl scout troop 1267 cleaned up Washington park on Thurs, just FYI, so you won't have to do too much there. They did a great job, I must say, for a group of third graders. :)

RESCHEDULED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2012

This should read May 1

ROLL CALL 7:30 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENT
COMMITTEE REPORTS ALDERMEN
1. ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE Potthoff & Radtke

(Wage-Negotiations, License) 2. PUBLIC WORKS Waldorf & Lukosus

(Electric, Street & Alley, Water & Sewer)

Motion to execute an engineering agreement with Chamlin & Associates to prepare a 5- year infrastructure plan not to exceed $35,000

Approve expenses for officials to attend the IMUA annual meeting May 21-23

Motion to trade in existing backhoes and end loader and lease the following from Patten Industries:
· 420F-$1,240.68 per month-Electric Department
· 430F-$1,895.48 per month-Public Works Department
· 930H (end loader)-$1,433.17 per month-Public Works DepartmentMbr> 3. PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY Ferrari & Perez

(Fire & Police, ESDA, Health) 4. PUBLIC PROPERTY COMMITTEE Ankiewicz & Mayszak

(Recreation & Parks, Airport, Buildings & Grounds)
Motion to authorize bid letting for pool demolition with bids due May 16th.

REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY/ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Corporate Counsel Doug Schweickert AN ORDINANCE GRANTING VARIENCES UNDER THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PERU, IL AS SOUGHT BY THE PETITION OF STEVE AND RHONDA WOODS CONCERNING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1203 PUTNAM STREET, PERU, IL AN ORDINANCE GRANTING VARIENCES UNDER THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PERU, IL AS SOUGHT BY THE PETITION OF RONALD RYNKE CONCERNING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1314 SUNSET DRIVE, PERU, IL AN ORDINANCE GRANTING VARIENCES UNDER THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PERU, IL AS SOUGHT BY THE PETITION OF MICHELLE TRILIKIS CONCERNING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1026 PIKE STREET, PERU, IL UNFINISHED BUSINESS DISCUSSION OF LONG TERM STRAGITIC PLANNING NEW BUSINESS DISCUSSION OF STATE OF ILLINOIS LEGALIZED GAMBLING PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS PUBLIC COMMENT CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT

A 'big truck show' will raise funds to fight cancer - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

A 'big truck show' will raise funds to fight cancer - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Informational Post

APR 29

Peru Beer Companies

When: Sunday, April 29, 2012 - 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Where: The Hegeler-Carus Mansion - 1307 7th Street
Event Details:

Presented by: Jim Hebel. Part of the "Way We Worked Lecture Series

Welcome to Peru, Illinois

Welcome to Peru, Illinois

For your information, there is a new download in the lower right corner of the city web site called Total Compensation, listing of SOME salaries in the city.

bcrnews.com | For the hungry and the lonely ... in Princeton, IL

bcrnews.com | For the hungry and the lonely ... in Princeton, IL


This is a great story and says so much about the heart of a community.

City of Peru Encountered a Shortage of Qualified Engineers

At the meeting last night, it was announced that the city had 12 applications for the contract engineer position they want to hire to evaluate our infrastructure.  Of that number, one in particular appealed to them but before we could offer him the position, he took a job somewhere else.

At that point it was announced that through Chamlin and Associates, they would hire Mike Perry, a Chamlin employee for the position and Chamlin would in effect oversee the work. I think that Mr Perry is a very qualified person but it is disturbing to know that the city was unable to find an engineer in need of work, especially in this down economy and the fact that this position was extensively advertised online and through engineering publications. Also disturbing because it has been known for sometime that the city needs some new blood to do some city engineering work, someone who works for the city and is their employee and receives their direction from the Mayor and City Council.

The city needs to hire a City Engineer, one that will be on the payroll of the city and works hand in hand with a Superintendent of Public Works to improve so much that is continuing to deteriorate in the city. Someone whose only goal is to work for Peru.

 Right down it looks like the city is undergoing demolition: the old power plant on Water Street, the swimming pool, Westclox, the bank in downtown Peru, large empty buildings as the former Jewel store, former Lay Furniture and soon to be empty K Mart and Joanne Fabric stores, empty lot next to Burger King. Did I miss any thing?

Lessons Learned

Summer Recreation Programs

Summer Recreation Programs


Lots of programs for all ages in this brochure, check it out and see if you have an interest in any of them.

bcrnews.com | Concerts in Dalzell? in Princeton, IL

bcrnews.com | Concerts in Dalzell? in Princeton, IL


OK This is the Bureau County News

Dalzell Mayor comments on concert grounds idea - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Dalzell Mayor comments on concert grounds idea - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Posting because it does effect Peru in the future

The Issue is Not Kid Rock

It seems that a local promoter was given permission before the facts were presented either to the city council or to the people of Peru. The issue is not that 15,000 people will descend upon this city of 10,000 for an evening of entertainment but that it will bring other issues to the forefront.
I had expected a full discussion of this at the council meeting because it is going to impact upon so many people in town, but it has not happened. So many people seem to be out of the loop, including other elected officials. The Mayor of Peru has always served as liquor commissioner and controls who gets a license and who doesn't. Think back to the 4th of July a few years ago when there were disputes about who could sell on Water St and who could not. This is a very lucrative permission to be given when you are allowed to sell liquor at a public outdoor event attended by thousands of people.
At previous events where the servers made sure all liquor buyers were of age by asking for an ID seemed to have prevented problems but I don't believe that the people who attended previous concerts came in this great a number. How do you prevent situations from developing? Can you have a big time concert without alcohol? Illegal drugs are another matter, so do we have to have drug sniffing dogs check everybody coming in?
As always a few ruin so much for the many. Unlike the Taste of Chicago and the Blues Fest, this is NOT sponsored by the city and we have No sponsors ponying up any bucks to cover the cost to our city or to cover the loss of money in rent that we lose to make enough room for parking. Fifty cents a ticket won't do it. And please don't run by us again all the money we will make from motel and restaurant sales tax, as most people come and go the same day and even eat in the many towns surrounding us. Probably stop for lunch at Ottawa Cracker Barrel and supper at La Salle Denny's, we have absolutely no control over that.

Peru plans pool demolition - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Peru plans pool demolition - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

I know it was a very windy day and we even had a neighbors tree fall into our back yard, but it was immediately taken care of. Was it anyones job to keep an eye on this danger spot?

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Do you suppose that the cats know this?

Will You or Family Be Attending Kid Rock Concert?

Due to the controversy surrounding this concert being held in Peru and it does appear that not much benefit if any will be coming back to the city, I just wondered how many people that read our blog will attend or will have extended family attending that also live in Peru?

Or will the ultimate end cost be more than our community including sales tax, motel tax and proceeds bring in to the city.

Is it one of those things that cost the city but it is done for the enjoyment of the people who live here? Perhaps people will be driving here in their RV's, like those written about in the N.T. who came with the living quarters with them, in an a RV. It would be nice if the city could somehow track this event.

Previously we talked about the car shows and the fact that the city donated $1000 to the group that donates proceeds to the ambulance service.

We need to think wisely about where our "donations" go and I am calling the amount of money spent at the airport to people who farm as a donation to give up their land for this concert.

Car plunges in to Washington Park pool - The Daily NewsTribune - LaSalle, IL

Car plunges in to Washington Park pool - The Daily NewsTribune - LaSalle, IL

Peru Swimming Pool Demolition First Phase

County Board split on promotional advertising spending - MyWebTimes.com

County Board split on promotional advertising spending - MyWebTimes.com


Do you think we might be hearing a request from Vickery for Peru's portion of the bill?

The Hidden Cost of Kid Rock Concert

Concert – Drawing and application have been submitted. The land that is taken out of farming production for the concert parking will have grass planted. 32 acreas were taken out of crop from what Henkel farms, and 5 more acres may be taken out of crop from Michelini.

Henkel paid $200 an acre (32 acres) rent to the city, so the city will lose $6,400 in rental income to plant grass for the concert. Michelini paid $225 an acre (5 acres) rent to the city, so the city will lose $1,125 in rental income to plant grass for the concert. Additionally, it will cost $80 an acre to plant grass. 37 acres x $80 = $2,960. So for taking acreage out of crop and planting grass for the concert, it will cost the city just over $10,000. Plus there will be additional engineering fees.

Minutes from public property committee

Twin City cash mobbers help ‘mom and pop’ shops flourish : Pantagraph.com | Central Illinois

Twin City cash mobbers help ‘mom and pop’ shops flourish : Pantagraph.com | Central Illinois

eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

1 of 4 Tickets Kid Rock 07/13 – Peru, IL - Illinois Valley Regional Airport

Alderman Perez calls on Peru coucil to consider "Strategic Planning" to improve our city

Alderman Rodney Perez initiated a discussion at Monday's council meeting focusing on the idea of creating a "Strategic Planning" process intended to develop goals for the future success of the city of Peru. Alderman Perez is attempting to encourage other elected officials to create a program similar to the recently created CAVS Program (Creating a Visionary School) which was started recently by L-P High School administrators and school board members. L-P leaders have reached out to the community at large for input and participation in planning for the future of the school. L-P has the right idea and it appears that Rodney Perez wants to duplicate that effort of engaging the citizens of Peru as "stakeholders" in the future of their community. After explaining the idea to the other aldermen and asking for consideration and discussion at the next council meeting Alderman Perez's idea got zero feedback from the other aldermen and only Mayor Harl acknowledged the subject could be discussed in the future. I have always been a pro-ponent of the potential benefits of a "joint effort" between city officials and the public because I know our city has an untapped wealth of knowledge and experience in so many areas. The L-P / CAVS Program has developed sub-committees consisting of school administrators, faculty, employees, and local citizens who are working together to plan for the future of the school. I will remain hopeful this progressive initiative from Rodney Perez will convince other elected officials to get on board and support the idea. However, as a member of the Infrastructure Committee it has become very clear to me and the other non-elected members of our committee that our efforts and advice are neither welcome or appreciated by a majority of elected officials in Peru. Because of the current attitude of many on the council, Alderman Perez will have a very difficult time garnering much support for what is becoming a very common and successful tool for governing bodies all across the country. The most critical factor needed for this program to be successful will be the complete support and endorsement of a majority of elected officials who are secure enough in their own ability to lead and delegate authority in order to welcome "outsiders" and not feel threatened by the advice and input of the citizens of Peru. My personal experience while attempting to contribute to my city is that we are just not there yet.

Concerts For a Cause N.T. Story

City, Noonan agree on terms so show can go on at airport

Jeff Dankert
Staff Writer

Peru City Council on Monday approved an agreement between the city and Merry Noonan, organizer of local Concerts for a Cause, to use Illinois Valley Regional Airportfor live music shows.

It requires Noonan to carry liability insurance of $1 million per event and pay all costs of utilities and cleanup after the concerts. Within 14 days after each show, Noonan must pay into the city ofPeruairport fund 50 cents for each ticket sold and not less than $2,500.

The agreement is subject to approval of Illinois Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics. Last fall the city and Noonan learned that fundraisers such as Concerts for a Cause must devote money to the airport, because the airport receives regular government funding for maintenance and improvements.

The agreement also includes a map showing where concert operations and parking are allowed.

Noonan, co-owner of Lou’s LaGrotto inPeruand who has organized successful Concerts for a Cause since 2005, booked Kid Rock to play the airport July 13. Tickets are expected to go on sale this month for $58. The concerts have raised thousands of dollars for charitable causes such as schools.

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Our city attorney did not dispute anything regarding this agreement at the city council meeting nor did anyone else.

It seems that since the concert is on city property, more questions should have been asked. While attendees may eat and stay in the area, I can imagine a strong police presence will need to be available outside the venue itself because so many people will be in town. Who pays for the ambulance to be in attendance during the performance? Is the insurance enough to cover an "incident" and does Peru have additional insurance if there is a problem. We can only hope that the "cause" will be something that benefits Peru and not another outside entity.

City workers get to the bottom of sewer problem - The Daily NewsTribune - LaSalle, IL

City workers get to the bottom of sewer problem - The Daily NewsTribune - LaSalle, IL


And just how long have we been complaining of this area and nothing got done. There was an accident here last week and I wonder if this cave in was involved.

Concerts For A Cause No FAA Approval YET

Tonight the city council agreed to allow Concerts for a Cause to hold the Kid Rock Concert at our airport in July and I guess that was only right since it has already been advertised and tickets will go on sale Saturday, I believe.

Only one minor glitch appeared on the horizon and that is that the FAA has not yet given their approval which is necessary since the Peru Airport was built using grant money. And if by a remote possibility they said no, than no concert and what about the tickets which will be sold by then.

This is so strange that the most important thing which is approval to use the airport was not absolutely done first. Whose job is that for approval, well common sense tells me that would be the job of the city.

Asst. Code Office Perhaps a Vacancy

Several of my readers have asked "Where is Boro?" because again nothing is getting done with the vacated, foreclosed and absentee landlord properties. I asked that question of one of the alderman this evening and it sounds like he has another job and the hours he is now available is not appealing to the city.

It was said that there was a job vacancy posted in the News Trib. for an assistant code officer in Peru but all has been quiet in the city council chambers. We need a strong enforcement officer in that position so I hope the city has plans for such a person to be hired.

Peru Pages: Distractions from the real business of the City

Peru Pages: Distractions from the real business of the City



A very well written and important comment by Brian Foster. I have watched the Princeton council mtgs videocast on the web and they show how Princeton gets things done in a no nonsense manner.

I am also very much in favor of requiring committees or commissions that make decisions be required to come with a representative and present it to the council with the whys and why nots.
In particular commissions who are allotted a budget and seem to spend it as they wish. Their president should present verbally topics and expenditures they are considering. Also our Director of Parks should be informing the council and the public of proposed projects, programs and finances that will be needed.

All seem like common sense suggestions to inform us how our tax dollars are being spent. What do you think?

Perhaps also a comment as to why no closed sessions have been released and at least parts of them, to the public. It has been almost 2 years since any have been posted on the Peru web site.

HAPPY EASTER TO EVERYONE

You may kiss the bride .... - The Daily NewsTribune - LaSalle, IL

You may kiss the bride .... - The Daily NewsTribune - LaSalle, IL

I understand that there are certificates available on line that anyone can obtain and have the authority to do marriages.

Peru Recreation Decision Making for Your Tax Dollars

AGENDA for Monthly Meeting, April 10, 2012, 6:30pm, City Hall, 1901 4th Street, Peru

1. Call to order by President, Bryan Hartmanl.
2. Visitors – Peru Pickleball Ambassador Representative
3. Minutes
4. Treasury Report – March and April 2012
5. Communications
6. Old Business; Padding for Soccer Goals, Black Dirt for Soccer Fields, Resurfacing Courts update.
7. Review and Approve Summer Recreation Brochure
8. Determine Wages for Summer Recreation Employees
9. View Conceptual Drawing for future Softball Field at Veteran’s Park
10. New Business
11. Next Meeting

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I am beginning to have real issues with this "unelected" commission making decisions with our tax dollars. This group of individuals is now determining wages for the summer help. Is this not the responsibility of our Mayor and City Council members?????

We don't have a swimming pool and we don't have the money for a splash pad according to the Mayor but we have money to build another baseball diamond which supposedly would cost $100,000!

Lets give this responsibility back to the city council who have to be responsive to the needs of the residents of Peru. We can call them or email and express our opinions but the recreation commission is not available to the tax payers. If they are then lets have their phone numbers and/or email addresses.

Sports on IVCC chopping block? - The Daily NewsTribune - LaSalle, IL

Sports on IVCC chopping block? - The Daily NewsTribune - LaSalle, IL


More in here than just eliminating the sports program. All the excess allowances and spending partially brought to light. Real comment also.

Pilkington to lay off 60 workers - The Daily NewsTribune - LaSalle, IL (LOF Ottawa)

Pilkington to lay off 60 workers - The Daily NewsTribune - LaSalle, IL

Mendota Elementary accused of breaking Open Meetings Act - The Daily NewsTribune - LaSalle, IL

Mendota Elementary accused of breaking Open Meetings Act - The Daily NewsTribune - LaSalle, IL

How many closed sessions in the last 3 years and how many of the minutes have been published right here in Peru.

Tourism the ticket to money - The Daily NewsTribune - LaSalle, IL

Tourism the ticket to money - The Daily NewsTribune - LaSalle, IL

And what is Peru doing to promote tourism? Beside the Nifty Fifty, what else is on the books?

I know that some would like to spend $100,000 on an additional baseball diamond at Veteran's Park for traveling teams but others say this is not a revenue generator because most families do NOT stay in the city but prefer to go home. We have already spent the money for the Central States Tournament and while I know very little about this event, I would like to be able somehow track and see if tourism dollars actually came back to the city to at least equal our donation.

We have a volunteer economic director who does not report back to the council or does attend committee meetings that I am aware of. We have a volunteer recreation commission that does not come to council meetings and give a report of their proposed plans and/or expenditures. If they did and had discussed this pickle ball project, perhaps we would not have had all the recent furor. Also we have a Recreation Director who does not come to council meetings to give information and she receives a salary. I believe that these mentioned people need to present themselves in a public forum since they are working on our tax dollars. Good public relations is definitely lacking in our city How about a new policy, You spend taxpayer dollars, step forward and let us know where it is going.

Pluses of "aldermen at-large" concept is lost on majority of Peru council members

The aldermen "at-large" initiative has caused the "if it aint broke don't fix it" crowd to once again mobilize the troops in order to prevent another threatening idea in Peru. The benefit of having four at-large aldermen elected via a city wide process does not sit well with some aldermen who are intent on maintaining a death grip on the council seat they are currently very comfortable in. I believe the benefits to the electorate of Peru by having a 50% at-large representation far outweigh any negatives. First and foremost is the fact that to do so would dramatically increase the likelihood of motivating more citizens to run for public office. More candidates mean more dialogue on how to improve our city. More candidates mean more interest and participation in the process. More interest in the process means more activism and more activism means new ideas and new ideas mean more progressive policies. And so on and so on. Bottom line, it's a good thing. Nothing to fear here. Those who oppose the at-large concept will mask their contempt for anything "different" by claiming they were elected only to serve an individual ward, therefore they would somehow violate those who elected them. Some will claim the cost for a ballot initiative as the reason to oppose the idea. That logic is easily trumped by considering the critical importance of allowing the voters to decide. Another point that will likely be made will be that the citizens who favor the initiative have the option of conducting a petitition drive on their own. While that argument does have merit, by clearing the way for the ballot question the aldermen could send the people of Peru a clear and concise message. That message would be, "Come participate in your local government. You are welcome hear. We want your input and we value your point of view because we all share the common goal of improving our community". On the other hand, by voting down this progressive idea a very different message will be made clear. That message is, "We got this folks. We are not about to subject ourselves to a diverse field of fresh candidates that would certainly jeapordize our seats. We do not welcome or encourage public involvement in the political process. Only we know what's best for you. Besides, most of us would have little chance of being re-elected because we have little support beyond the base of voters in our neighborhoods who keep us in power. We alone are in charge and we intend to keep it that way". I say, Term Limits anyone?

Wednesday April 4 Peru City Council Meeting

Corporate Counsel Doug Schweickert

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 6 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH MERRY NOONAN OF La GRATTOS’S CONCERTS FOR A CAUSE FOR THE JUNE 13, 2012 CONCERT

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Motion to place a referendum on the November 6, 2012 ballot to change the form of government to alderman at-large