Thursday, December 13, 2012
After more than 10 years of letters and litigation, the city is buying the Kings Inn it to demolish the building.
City Attorney Doug Schweickert explained the city’s long history with the property Wednesday night before the city council agreed to buy the property He showed them a letter written to a former owner from October 3, 2001. In it the city’s former Building and Zoner Officer Wayne Kasza complained about various building violations.
The building would eventually go through a couple owners but none Schweickert considered to be “responsible parties.”
The city will pay the tax scavenger SiteSale $27,717.89 for its tax certificate and pay the La Salle County Clerk nearly $9,730.85 for the 2011 real estate taxes.
Chamlin has been asked to draw up plans for demolition. How much that will cost is unknown. Most of the asbestos has been removed.
Mayor Harl says they’ll be paying for the building and demolition using hotel-motel tax money.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
59 comments:
That hotel motel tax money must be tremendous. It pays for the concerts at the airport in only 5 To 10 years, assuming the concerts stay the same size and fill up every single room... And now it will pay for this!
Hotel motel taxes are great. They can pay for everything in the whole world.
Why wasn't Vickrey able to get all that money back from the owners of the property? I thought he could collect debts from anybody and get our money back. Just because he didn't get elected does not mean his grand plan isn't still in effect over at the courthouse!
Who in the Hell would build anything where the Kings Hotel sits? Looks to me like another cart before the horse deal.Until that huge eyesore hotel across the way gets removed that whole area will be an eyesore. The Mayor and council should have done something there first.What do these officials think, a nice restaurant or hotel will build there with the beautiful scenery of that across the street? Give me a window with a view. Something smells here and i'm not liking it.Mis-management of funds if you ask me. Is that a Tif, and Enterprise area? If so why did the city just blow the motel tax? Do they even know what demolition costs are? Can't wait to see the final ticket on this fiasco is. Peru is about to fall over the Fiscal Cleff.
Leave it up to Harl to add more debt to the city. SPEND SPEND SPEND.
Pothoff says the city needs to take control of that property for further development? So what are plans for the truckstop, and the HO-JOs hotel? Shouldn't the city take "control" over them too? Is this what it's all about, control? Who's controlling the spending of our tax dollars? who's controlling all of these horrible decisions? Where is Alderman Perez, and Mayzak on these important issues? We need someone to look after the city!!! screw the fireworks and pickleball STOP THE SPENDING!!!!!!!!!!!
Wait until the City buys the "Peru Trade Center" AKA "Westclox." Old Bobby V better start attracting more hotels and motels to pay for that mess. Its only a matter of time... they have NO INSURANCE!!!! and the City KNEW ABOUT THAT ON JANUARY 3rd!!!
Anon 4:56 Alderman Mayzak and Alderman Perez have been out front on the issues you bring up as well as all the other issues which confront the city? Where are the other six aldermens involvement?
To Alderman Mayzak and Perez's credit is that they seem to be the only aldermen who realize that their responsibiities are greater than a AYE or NAY vote.
Anyone with half a brain can see it coming that Peru Trade Center is going to file bankruptcy and leave the mess for the tax payers to handle, just like the electric plant fiasco that the city attorney said we would get a million dollars if they default. Of course the city attorney and city uneducated building inspector don't even have half a brain to see this coming. I guess the next generation will handle paying for it and cleaning up that mess. Or as soon as we get our new mayor and new attorney and new inspector. Maybe they will have a back bone .
There is so much for the next generation to pay for that they are not going to be able to have much for themselves.
It's a snowball speeding down a long hill. Can't these aldermen see this even if Harl does not understand?
Why doesn't Harl and his crew try to bring in some factories? Never hear any talk of trying to put the area back on the map for jobs. Don't blame the economy -- There are plenty of things going on throughout the country.
This administration is not manufacturer-friendly.
The union climate here is not manufacturer friendly either. Retail gets a pass, except when they need a new 500 dollar faucet installed.
Harl is trying to extort huge sums of money from local manufacturers through electric rate increases. He's spent all the city's money and is desperate to come up with cash. Too scared to lose votes by raising consumer electric rates, he's on the verge of killing the entire manufacturing industry in Peru. This guy needs to go.
THE UNIONS HAVE ALREADY CHASED MOST OF THE BUSINESS AWAY! HIGH PRICED JOBS WON'T COME HERE. THIS AREA HAS SHOT ITSELF IN THE FOOT!
One of the major manufacturers in north Peru is already searching for a new facility to move to due to te nearly 1 million dollar electricity cost increase they've been hit with.
Could a explanation be given to the comments pertaining to the increase in electricty costs for manufacturing sites?
I cannot give an explanation but I heard the same info.
For years the city subsidized unprofitable divisions by raiding the electric "slush fund". That sounds bad enough, but it worked. Harl has managed to drain that fund and is now in desperate need of cash. Rather than owning up to his budget woes and implementing much-needed electric rate increases at the homeowner (voter) level, he has decided to make it the sole responsibility of manufacturers and businesses. Manufacturers are being forced to purchase electricity from the city at exorbitant rates even though it is available at a much lower cost from private utility companies such as Ameren. Harl's excuse is that manufacturers can pass along the cost to THEIR customers by raising the prices of their products. It is not that easy. In some cases, we're talking about a million dollar cost increase. As previously stated, one major manufacturer is already actively looking to relocate with more contemplating a similar move. It's a shame to see even more manufacturing jobs leave this area because of the ignorance of an inept administration.
9:40 Your analysis points out one key problem inherent to union leadership running a city. The rank and file always assume that a company can pass along increases in labor and benefits to some magical group of consumers who are prohibited from shopping elsewhere. That thinking translates directly to the utility issue with manufacturing. His policies are not only woefully inadequate attracting business, but he is actively working AGAINST businesses. The intersection was a perfect example, assuming northern business would do fine without involving them as shareholder. Classic union confrontation vs compromise.
You see it in his lack of effective negotiation and compromise on the many issues that have been mentioned, his take it or leave it strike mentality.
That is the thinking that makes everything expensive. It is nothing but an upward spiral. We don't need a union mayor -- no business sense. The only thing they know is more more more for me. When they retire its a different story, then the "scab" is the best friend --- to hire union is too expensive. Wake up HARL and keep our people working and BRING IN NEW don't drive out what we have!!!
The problem with "passing along the cost" thoery is that somebody eventually has to pay for the cost. The thing that people must get straight in their head is that a business does not exist to employ people or provide goods and services. The business exists to make a profit. If a business does not make a profit, it will close or relocate. People and governments need to understand that when it comes to business, they are selling them a service. The people sell their labor. The government sells services such as utilities, roads, and protection. The labor and the services must be offered at a rate the business is willing to pay. If electricity costs to much and other options exist, it might make sense to move. Same with labor. To some degree, the manufacturing North of Peru came here because of low electric costs. If you take that away, what is left?
10:10 You are correct with you analysis of the mayor's take it or leave it mentality. Whether it be the intersection, a loan for road repairs, electric rates with businesses, swimming pool, pickle ball, it is his way or the highway. Forget about the residents and business owners. I honestly do not think that the city can afford him in office for four more years. I hate to say it because I voted for him along with many others. What an about face he has done in the past three years. At this point, Baker or Hart would be a welcome change.
8:17 manufacturing can be extremely vulnerable to variable and semi variable cost increases. By raising their electric rates, it is one more example of the take it or leave it approach.
Here is how it plays out
To park neighbors, if you don't like it shut your doors or sell your house.
To shoppers who frequent Target, if you don't like the intersection shop elsewhere.
To businesses blindsided by access change, if you don't like it sue us or leave.
To manufacturing, we know it will be hard to relocate so now we are going to raise your rates and leave the voters rates alone until AFTER the election.
To citizens who talk too much at council meetings, make sure we get your address for proper egging and stone throwing, even though any citizen of the US could technically speak there.
To the FAA when they state they prefer no non aeronautical activities occur at our airports,we will have them anyway because it buys votes.
Take it or leave it. Will the voters keep taking it in Spring?
10:25 Seriously, the park neighbors were told to shut their doors or sell their houses?? That's the solution one of our governing bodies came up with in regards to this pickle ball controversy?? I was also told that at all the meetings in which the issue was discussed that the mayor sat by and offered nothing. Can anyone verify that??
If manufacturing leaves just think about what your taxes and electric rates will rise to. Best thing to do is impeach Harl and not give him a chance to run for mayor again. SAVE PERU!
12:00 If you watch the video that is posted on this blog you will see and hear first hand at what went on at these meetings. That is exactly what the neighbors were told. But watch the video for yourself.
Brian Foster: I have to respectfully disagree. Businesses exist to provide something that makes someone elses life better. If they are making a profit that is the free market system telling them they are doing something right and they should continue. Making a profit is obviously important, but the product or service has to come first, the profit, if any, comes second.
I saw a police car (Peru) there this morning. wonder what was going on.
11:12 Where did you see a police car this morning?
Justin, your thoughts are honorable but take if from experience Brian is telling you how it is.
I must disagree Justin. There is no product or service unless there is profit. What is the point of making a product or performing a service unless you can get something for yourself?
Brian and Justin are not really saying totally opposite things. I do not think Justin is saying a business needs to operate at a loss to maintain jobs or pay taxes. He does not seem to be saying anything other than the business should also be sustainable and offer a benefit to society and as such gets rewarded with profits.
That's kind of like saying that greedy and shoddy operations, although profitable, should not be rewarded or invited into a community. Some proponents of pure capitalism and free market forces say such companies are weeded out by market forces, but history has shown that sweat shops need unions and polluters need regulation and punishment, whether profitable or not.
In the end, the primary purpose of a business is to provide a good or service, with net benefit to society. They need profit to do this. They are not a charity or government service, and they must be competitive. High electric rates or overinflated union wages can make the area a poor choice for quality manufacturers.
2:32. I respect your comment but I'm not new to business ownership or economics and finance.
Brian: Everything stems from an idea, that is what comes first. Making your idea either cheaper, of better quality, or more convenient is second. Did the business profit? Well that is the bottom line, not the top one. It's the old riddle from economics; businesses exist to profit but businesses need profit to exist.
3:45. Very good, I was just stating that profit doesn't come from anything, it has to occur from a product or service existing first
Are really not saying............
I do not think...................
He does not seem.................
Thats kind of like saying........
Some proponents say..............
Anon 3:45 Need I say more? Why try to express what you think Justin said when we have exactly what he said right in front of us?
A outstanding axiom to use as a guide is: Say what YOU mean and mean what YOU say.
It should say "a profit doesn't come from nothing, it has to occur from a product or service existing first"
Justin you aren't nearly a seasoned veteran that everyone walking by wants to rub your cloth. At your early stage of life you have a long time before you can consider yourself not new to business ownership, economics or finance. Always will wish you the best of luck and keep up the journey to get there.
8:55 PM
I think most of us are glad to see an intelligent young person as Justin take an interest in our city government. It is a start and I hope there are more like him in the future for the benefit of our city. Of course he has not as much experience as someone twice his age but it is extremely important for us to encourage the young and for them to benefit from positive encouragement from the maturity of others.
8:55. I apologize if it sounded like that, but maybe some of my background would be helpful. I have already managed two businesses, owned two businesses (one is still registered with Secretary of State under corporations), on the board of directors for a business in Spring Valley, and was one of the youngest, if not the youngest individual with a series 3 license for "professional futures trading" with the National Futures Association, which will allow me to become a hedge fund manager. I'm not sure what would qualify me to become "seasoned" but all I'm saying is I'm not a newbie to business, economics or finance.
Well put, Lois. I always pay close attention to anyone much older than I am in the area of business. The wisdom I have received from these people for most of my life is priceless.
8:44 I do not know why you choose to attack my opinions on this topic. I saw two apparently divergent opinions and strove to find what I saw as a common ground. I shared my view , I said what I meant and I meant what I said.
And see if you follow my meaning on this. I think you are confrontational whether it is needed or not. I think any intelligent efforts to seek common ground are rejected all to often by you and those who think like you. I respect Brian and Justin.
Seasoned veterans don't start out as such. They are made by starting at the bottom rung of the ladder and working their way up. If we always have to go with the seasoned vet we will never be able to open the door to future veterans and neither will we allow ourselves to experience new ideas and 'CHANGE'.
Peru opened the door to exactly what you are describing, a future veteran or the proper term non-seasoned candidate, and look what new ideas and "CHANGE" it got. I'll still vote for the seasoned veteran of past city counil experience and 44 years of Mayor every time. I know where he is coming from and that he has a plan.
That's my point exactly 10:40. Mayor Baker was not a seasoned veteran when he first took office. After 44 years of experience he is now obviously seasoned and apparently you are happy with what he stands for. How do you know that another candidate who is not so seasoned could turn out to be a new and improved Mayor Baker? Food for thought!!!
Anon 11:29 Mayor Baker was a politically seasoned veteran when he took the office of Mayor of Peru. I cannot say if the exact number of terms Don spent as a alderman where one (4 years) or 2 (8years). I do know that he was defeated by Palmatier in his first effort (1961) to be elected as Mayor. People did have the chance to observe him in office before he ran for Mayor.
Mayor Harl nor Mike Hart never have spent any time in a council chair to gain on hands political experience or to enable the voter to observe them politically before running for Mayor.
1:13 PM
Don Baker was alderman for 4 years and sometime I believe he ran for a state office, might have been State Senator. I understand what you mean by someone serving on the council but when you consider the oldest serving members of this council have not successfully picked up the mantle of being mayor perhaps we are better with someone with successful life experiences and a good head on their shoulders to be a successful mayor. You need to remember that because of the very long tenure of Don Baker, we as a city have not had much experience in determining who will make a good mayor and what are the characteristics we should be looking for and we will not learn by returning to the past.
Didn't Jeff Grove come to be mayor without any prior political experience? He seems to be moving LaSalle forward quite well.
I Don't understand the strong anti-union sentiments expressed by so many of the writers on this blog.Safety at the work-place, 40 hour weeks, over-time pay, regulations for health insurance, pensions, protection against unjust treatment are some of the things unions have put in place for the workers. Do we really want to go back to the days when employers can make dangerous, unfair demands and expect the worker to shut up and be thankful? Unions have done alot of good for the workers they represent. I think a more meaningful conversation would be on how to improve them, not get rid of them.
Jeff Grove was an alderman for several years before running for mayor.
Much of the anti union sentiment here comes from the local history of union activity. Given the low to moderate skill level of the union members in the area, the history of focusing on small businesses and homeowners, physically attacking scabs, driving out factories, and stopping new opportunity with a confrontational attitude all seem unnecessary and backward.
Not a prime area for the good examples of union history cited above. Not a good area for examples of Union/management co-ops that seem to be the future in many plants worldwide.
Excellent area for guns, baseball caps and trucks.
(took that right off the new economic development web site. Just kidding, but that would be awesome )
11:25 p.m., Your jaded misrepresentations of organized labor reveal your ignorance on several points. Don't assume that those of us who visit this blog for entertainment are so lacking in intellect as yourself.
Your comments rate "low to moderate" in accuracy at best.
Union "envy" no doubt!
It is very interesting to read different opinions of the positive and negative aspects of unionism. Many of the labor laws of today and work place benefits would not be in existence without the union movement made in the 30's and after.
It must be remembered that the blog is a great channel of expressing ones personal experiences and opinions but the true study of union vs. non-union or the co-existence of both would encompass more than a paragraph or two.
Possibly those that have a vast amount of knowledge of either or both would be kind enough to share their background and also bring us up to date on good reading material of these positions on employment.
12:33 I do not have a jaded view of organized labor. I have a jaded view of organized labor in this area. I have worked well with auto workers in Metro Detroit And Cat for many years and was exposed to some of the finest examples of union leadership in the nation.
This areas violent history and negative perception of the unions activities runs deep outside of the Illinois Valley.
In my experience, union workers are highly trained, must go regularly for re-certification, and are the best people to hire for a job.
2:52 what do you mean this area's violent history and negative perception of union activities runs deep outside of the Illinois Valley? I can't make sense of that?
The level of training required depends on the union craft, and no one is stating that the union workers in this area are not good at their jobs. Stating they are the best people to hire for a job cannot be proven. Stating that their training and re certification creates some certainty of their skill level that a non union worker does not bring on their resume is also true.
But it cannot be argued that different areas of the country and different locals choose how vigorously to protest businesses and how quick to strike. A business may value the skilled union labor pool, but not wish to locate where the union has shown a fiercely aggressive stance. I believe the history in the Illinois Valley has created a strong reputation that most manufacturers do not wish to engage with long term.
5:38 Lets just say the union reputation and mentality is very strong and aggressive against non union workers, backed by a long history likely before your time.
unions years ago dont compare to the unions today-unions of yesterday did help shape the work force, unions today are money hungry ignorant people in my opinion. why do you think prices are so high? to pay for those union wages, see what the union did to the hostess factory didnt you? how about the hockey union-shame on those people that is all i have to say about that
7:58 I am the person who has posted that the area has a negative union perception among manufacturers, but I am hardly anti union. Both of your examples have nothing to do with the IV area, and Hostess in particular is a poor example. Management there is openly guilty of mismanagement and misappropriating pension funds. And sports unions represent millionaires arguing with millionaires, also not really relevant.
The IV has had a reputation for intelligent skilled union labor in the past and needs a PR facelift (and higher high school test scores) to draw large manufacturing. Cheap power and river access has been a big draw to counter labor issues, but without better tech training and a new business friendly Mayor, it will not happen. Drawing manufacturing jobs is too competitive out there, and if anyone is anti competition, its a union boss.
7:58 unions helped to build this country, however, it is unfortunate that they made a mess out of it also. Too many with their fingers in the workingmans pocket. This area is terribly bullheaded and thinks that if it's not union it is no good! I say look around and see all the businesses that were union here and moved out or went belly up just because of them wanting more more more. They had better wake up before its too late if it is not already. I agree 100% with you!! Finally someone who understands that if companies don't make money they can't write the paycheck or plan for future expansion or updating.
Post a Comment