“It doesn’t take a majority to win, just a tireless minority that will keep starting brush fires in the mind and hearts of their fellow men.”

Samuel Adams

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Nickeloid Park Would You Let Your Child Play Here?

42 comments:

Peru Town Forum said...

You really have to walk through the grass before you realize how high it is. Nice hiding place for some garter snakes, definitely not a place to let you children play.
Who is responsible for the upkeep of our park system?. Is their a plan? Is there a system in place so that ALL parks are checked for graffiti and garbage? Should we as a city be totally dependent on 16 year old kids for keeping the parks mowed and clean?
Couldn't we find someone who is unemployed and would like to work for a couple of months? Compared to all the money we are wasting on other things, it would have been a pittance.

Anonymous said...

its a shame this park is left to vandals and mother nature , but if the park guy (Mr. ride around on his lawn mower WHITTINGTON to check out his house all day ) then they will have to pay over time to take care of it .just what the tax payers need .maybe the mayor and city council will clean and cut grass and repaint ? NOT!

Rodney Perez said...

Lois,
The call I received in regards to the park on Saturday was a "blocked" identity call. However, the gentlemans wife posted her concerns.
Just an update:
I notified Pub.Works on Saturday, filed a police report and met an officer at the park to take photos. and report.
This should be cleaned up first thing Monday.

Thanks,
Rodney

Peru Town Forum said...

If it is true that our park system represents the city, it would look like we don't really care!

Brian Foster said...

Ald. Perez, the graffiti should have been taken care of immediately. It would not have to be permanent or even look all that good, but the bench should have been painted and the garbage barrel either painted or removed if they have a spare one at PWC. I know it would cost some overtime, but we spend on overtime for lesser things. My point is that unless graffiti is dealt with immediately, it only gets worse.
One other thing... does anybody know if this really happened between Friday and Saturday or did the vandals strike days, weeks, or even months ago?

Peru Town Forum said...

Brian, to me, it looks like it had been there longer than overnight.
About 2 years ago, I found some graffiti on the bridge over 251 and a nearby house and it quite a long time like weeks getting it cleaned up even though I called the right people. I believe it took a second call to have someone come up.

Anonymous said...

Even though it is Super Bleck's job why doesn't Mayor Harl ride around Peru and notice these types of things? This just didn't pop up over night. I know Mayor Baker was always riding around and inspecting.

Brian Foster said...

the same thing happened to me with some graffiti at the Centennial Park creek.

Anonymous said...

It's called "tagging"-probably a drug drop off.
When the bathroom stall at Washington Park caught fire; random or cooking? The park was "tagged" prior

Peru Town Forum said...

10:25 AM

That is interesting because it you will look at one of the pictures of the sand which is under the swings, there are some playing cards that are spread out and an empty soda bottle kind of dug into the sand. That must be some of what you are talking about "tagging" as there is nothing logical about the arrangement and who would have a deck of cards under the swings.

Rodney Perez said...

Brian,
I asked the officer to have someone called out. The can with the picture and insignia painted on it has since been removed, The slide and bench should be done on Monday.

Rodney

Anonymous said...

Is there a confusion in regards to the maintenance of City of Peru parks and the responsibilities associated with the parks?
This year Peru has seen an enforcement of any expenditure $20,000 or larger to be submitted to a bid and any expenditure of $5,000 or more to be requested by a department head to be approved by the Finance Committee.
Why has the Peru Park Commission (a group of appointed non elected individuals) been allowed to receive $75,000 per year which it is allowed to disperse without any accountability to another elected government entity? Is the Public Property Alderman Committee in charge of the Peru Park Commission and should they belong appearing to the city council for approval of all expenditures over $20,000 and open bidding and also for appearing at the finance committee for expenditures over $5,000.
Historically why was the sum of $75,000 set and what is this amount to be earmarked for?
There is a concession stand which sells popcorn candy etc. between the baseball fields within Washington Park where do the financial profits from this stand go?

Megan Keeney said...

Great question 1:22 - The concession stand in Washington Park is funded by and managed by Peru Little League. The league assumes the cost of food & beverage, candies, and manpower for running the stand for Peru Little League games, which encompasses Instructional League, Minor & Major Little League, and Jr./Sr. League. The city helps our league by preparing the fields for games and tending to overall park maintenance.
Thanks.

Meg Keeney
Peru Little League

Business Sense said...

Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe its been stated on here by Ald. Perez that there are members of the public works department who work Saturdays due to their contract. Why can they not take care of the issues in this park? One guy can take out the trash at the other City parks while the remaining worker(s) tend to the trash and vandalism in this park. If we had some serious gang issues, I would support utilizing overtime for this task, however Peru is relatively lucky in that regard. There's no reason that the city should've overlooked this, or any other City owned property.

Anonymous said...

Since the city prepares the field for games and tends to overall park maintenance, plus supplies the stand, electricity, lighting and water and sponsors supply uniforms what do the profits from the concession stand pay for? How much money is carried over into the following year? Doesn't Little League receive $4,000 a year from the city because of the tower in the park and does it receive any other funds from the city? How much profit does the stand make in a year?

Anonymous said...

Happy Mother's Day Lois!

Peru Town Forum said...

9:08 PM Thank you very much!

Anonymous said...

8:25--- Yes! Those are questions I would like to know also. My kids haven't played in 6 years and my ex-wife wrote the registration checks so I'm not sure what we paid in dues but I was always under the impression it went to pay for the uniforms. Then on top of that the team sponsors such as Peru PD etc. Wrote a check to the league. Are there still fundraisers such as Tag day etc?
Sure seems like alot of revenue generated for the league. With all of the expenses, equipment, manpower the city provides for the diamonds, and restroom supplies, where's all the league funds going?
I always thought the league paid all the above. Dont get me wrong, I'm all for baseball and sports but something seems way off here. Especially since much of the city is ignored through the summer to maintain the diamonds. I also believe the city just purchased a new diamond machine that cost tax payer's several thousand dollars?
Answers Please!

Megan Keeney said...

I am happy to address questions about Peru LL income and expenses, but I will ask for some forgiveness because although I am league president this year, it's only my second year of involvement, so bear with me as I'm still in the learning curve. Anon 8:25 - perhaps I need to clarify my last response. The City of Peru does not assume the concession stand costs of the food, snacks, beverages, supplies, or staffing. Little League absorbs those costs, to the tune of (and this is where I'll ask for your patience because I'm not working with figures for 100% of a season because it's merely just begun)$10,000-$12,000 and this is based on historic balance sheets. Those historic balance sheets also indicate the stand barely breaks even by season-end.
To the best of my knowledge, Little League does not pay the city for the water or electricity used in the park during the baseball season.
The league also pays for and stores the field dry, that the city workers apply and/or the team coaches apply depending on the day of the week and/or time of day it's being applied. The city does not work our fields in the event of weekend games because of the OT factor. The exception to that, however, is when our league is fortunate enough to host a tournament which can wrap into a weekend, but it's an exception and it comes with advance notice, but is not the norm.
Our registration fee includes a $20 concession stand buy-out. Over the years it has become difficult to staff the stand with parents due to their personal work schedules and desire to watch their child's game. The $20 buy-out helps offset the staffing. It was optional last year, but 99% opted "in", therefore it was built in to this year's fee.
The other big expense for our league is the umpire fees.
Umpire Fees range from $10,000 - $11,000 per season.
Other line item expenses:
LL International Charter Fees, Insurance Fees, Regular Season Uniforms, All-Star Uniforms, Equipment (ie: batting helmets, catchers gear - only replaced if dilapidated from prior years), baseballs, score books, Tournament Enrollment Fees, & Trophies. There are other peripheral fees like office supplies, postage, printing, but the ones I outlined require the biggest outlay of funds.
This year's cell tower contribution was applied to a PA system for the Sr. League field. Peru LL did not have one (we've been borrowing Mendota's for past tournaments) and given the number of games played and tournaments hosted, we, as a board, voted on and approved the allocation toward that system. It has been ordered and we're anxious to start using it.

Thank you.
Meg Keeney - Peru LL

Anonymous said...

Meg congratulations on having the courage to take on the President ship of the Little League and best of luck. you have started off with your best foot forward with your transparency and rapid response time. The concession stand should not just break even but instead should be a huge money maker. The major sales are of items with a extremely high markup such as popcorn, hot dogs and water etc. All labor should be donated and the building and utilities are paid for by the city. Is Peru a member of Williamsport if you are the biggest advantage of being a member was the insurance.
Once again Congratulations and good luck.

Meg Keeney - Peru LL said...

Well thank you - not sure "congratulations" are in order but rather "What were you thinking?" Ha ha. Truly, it's quite an undertaking but I like the involvement and love the game!
Well, unfortunately, it's hard for someone to volunteer 100% of the energy needed to run concessions. It's not just being open for games, but it's managing the inventory, doing the purchasing, food prep, etc. I truly believe for what we pay, we're definitely getting our money's worth this year. I'm not sure who you are, but I'd venture to guess you're familiar with how the league and park activities operate. So I agree with you, that the concession stand should be a money maker and by-golly, I'm hoping that this year it will be. And yes, we are affiliated with Williamsport, and yes the insurance is part of the charter, however, add'l insurances are purchased to ensure proper coverage given the number of players/teams/practice arenas, etc. Similar to ala-carte, there's always an upcharge here and there, but well worth the investment.
Thank you for your encouragement.
Meg

Anonymous said...

Disgraceful: This is a reason that whoever is in charge, should be FIRED! The bench, sick. Maybe that one should be tested for stability!!! Not the new plastic one made out of bags. So, it takes bloggers and
Taxpayers to speak for anything to get done. I would say that the city of Peru could hire a superintendent in charge for half of what's being paid now, and this wouldn't happen. City of Peru: WAKE UP!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

DUMP BLECK AND HARL !!! WHAT A POOR EXCUSE FOR MANAGERS !!! PARTY-PARTY-PARTY !!! PICTURES-PICTURES-PICTURES!!! HOW ABOUT SOMEONE WHO CARES AND TAKES AN INTEREST IN BUSINESS AND WANTS TO PAY SOME BILLS.

Anonymous said...

On another note for all the union bashers, what a nice aritcle in the NT about local 150 and Carpenters union donating time and equipment to bulid the Rotary Park in LaSalle!! Great Job!!

Anonymous said...

What is the current status in regards to the FAA decision of approval or disapproval of the use of the airport for a concert?
Has this "work in motion" been stopped until the decision is made?
The city does not need more grass to cut, it needs to start taking care of all of its city parks first. Presently Centennial is the only park we have that can be shown with pride.

Anonymous said...

THAT BENCH HAS ABSOLUTELY GOT TO BE TESTED BY THE BENCH TESTERS. THE SAME PEOPLE WHO TESTED THE PLASTIC ONE THAT WAS PICTURED IN THE NEWSPAPER SHOULD TEST THIS ONE. PLUS PERU NEEDS TO ASSESS THE JOB PERFORMANCE OF WHOEVER IS IN CHARGE OF PARK MAINTENANCE. BAD BAD TERRIBLE DISGRACEFUL IN THEIR JOB PERFORMANCE. In baseball it's 3 strikes you are out!!!!

Anonymous said...

Your council chose not to go along, with a candidate for SPW, when Harl got in, they voted 8-0, to hire from within. Thats what you got, Gary Bleck. Good Luck

Peru Town Forum said...

10:26 AM

You are right and Harl should not have gone along with this as Bleck as no management abilities.

Peru Town Forum said...

"has no management abilities"

Anonymous said...

Re: Nickeloid Park. Imagine if Mayor Harl were to perform a wedding ceremony in this park. Would he be proud to have pictures for a wedding album of him and the bride and groom at this city park in which HE IS IN CHARGE of over seeing the management of it . Obviously ignored and laziness of the city. Well overdue for a change in Peru.

Anonymous said...

If the city departments can't handle it's responsibilities than maybe the jobs such as maintenance of our parks should go out for bid to a lawnmowing company that would be more than willing to do the job in a timely manner!!! This probably would cost the city less than hiring 30(?) summer employees!! Also, it would be supporting small businesses. Because it's evident that peru's management can't and hasn't been taking care of business as needed. 28th street park has looked terrible for many years. There have been times where the grass has been 8-10 inches high. Not kidding, just stating the truth in my opinion. And imagine if you lived in that area of Peru paying excessive property taxes to have an eyesore right in the middle of subdivision. And there is an alderman who lives up there in that area. Shouldn't it be his job to have taken notice of this over the years??? Must have a blind eye.

Peru Town Forum said...

3:28 PM

I like your idea and it was something I was discussing with a friend today. If the summer help had supervision and someone who directed them how to do the work, it might be different.

Peru Town Forum said...

3:28 PM

You have a new alderman in your ward since last April.

Anonymous said...

I agree dump all the dead weight ... Harl, Bleck, Potthoff, Taylor, and Schweikert! !!

Anonymous said...

Isn't Ferrari an alderman in that ward also? Where 28th street park is?

Peru Town Forum said...

11:00 PM
Yes he is and from what people have said, both Radtke and Ferrari have taken an interest in the subject.
It really does surprise me that the 28th St Park and the one further north that they call Baker Park are not kept in better condition considering where they are.

Anonymous said...

Anon 9:28 This is what Harl said he would do if elected.

Anonymous said...

Things must be messed up in Peru if "Lumberyard Taylor" can fly under the radar at $28.50 per hour and not be detected.

kim sienkiewicz said...

In regards to the mr ride around Whittington i beg to differ with anonymous i see Mr. Whittington every morning when taking my son to school at washngton Mr whittington is always prepping the ball diamonds or mowing the grass i have never seen him riding around i also live by mc kinley park and have seen him working very hard to keep the ball diamond in good shape and the grass cut so in closing anonymous u obviously do not know how hard Mr. Whittington does work

Peru Town Forum said...

9:10 AM

Thank you Kim, always happy to see something like that corrected.

gigi said...

i think someone is stalking mr whittington leave the poor man only

Meg Keeney - Peru LL said...

I concur with Kim. I do not work in the city of Peru so I can't attest to daily sightings of Mr. Whittington, but I do agree that as it relates to tending to the parks & fields, he's top-notch. And his communication skills are to be applauded. It's refreshing to have a connection in Peru with a pulse on the field conditions for upcoming evening games. I realize this isn't his only responsibility, but for what it's worth, I commend his efforts.