“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

Tuesday, April 02, 2013

The Paper Trail Where it Began and Where is the End - Finances of BB Gun Program

It recently has come to the attention of some of the blog readers that the establishment of the BB gun club, while maybe a good idea, has lots of financial holes that are not being disclosed. It began long before the program was brought up in a Public Property Meeting on 12/12/12 and this is what is known and what we are unable to establish as the entire funding process.

Comments to follow:

63 comments:

Anonymous said...

I would like to know if the employee who was fired for using the bb gun expenditures to supply his personal tool chest paid the city back??
We all need to Thank Alderman Perez and Alderwoman Mayzack for demanding to see expense receipts while other officials such as Alderman Radtke and Lukoshus criticized those two for making that in issue. Radtke and Lukoshus need to expire!

Anonymous said...

This is just one example of the dishonesty in this administration. This bb gun club came into existence for a select few just like the pickleball. Where there is smoke there is fire. Paper trails can find things out. Vote for
A change. HART FOR MAYOR.

Linda said...

1. On 12/12/12 permission to form a bb gun club was presented and approved by the Public Property committee and was to be presented to council for vote (never happened).

2. The strange thing is that materials and supplies for this club were purchased as early as 12/3/12.

3. As reported by our treasurer, the cost for this project to the city's general fund was
$13,482.98. From this total $5,000 was to be donated by the drug enforcement account and $5,670 was public donations leaving a net cost of $3,812.98 to the city's general fund.

4. Remember, labor costs have as of yet been calculated.

5. When I went to our "Cash received" report and couldn't find the donations I became curious and started trying to seek an answer.

6. Upon further investigation I have been unable to find where the paper trail ends (i.e. where and when and if this money was reimbursed into the city's general fund). It seems as though it's a possibility it may be in a police fund.

7. If that's the case then the total cost for this project to the city was $13,482.98 (minus labor costs).

While I have no problem with this club itself I cannot understand why we are having such a hard time finding answers to questions regarding it.

Anonymous said...

Does the bb gun club pay for the utilities used such as electric and water used on club days? Or do the taxpayers? Just curious.

Anonymous said...

I hope that the money that was suppose to go to the operation promise program didn't go the the bb gun club. Lets see paper trail of accounts for FD and Liberty Fire Company for all spendings of donations given
To them and what money was spent on. Just finished reading another blog title that mentioned op donation, so the thought just popped up.

Anonymous said...

Has anybody thought to see the fire department funds? How about Liberty Fire Company a fundraising organization for the fire department. Does Liberty have a cash box? Any money given to the BB Club in cash? Someone said above police funds so what about fire funds. ?????????????????????????????????? Figures and timing above don't mix well. The batter for the cake is lumpy.

Anonymous said...

@ADS(ambassador of deer spotting:self-appointed), CAN YOU SPOT OR SLAP UPON ANY DISCREPENCIES MENTIONED ABOVE IN REGARD TO EXPENSES,
etc..? Thanks! I have faith in you to blog your expert opinion.

Anonymous said...

What about the tools found in his garage? Were they billed to the city? Will there be charges pressed? Why is this so quiet and not on the radio? Dollars to donughts Harl knows ALL about this BUT it will hurt re-election if the word is out! Is it a coverup... WHO ELSE IS INVOLVED? Why not bring out the truth with an "OPEN MAYOR AND COUNCIL"?

Anonymous said...

Looks to me like another fine example of the mayor's transparent government at work. All the more reason to vote for Mike Hart.

Anonymous said...

5:19 Do you see a pattern here? It always comes back to who is asking for what! If the mayor feels he can personally benefit from who is asking then that person or group has carte blanche. I do have one question concerning the pickle ball though, is there another $3,000.00 budgeted for this year beginning May? And if so, why? If someone could answer this I would appreciate an answer.

Anonymous said...

It may come out yet 5:59, not close enough to the election yet.

Anonymous said...

I KNOW THIS DOESN'T GO HERE, BUT WHAT DOES THE DIRECTOR OF RECREATION DO IN PERU??? WE NO LONGER HAVE THE POOL, WHAT COULD SHE BE DOING AND DON'T TELL ME PLANNING THE HALLOWEEN AND CHRISTMAS PARADE. WHAT ARE HER WAGES?? I THINK LIKE THE HORTICULTRIST, IT IS A STUPID ASSIGNMENT. YOU COULD SAVE MONEY HERE. JUST THINKING OUT LOUD.

Anonymous said...

Ok everybody go to the bottom of this page and click on older posts. there you will find the treasurer's report to refresh you memory. Everything you are reading here is in his report. See for yourself then make your own decision.

Anonymous said...

6:13 If my memory serves me correct, (and if I am wrong please do correct) Alderman Ferrari was the one who said she was already on the payroll.

Anonymous said...

Where's the open and honest and transparent government Mayor Harl bragged about?

Anonymous said...

The open honest government is tied up in the backroom of Local 150 and the LaSalle County Democrats.

Anonymous said...

This is proving to be what Harl wanted a distraction. Mark this post as the destruction of the other canadiates campaigns instead if focusing on the major issues of the campaign we are focused on the BB gun club and vaccaro which at this point we can't change a thing. Please focus on kicking Harl out of office now.

Anonymous said...

@5;52. THERE IS NONE. Alot of covering up stuff going on in the last couple years. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out! Hart for mayor.

Anonymous said...

I've been told that Harl is very close to two of perus department heads not mentioned above in names, but the two departments are mentioned. Wow. Now, put two plus two together.

Anonymous said...

The open, honest and transparent government Judas Harl bragged about are at the same place as everything else he led people to believe he was bringing to them. Still in the Land of Promise.

Peru Town Forum said...

7:37 PM

Put 2 and 2 together, this is all about Harl and how he is not managing the city, it is an excellent example. Keep looking at all those papers with BB gun information and you will begin to wonder why the figures and the people who can't seem to add them up and put them in their proper place.
Where would you like to see the emphasis placed?

Peru Town Forum said...

As far as I am concerned this campaign is about dishonesty and untruths prevailing in this administration.

Anonymous said...

The recent expense accounts brought back from the IML Convention in which a alderman charged the city to stay overnight when he never was at any seminars for two days of the three nights there and the Mayor stayed overnight Saturday when the convention was already over. They should be escorted out of their job right along with the city employee. Instead they have guts enough to run for four more years.

Anonymous said...

It seems wherever there is dishonesty in government, there is corruption going on. No need to explain, just watch the 10 o'clock news and read a reputable newspaper like the Chicago tribune and USA today! And look at the city in which one lives, when questions go unanswered from those who should be answering, Vote smart Vote for HART as perus mayor. I found the campaign ads in a paper to be disturbing of who was endorsing them. Wrong in my opinion.

Anonymous said...

@Linda 5:21 Maybe you could get some of your questions answered from the city clerk, or even better ask the person who prepared the report. Just a suggestion. I have heard they are very helpful and are always willing to answer questions.

Anonymous said...

7:37 What are the major issues of this campaign? just curious

Anonymous said...

Enjoy watching Lois, Linda, Rodney and Sherry trying to make a big issue out of the BB Gun Club. Bigger dragons will be slayed on election day!

Linda said...

8:33 Thank you for your suggestion but those are the individuals I first approached for answers to my questions.

Linda said...

9:11 I'm not trying to make a big issue about anything. Nor am I trying to discredit anyone. I am simply trying to understand what happened to the donations made to this club and why they were not used to reimburse our general fund.

Anonymous said...

To Lois
From Rodney Perez

In my opinion the focus needs to be solely on policies and procedures of the cities checks and balance system and NOT against the BB Gun Club.

This issue is about how the city chose to handle building the room that the club Uses. If the club ever chooses to close its doors the infamous "BB Gun Club Room" will be utilized for something else.
Again, It needs to be made clear... The issue is NOT the Club, it's the procedures used by the city to build that room!

My suggestion is to improve the way we authorize, and make purchases. We can't continue making purchases of items and tools the city already has. For example: screwdrivers wrenches and brooms for a single project.
Hopefully our finance committee resolves this, and other issues we face with our checks and balance system.

Thank you,
Rodney Perez

Peru Town Forum said...

9:11 PM

I do find it amusing that you wish to de emphasize this issue and to stress it as unimportant. Anytime taxpayer money is not accounted for, it is an issue, a big issue.
Yes some very BIG dragons will be slain on election day and I am looking forward to the an emergence of a city working for the people and not for people working to establish themselves as better than anyone else.

Anonymous said...

Watch out Rodney, you will be the next name on Lois's poop list!!!! LOL

Anonymous said...

Maybe we could institute the checks and balance systems in place for Operation Promise, oh wait maybe that's not a good example, sorry my bad.

Anonymous said...

To 6:13 pm, You are referring to Linda Kasik who has the title I believe of "Recreation Director".
This is one of Peru's more obvious "Phony Boloney" positions. Ms. Kasik is compensated by us taxpayers at an annual salary of right around $10,000. Hard to believe I know. Her duties as Wreck Director are sketchy at best. Coordinating parades and scheduling T-Ball and Arts and Crafts should not be something we have to pay 10 grand a year for. The salary should be cut by at least 60% if not more. What would make more sense would be for this position to be eliminated and a new position created employing a college student studying Recreation to oversee these menial duties.
Parades should be organized by volunteers working through the notorious "Wreck Board".
I hope new elected officials will eliminate this and other phony baloney city jobs.

Anonymous said...

I find this BB gun club interesting: possible employee fired for charging personal expenses, questionable accounting activities performed by the treasurer, and concerns with donations/drug fund expenses. No accountability or organization from within.

Harl sure knows how to wrap everyone in "scandal"; I noticed donations from the campaigns of Sheriff Templeton and State's Attorney Towne.

Kristy

Anonymous said...

Anon 9:11 Unaccountable actions taken by public officials if discovered are normally proven to be illegal?
Illinois has had so many problems at the top, Ryan and Blago for example, that most small time political illegalities have passed by unnoticed.
This does not mean that you don't address them when discovered, even if you have associations with those guilty. The current Peru Administration has a history of being very active in questionable practices and worse.

Linda said...

Rodney: That's exactly the issue I've been trying to focus on. I have repeatedly stressed that I am not against the club itself but find it disturbing that I can't seem to find where and when and if the city general fund has been reimbursed with the donations collected. As close as I can get is that the donations could possibly be in a police fund. And, it seems no one knows how many hours and how much city
manpower was used to build this club.

Anonymous said...

Rod has a good point!! Again- falls back onto the poor leadership of Peru.

Anonymous said...

One of the problems of moving a person from a envirnoment that he fits in so successfully into another is that you cannot be assurred that he will be equally successful.
The higher you go with Harl backers of four years ago the more you will get agreement with this comment.

Anonymous said...

One person wants pickle ball...done...one person wants horse shoes(not from Peru)...done...one person wants a bb gunclub...done...one person wants an ice rink...done. Now don't get me wrong I am not saying any of these activities are the issue, it is the way they seem to come about. Always putting the cart before the horse and at a cost to the taxpayer.

Anonymous said...

Rod, your on the city council?

Anonymous said...

This mayor needs to go and the spw and a hole bunch more that follow in his shoes ! they lie and cheat and cover up everything . I'M not saying who to vote for JUST VOTE !

Anonymous said...

Anon 10:27 Rodney Perez is on the city council. Rodney and Alderwoman Sherry Mayszack are the only two officials from the city who will answer questions and stand for transparency.

Anonymous said...

Kristy

The support from the States Attorney explains a great deal. Byline stuff.
Thanks for pointing it out.

Anonymous said...

Mayor Scott J Harl stands for Transparency also. As long as it doesn't leave the walls of city hall.
"Bullcrap
Everyone
Support
"Tyranny

Anonymous said...

About 2 months ago there was discussion about purchasing a new fire truck. Haven't heard anything more. Did this get voted upon? How much? How is it being paid for? No more discussion. Is this on hold until after election? Is this TRANSPARCY??

Anonymous said...

I heard Hart was an almost pro pickleball player in college. Anyone know if this is true?

Peru Town Forum said...

When Mike graduated from college I doubt that pickleball was a hot item. You are not serious, right?
About now we all need a bit of a humor.

Anonymous said...

8:25 You are so right. She holds 3 jobs now. School aid, something with LaSalle Park board, and $10,000 from the taxpayers in Peru.
She made that much when she was Pool Director. Here wages should have been cut in half or lower. What a waste of money.

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know if applications for summer help are available as of yet and if so, when they have to be submitted.

Anonymous said...

LOL @ Lois
Probably about as serious as that "I heard" comment in the IML thread about Baker losing his car? Or Judy being a thief? Or even in the camera thread and Connecting Point being crooks?

You do know that if someone stated it whether there is proof or not it has to be true!

Anonymous said...

HART FOR MAYOR?

Anonymous said...

I have lived in Peru for almost twenty years and today was the first time I have EVER seen city workers picking up garbage on Wenzel Road. Yes the election is four days away! Too bad this cannot happen on a regular basis.

Peru Town Forum said...

Bookkeeping 101

1. Donations received from donors for BB gun club.

2. Department puts into bank account.

Question:

Should the receiving department have a list of names, amount given and date of deposit along with proof of the amount deposited by a municipality?

Anonymous said...

Is our city officials aware that Peru's Park Director is also hiring summer helpers for the Lasalle pool? This is a fact! My sisters son was told to send LK the application.
That is crazy! Is she still employed with Peru?

Linda said...

Yes Lois. I believe you are right. And, shouldn't the government body that paid the bills get the donations?

Anonymous said...

Lois 6:48 What department put them in the bank? Who were the checks made out to?

Anonymous said...

Mike Hart(X)

Anonymous said...

Sherry Mayszak(X)

Anonymous said...

@8:58. You directed your question to Lois. But I will blog. Didn't it have to do with the fire Chief King stating Operation Promise donation from car club. The money supposedly put in wrong account. THIS SHOULD BE VERY QUESTIONABLE. Last heard as of 6 + weeks ago not resolved yet. But don't forget HARL APPOINTED THE FIRE CHIEF. Something seems to be not right with this. But again, election time is near. Alderman Perez isn't the most popular person with the mayor and
Councilman. And Rodney is the OP AMBASSADOR. FISHY FISHY FISHY!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Don't know who the checks were made out to but it seems it's a pretty sure thing that the checks have been put in a police enforcement fund by the police department.

Anonymous said...

BAKER...BAKER...for MAYOR of Peru

Anonymous said...

No habla English very senior Bakeroli!!
I needed that laugh for the day.