I will be posting video of part of this city council meeting that you will not want to miss. It will truly be a testimonial to the attributes possessed by some of our alderman and mayor and give you more than enough reason to vote them out of office in April.
Again Alderman Mayszak and Alderman Perez showed us their excellent character and ability to work for the citizens to the best of their ability.
A side note is that Alderman Radtke has decided to run against Alderman Mayszak for the second ward seat. I am pretty sure she is a fly in the business of some of the aldermen and mayor. If he loses he will not get the alderman at large position, I am told.
The vote on keeping pickleball at 28 th street park was 6-2 and you don't even need names. The city of Peru in effect tonight voted to spend much more money because the lawsuit will now begin and pickleball will become a very expensive game.
33 comments:
Attended my first city meeting tonight. I encourage anyone who has never been to go. What an eye opener. Embarassed by most of those representing our city. The way one alderman treated a citizen was so childish made me ill. I left the meeting angry and upset. Thank you to all contributing to this blog, I saw for myself that most of what you read here is true. Sad.
They count on a bully mentality, that a few will not stand up to the many. That is why the story of the few has to be told , so the many can judge for themselves and not accept the news tribune pablum, and the condescension of the arrogant six.
The council seem to dare people to stand against them. Even if the neighbors should lose in court, they will not find it difficult to find eager and qualified representation. And this story will resonate with many voters.
Lois, I must admit that I did not feel the neighbors of the park stood much of a chance. The six aldermen had their minds made up before I even got up to speak. But that is Ok they are the ones who will have to answer to the voters in April. What bothers me the most is the group that play the game are not the least concerned about the families that live the closest to the court. They just do not care, because if they did there could have been a compromise by now. But that is OK to because I always remember the saying...when people show you who they are, believe them. And I feel that everyone in that room with the exception of Sherry and Rodney certainly showed me who they are, and I think we all better believe them. Jill Bernal
I stopped going to council meetings two years ago. I voted for someone that I thought would bring new ideas and create an atmosphere where citizens could be heard without being ridiculed. I felt sick to my stomach tonight about what happened at that meeting. I will not attend any more meetings because I was so ashamed of the behavior of people that are elected to represent us. If you have a weak stomach stay away from the meetings but be sure to watch the videos that are now on the city web site. Shame on the City of Peru for allowing this to take place.
I agree 10:47, the arrogance that is displayed is sickening. All of us who witnessed this tonight need to get the word out on the streets that we will not tolerate this behavior from elected officials.
We need to remember that this is not the first time that at least 5 of them have behaved like this. Those whose term is up in April all have opponents in the aldermanic and mayoral races in April so don't let your disgust with our city government keep you from voting, but let it be a reinforcement that we as a city can do better. I can't believe we have sunk so low as the behavior that was shown to us tonight and I need to tell you that there were several young children in the audience this evening watching this exhibition.
"I find it unlikely that the Y would invest in the nets for indoor use and they would also need support posts. Perhaps Ald. Potthoff can clear the air at the city council meetings tomorrow" My quote from a earlier piece I wrote.
I was wrong the Y did purchase a Master 4 Player Tournament Set for 214.99 plus 34.40 shipping. These are set up at the Y in the green gym. So 4 nets amounts to 62.35 apiece. That is certainly a better buy than Peru got. According to the minutes of the Peru Recreation Board they spent $1224 for pickleball equipment, 5 nets for 725.00, 20 paddles $359 and 6 doz balls $140. Mr Grabowski purchased the paddles and the balls from the city for $500.00.
The city nets cost $145.00 per net approximately.
The Tournament Set consists of: 2 water fillable base standards with rubber stoppers, 2 net posts with coupling, 1-lightweight 21'x 2 1/2' net, 4 paddles, 4 sticks of chalk for lines, 3 DURA 56 balls and rules, everything you need to set up a court in 10 minutes. Paddle is made from 7 ply hardwood construction with custom tapered wrapped handle and rope style safety strap. 15"L x 7 3/8"W. (This is the set ordered by the YMCA)
Alderman Potthoff was indignant that I thought he might be using city equipment in the place in which he is the CEO. A polite correction would have been appreciated instead.
LaSalle -- LEADER OF THE VALLEY, OGLESBY -- SECOND.
The adult pickleball club, that took over the 28th street tennis court, has decided they're outdoor season is over so they've moved indoors to the Y. When they left they had the city remove the "so-called" portable equipment. When the portable stuff was removed "PERMANENT" bolts were left sticking up on the court surface. Needless to say this left the court unusable and dangerous (I cannot believe we would even do such a thing). When this situation was reported to the proper personnel the city returned and put boards over the bolts, removed the tennis net, and padlocked the gates.
This neighborhood court, that was previously used by young and old alike, now belongs strictly to the "ALL ADULT PICKLEBALL CLUB". I personally feel we've lost sight of the reason for neighborhood parks - THE KIDS!!
Just read the News Trib online. Mr. Ferrari owes the Dzierzynski's a public apology and the mayor should demand that he do so. I am sure there were smirks on many other faces last night and why he would single out one person is beyond belief.
Mr. Grabowski had no comment according to the paper. I wonder why! He certainly was not afraid to speak up at the public property meetings. He must have known it was in the bag.
This is not an "ADULT" club. My children love pickleball.
Jennifer
9:22 I agree with you as to the fact that there were probably many different facial expressions at the meeting last night. But the last time I checked we do live in America and we are free to smirk if we chose. Mr. Ferrari's reaction reminded me of junior high days.....teacher so and so is smirking at me! Make her stop! This administration is so screwed up! Lois, if that is a fact that Mr. Ferrari made the comment that the rec board needs to go and now he is singing their praise, it is him who needs to go in the April election. What is going on there at city hall?
Where do your children play Jennifer? If it's on the usual pickle ball court they don't play very often.
They do actually play @ 28th street. I have children of all ages. 20,19,11 and 9 to be exact. Sometimes homework gets in the way, but they were there quite a bit this summer. Would you like dates? Times? Pictures?
Jennifer
I would have to agree with you Jennifer. The group that play pickleball have hardly behaved like adults.
11:50a.m.
What is going on there is a bunch of bullying, with no leadership. I noticed Mayor Harl did not defend Mrs. Dzierzynski or even come to her aid. He just let Ferrari continue his whiny tirade, yet Harl chastized Mayzak for speaking before Ferrari was finished. Harl, Ferrari, and Ankiewicz need to go this April. Please get out and VOTE the bullying and arrogance out of office.
In todays news tribune there is an article in regards to last nights council meeting. If it's true that this pickleball fiasco was enacted by the city not following proper procedures, taxpayers should seek an attorney. Possibly an attorney who would be willing to take the case Pro Bono ( no charge). Maybe get one from CHICAGO!
2:30 YOU ARE SO SO SO SO SO RIGHT! This is a no brainer. Have a city meeting with all taxpayers invited. Show videos of meetings and allow all that persons that have been criticized at meetings to speak to public! Possibly have at Washington schools auditorium. More taxpayers need to be aware of what's going on.
3:44PM
Since the meeting last night, I do realize that people need to be able to share ideas and work toward encouraging and helping the best in our city who are seeking public office. I like the Washington School gym, wonder if they would make it available to an independent group.
3:28. Harl was overheard saying that violating the OMA was no big deal. The Rec Board would just get their hand slapped. The Rec Board violated the OMA twice and the neighbors of 28th St. Park never had a chance to voice their opinion because pickleball was never mentioned on the Rec Board agenda when it was established and when they decided to change the tennis court to a Pickleball court. Gee, I wonder why the OMA was instituted if it's "no big deal" to violate it?
I can't see why it would be a problem to use washington auditorium. Many town meetings are held at schools. On the 10 o'clock news all the time. Politicians use auditoriums and gymnasiums at schools. Why wouldn't we taxpayers who pay for these schools be able to use? This is truly something to consider. Maybe the city of Peru will use shuttle bus to pick up the disabled or non-driver senior citizens so they can attend. Maybe newstribune will advertise this meeting for free for a week in the paper. Just a thought!
4:17 Maybe the 28th St. neighbors would be willing to organize a meeting. I would be willing to bet they are so angry with the city right now they would jump at the chance. Lois since you have been following this fiasco on the blog what are your thoughts?
The neighbors do not need to organize a public meeting. Pickleball is gone now for the year, and they need to step back and find allies. They need to quietly discuss strategy with real counsel and determine, behind the scenes, what the position of Harls opposition will be.
If you want to all get together and share the details of your strategies with everybody and their brother in a public meeting, you will play right into the administrations hand. Research, prepare, fund raise and then implement a strong campaign strategy. Its not all about venting and threatening in public. Their are some serious legal issues involved here, and the neighbors have a decent case.
Take the next month and put it all together. If appropriate, you can file in January and have counsel stay in close contact with the Rockford case.
All last night did was continue to support the fact that the neighbors suffered damages through an illegally passed activity this past summer. That will be the basis of the first lawsuit.
If the case is strong enough that individuals mislead the the rec board and city about this active, those individuals can also possibly be sued for fraud individually for damages.
Now finally, as of last night, the city may have at last legally instituted pickleball at 28th street park. There is a separate case that the continued block voting and possible decision making outside of meetings is a violation of the OMA, and we have 60 days to use last nights meeting as the trigger for a citizens suit. At that time, every shred of evidence about past meetings with the intersection problem, or meetings at Individual places of business, examples of introduction and voting on ordinance that has never been seen by voting aldermen- all can be introduced to show a pattern of decision making outside of the council meetings. Continued videotaping and monitoring to show such instances, as well as focusing on meeting minutes that show decision making outside of the council chambers... They all add up. Last nights meeting can be the trigger.
The OMA has teeth, but the states attorney here may be uninterested or unwilling to prosecute Peru. Contacts have already been made quite a while ago with better government groups in the suburbs and professional audio engineering firms to prepare sound data.. Everything is proceeding as it was before last night. Do not be rash, but do be effective. Take a deep breath, use the energy to form a large 100 plus member PAC and let pickleball be one element of it. There are bigger fish to fry before Spring, and a just resolution on Pickleball will be one of the elements.
It may not seem like it today, but the seeds of a bigger victory were planted last night. Relax and enjoy the quiet at the park for the rest of fall and winter.
I get the giggles when I picture the prickleballers lining their courts at the Y with chalk that was included with the nets, paddles and balls.
Who would represent the city if a lawsuit is filed? The city atty. is a Pickleball player. I also believe a few aldermen have also played with this league. I smell a conflict and city paid atty fees going to another atty other than city atty. What a shame this administration is. I'm embarrased. I think Ferrari and the valley mayor should team up and box each other. I also noticed in that video the Mayors yes men were silent on the issue. They must have been told to remain silent and only say yes and No depending on the way Bob A. and Ferrari voted.
I applaud Sherry and Rod good job and Thank you
Yes 10:38 I agree radtke was very quiet last night. But then maybe he watched himself on previous videos and decided it may be better to just say nothing and let the big guns speak. And we all witnessed how that worked out.
4:53 PM
This blog has been blamed for everything associated with this pickleball fiasco and other issues in the city that has been questioned. This is why many people will not sign their names because they then are associated with the blog and that is why one resident was singled out last night, it is why the mayor will not answer emails and phone calls about a question that came up here. Many people including myself have now been ostracized and ridiculed because we chose to continue to ask questions and expect answers to them. It wasn't too long ago that Ald. Ferrari and Waldorf publicly yelled at me when I asked a question at a council meeting about the non participation of several Recreation Board members that were allowed to remain on the board even when they missed 50% of the meetings. There must be some sort of sacred bond between the city government and the Peru Recreation Board.
Ald. Ferrari said we have to back up the committees with their decisions and usually that is done but I do remember when I sat through a zoning committee meeting and they voted one way and that same night it was sent to the council and the decision was reversed. Many times the aldermen choose to accept all these decisions because they don't want to take the time to research issues as Alderman Mayszak and Perez did last night. And you have all seen how they were treated for their diligence.
10:36
There is no problem with the city attorney representing the city because he plays the sport. There is also not conflict of interest on the vote. Everyone, even the affected neighbors, have nothing against this sport.
The point of law will focus on the fact that the City allowed injury to the neighbors through an invalid act. Actions taken by government in violation of the OMA are not valid. It is more difficult to sue a government body, but certainly not impossible. Given the odd nature of a volunteer Rec board, we believe taking action against that board will be easier, as it was acting in its own private interests ( like a business) and not on behalf of the community as a whole.
Also, if fraud can be proved, the individuals responsible will be unable to hide behind the city for indemnification.
The whole issue always amazed me , along with every activist I have run it by- that the the city attorney would even risk this during a campaign. The risk benefit to not following the path of compromise just did not seem worth it. Broader coverage will not make them seem strong. It will make them seem like bullies and leaders who do not care about the little guy.
Maybe they like that, I do not know.
Sherry, Rod, Jill, Lois and Linda all of you have proven that it is easier representing a cause when you are honest and right. Many who are in full agreement and appreciative of your efforts refrain from personally becoming involved because the city representation, as Jill stated, has adorned the cloth of a BULLY rather than what it is created for.
Those who presently refrain from expressing themselves publicly will do so this April. Linda you have all the right in the world to smirk whether you did or didn't it should not bother anyone in their right mind nor should you or anyone else feel that they lose their freedom of expression when they enter Peru City Hall.
To those city officials and only those officials who are not aware or do not acknowledge this fact: YOU ARE LIVING UNDER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS ARE THE REST OF US. PLEASE ACT AND REPRESENT AS SUCH.
Mr. Hart, congratulations on your decision to run for mayor. Thank you for giving the people of Peru a choice.
I read in the newspaper today that the council approved a settlement agreement for a wrongful death lawsuit to the family in regards to a 2001 accident that occured on a city easement on railroad property along the Illinois and Michigan Canal that it used for hydroelectric transmission. Is this settlement public information to we taxpayers? On page A3 newstribune. God bless this family, hopefully they will have some closure. Didn't know where to put this question.
I've been to council meetings, and from my honest observation, firsthand I've seen alderman Ferrari twiddle his thumbs, and smirks on his face with a cocky smile and doesn't seem interested in what's going on. Holding an aldermanic office should be held for the representation of the people, not for a ego boost! My opinion. Hopefully some names won't be on the ballot in April.
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