Guests in attendance were Alderman Bob Ankiewicz, Simon Kampwerth Jr., representing Peru Little League Softball, and Peru Citizens Tony Ajster, Colette Ciszewski, Jill Bernal, and Linda Dzierzynski.
Simon addressed the Commission first stating that the scoreboard at Sunset died. Current dimensions of that scoreboard are 8X12 Feet. Also, that it would be ideal to replace the scoreboard (4X10 feet currently) at McKinley Park. Simon has begun researching cost with a company called Nevco, which is an Illinois manufacturer of scoreboards. The range to replace the two scoreboards is a total of $7000-$11,000. This does not include the cost of wireless controls, approximately $350 per unit. Simon stated that his organization, the Peru Little League Softball Org, would be willing to pay 50% of the cost to replace the McKinley scoreboard and 1/3 of the cost to replace Sunset’s scoreboard. Simon asked our Commission to contact the other organizations (ASA teams) and to see what type of financial support they are willing to contribute to the project. Ideally, the installation should be in April 2013 for next season’s play. Bryan stated that he would contact the other teams and schedule a meeting to which Simon would be invited. Bob Ankiewicz stated that the City could perhaps assist with erecting and hooking up the new scoreboards. Simon stated that the ASA teams do not play at McKinley, but that they do use Sunset. Simon also stated that the lights are an issue at Sunset Field. He requested that the light switch be placed outside and available for the teams to turn on. Bryan will discuss with Jim Potthoff (Peru Electric Dept.) placing a strong and secure metal box at the sight for team access. Lastly, Simon stated that the Challenger Division (mentally disabled baseball team), who play at Veteran’s Park on Wednesday and Sunday were having difficulty getting to the field at Veteran’s Park due to a chain being placed over the entrance. Lynda stated that she knew who to contact and would get it taken care of. A discussion then ensued regarding vehicles driving in Veteran’s Park and parking illegally in the Park. Bob Ankiewicz stated that this is a safety problem and will discuss with the Chief of Police posting a sign to disallow this.
Jill Bernal next addressed the Commission with her concerns over the Pickleball Courts being placed at 28th Street Park. Jill stating that the court was 20 feet from her and Linda’s homes. Jill said that the sound of Pickleball to her (and Linda Dzierzynski agreed) was a “nuisance” and that potentially having 16 people at the sight playing with four balls was “troublesome”. A discussion followed with some solutions to be explored. Ray offered to check with US Tennis Construction Co. on sound deafening screens. Jill and Linda said they would not like to see money spent on this project unless it truly deafened the ball sound. Mr. Ajster spoke next stating that he had a friend who lived on 30th Street, north of 28th Street Park, and when he sat outside on his front deck to read his book that the Pickleball sound was loud. Bryan stated that the Recreation Commission’s Budget would not allow the Commission to put in a new court, regardless of the location.
Reports: A motion to accept the amended minutes from the 06/12/12 meeting was moved by Ray and passed unanimously. A motion to accept the Treasurer’s report was moved by Ron and passed unanimously.
Communications – Bryan read a communication from Sherry Mayszak announcing that a Fun Day to benefit Friends of the Peru Pool will be held Saturday, 7/21/12 at Centennial Park from 11:00-2:00 pm. The fundraising committee is looking for volunteers to assist with the activities
and booths. Anyone available to assist should contact Sherry. Next, Secretary, Janice Grabowski, read a letter written by our Commission, asking that the Mayor and City Council begin a discussion on adding a parking lot at Veteran’s Park to eliminate patrons from parking on Plank Road and in the Peru City Cemetary. Bob Ankiewicz took receipt of the letter and said that he would deliver it personally to the Mayor and City Council members.
Janice announced that the Illinois Valley Tennis Boosters (IVTB) had donated six center net straps to the Recreation Commission for use on the Peru courts as a thank you for allowing them to use the courts for the 4th of July IVCH Tennis Classic. Also, the IVTB praised the City/Rec Commission on the court resurfacing project and the color selection.
New Business: A new Corporate Authorization Resolution and Signature Card were signed by Bryan Hartman- President, Janice Grabowski-Secretary, and Raymond Zborowski-Board Members. Tom Atkinson at Citizens First National Bank requested the form to reflect new officers.
Larry Weide updated the Commission on the soccer fields at Baker Lake. The grass seed didn’t take due to the extreme heat and lack of water, but will be playable for this fall season. The Illinois Valley Youth Soccer League (IVYSL) will reseed and fertilize all fields mid- October of this year. Larry stated that the IVYSL will pay for one port-a-potty at Baker Lake near the fields for the months of August, September and October. He requested that the Commission consider a second unit for Baker Lake as he feels the number of players and guests warrants it. Tom Stuart made a motion for the Peru Rec Commission to pay for one unit, seconded by Ray and passed unanimously. Larry will coordinate the rental with Steve Michelini, low bidder.
Old Business: Lynda updated the Commission on the Movie in the Park and 4th of July family fun area. The Movie in the Park had 75 attendees. It was discussed and decided that next year we will schedule it on a Friday night with a rain date of Saturday. Hopefully, this will encourage greater attendance.
Also, the Family Fun Area was not heavily attended. Lynda felt people just did not want to walk down Water Street that distance and that the heat could have been a factor. Discussion followed with suggestions for one big Boucy next year and definitely a clown. We also discussed having Rental Pro’s deliver and remove the Boucy next year and having Rec employees assist with the Fun Area. Lastly, the Commission selected the Playground equipment for purchase for Nickeloid Park. It is a 6 Play Event item at a cost of $8609.00. The colors selected are yellow, orange and blue. Lynda will coordinate the purchase with the City Clerk’s office after the Rec Commission’s matching funds become available. American Nickeloid donated $4000 earmarked for a piece of playground equipment for Nickeloid Park and the Recreation Commission is paying the remainder.
Meeting closed at 8:17pm. Next meeting will be held on August 14, 2012 at 6:30pm at City Hall. Respectfully submitted, Janice Grabowski, Secretary
12 comments:
A good read. They should not have much trouble finding a clown for next year family fun area, with so many in attendance at the meeting.
Although Aug 14, 2012 Peru Rec Commission minutes are not approved as of this date could a brief summary of what occurred at that meeting be shown on this blog.
Every time I read these Rec Commission minutes I get so damn sick and disgusted by the fact that the so-called "Recreation Director" Linda Kasik is on the city dole for $10,000 annually. I suppose there may be a basic need for this position but her salary is just not commensurate with the duties required. Even if the municipal pool was still operating and she still had those duties, 10 grand would still be at least twice what this part-time summer season position should pay. It doesn't matter how many movies in the park she organizes. Nor does it matter that she helps organize a Halloween Parade and a Christmas Parade outside the summer season.
The position is grossly over-compensated at $10,000.
Don't forget, this position was never adverstised to the public for interested qualified applicants who might actually possess recreation related training and education. Neither of which Linda Kasik has ever had or attained since she was handed the job.
Kasik's title was "Pool Manager", which in her case had been a "patronage job" appointment from Don Baker on recommendations from Tony Ferrari and Jamey Mertel at which time they were actually paying her $15,000 a year.
When Harl was elected and the pool did not open Mertel and Ferrari arranged for Kasik's title to be very conveniently changed to "Recreation Director" instead of just firing her as they should have done which would have allowed the city to actually advertise for a qualifed indiviual. Not only did the two aldermen save her job they tried to keep her salary where it was, at $15,000.
They thought nobody would notice. Well, someone did notice and pitched a helluva bitch, so they cut her salary back to a still outrageous $10,000 annually for her reduced duties consisting of organizing Arts and Crafts, Movies in the Park, and an occasional parade. Actuall, I think all of these menial tasks could be and probably should be organized by members of the Recreation Commission themselves.
UGHHHH! Sorry, excuse me, I just threw up in my mouth a little bit thinking of how easily some of these aldermen and Rec Commission members are "conned" by people like Kasik who feed from the city trough.
Should Linda Kasik be compensated more than an aldermen or the Peru Fire Chief?
If the Rec Commission members don't look to cut this waste on their own, the city council should cut the rec budget by an amount that equals at least half of Linda Kasik's current inflated salary.
Honestly, these people on the Rec Commission should never be allowed to determine anybody's rate of pay. Not Rec Director, not summer help, not dog catcher, not anybody! Sorry, gotta run, I'm about to blow chunks again!
Lois
I understand if you can't comment on this in a blog, but have you and others who are opposed to the manner in which the city is being run begun vetting candidates ? If so is there any anticipated announcement date for a candidate announcement?
Blogging is great but this is going to take much stronger action to change- that means a very strong candidate is needed for mayor and several strong aldermanic candidates as well.
Yes, she should be compensated more than a Alderman. Ugly comments from 11:41. I think you may be "conned" by a few of those ill-informed individuals.
I just don't understand why there has to be so much hostility in such a small community as Peru. We have an individual who introduces a new game to the Illinois Valley - good for him. The problem - it creates an irritating noise to those who live within a close vicinity of its' location. These residents have asked that they be taken into consideration and that a decision to relocate the game take place after a 1 year probation trial - not a 3 year one. The game uses portable nets, paddles and wiffle type balls. The problem - the creator nor the committee that his wife is on want to relocate because the present court is within walking distance of their home. Residents who live blocks away from this park lay claim that the noise doesn't bother them. The problem - they live blocks away we live feet away. This same game (while being supposedly the fastest growing) has created noise disturbances and problems even in retirement communities. The result - law suits are being filed. It's like having a party in our back yards yet we're not invited. Those that play and enjoy the game more power to you but please take into consideration those that you are disturbing. Would you want a loud, boisterous game being played in your back
yard night after night til dark? We came face to face with you to try and reach a compromise. We thank you for your time but we do not appreciate being talked about behind our backs. If you had something to say why didn't you say it when we were there to defend ourselves? All we want is a compromise that will make everyone happy.
Linda
I can appreciate your desire to compromise and have the powers that be protect your interest. I assure you, I understand it more than most. Unfortunately, there is a very strange brand of small town politics at play in this area.
Those who are elected are bestowed with a great responsibility- to lead and represent the majority that put them in the leadership role. That part is obvious. Yet the responsibility to protect the rights of the minority, the few who are affected by individuals who are connected or powerful, that responsibility seems lost. The attitude of I won so I get to do what I want might play out well in national politics, but as you point out, it does not work in small towns. In a small town, no majority is that big, no minority too small. We are all neighbors.
I understand the reluctance to stand up to bullying and being ignored by the majority. I also understand the need to take legal action. There are no winners in these suits against cities. But if the majority does not care about what their neighbors are going through, sometimes there is no other way.
It's not about seeking glory or political gain. It's about standing up for your home and family, against the whole Illinois Valley if you must. People can laugh and make jokes about pickle ball. They can minimize it. But it is not funny. And it is not little.
Some of us do not hate Peru or the leadership or the rec commission, but still understand your position and support you. Unfortunately, compromise takes two.
5:28 Thank you for your support and understanding and the message you are conveying. It's nice to know that people do see that sometimes changes are not for the best and need to be revisited. Compromise is the easy solution but sometimes the most difficult to accomplish. The next time you see your council man or the mayor or a rec member just mention to them as you stated above "compromise takes two". Thank you again for any support you can give.
DOES LINDA HAVE A CERTIFICATION FOR BEING A LIFEGUARD? When Peru had a pool she managed it! Did she hire the lifeguards? ????? I would think a pool manager should be required to have lifeguard certification. Linda is OVERPAID.
FYI: For those who don't know, the Linda who posted above is not the one on the city payroll.
I find it funny that a porta potty is gonna be rented and paid by the city and instead of getting bids , a rec members pulls a quote out of their butt and says its the lowest and they just go with it . And of course its Michelini ! Doesnt he rip off the city enough with his overpriced services ? I think so !!
FYI: For those who want to know the Linda who posted above and is not the swimming pool manager would be the correct Linda to have on the city payroll. She does more for the city than the other Linda free of charge. $10,000 a for a part time job plus Hocking getting $39,000 plus per year for a part time occupation without any particular qualifications. At the wages these two get per hour no wonder your getting nothing for your taxes in Peru.
Post a Comment