This blog is maintained for the sole purpose of allowing the people of Peru and those interested in the cities of the Illinois Valley to express their views.
“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, July 09, 2013
Agenda July 10, 2013 Peru City Council Meeting
AGENDA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 2013
I checked the agenda for this meeting and it consists only of routine committee reports and nothing else indicated, other than a request by IVCH to hold a picnic in a park.
37 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Local authorities should get rid of huge amounts of meaningless meetings and improve working efficiency, says an editorial in Beijing Youth Daily. Excerpts: According to Xinhua News Agency, a local bureau’s leading official asked his staff to calculate the number of meetings he has attended in a year. It turned out that he attended 1,068 meetings, or almost three meetings every day. Numerous meetings are common in many local authorities, a situation that will not help productivity and may even adversely affect it. To implement a project, local authorities always hold a huge amount of meetings, which impedes the efficiency of policymaking and implementation. The problem is not only that there are too many meetings, but that many of the meetings are inane and boring. Generally, there are empty opening speeches by several leaders at the meeting, which do nothing but waste time. Many speechmakers only give empty talks at meetings that can’t solve any real problems. Such meetings are fully of empty and meaningless words, which can’t benefit practical work at all. Moreover, such useless meetings and entertainment in the name of meetings waste a huge amount of taxpayers’ money. Some officials use meetings as an excuse for luxurious dining and traveling, a fact that provokes serious public dissatisfaction. The importance of certain meetings cannot be denied. Meetings are a means to effectively convey and discuss ideas and thoughts, which may become a powerful guarantee of practical work. What we criticize are the meaningless, inane and luxurious meetings that can’t benefit our society at all. Officials and staff should be liberated from countless useless meetings, which may remarkably improve working efficiency and solve practical problems better.
Thanks John. The great difference that stands out between the leaders in China and those in Peru is at least those in China are actually undertaking real projects. The elected officials in Peru meet to discuss nothing, propose nothing, improve nothing, and resolve nothing. Then they go to the joint for free beverages provided by Chris Perra and Roger Chamlin or Mike Perry. It is quite obvious who really makes the decisions for the city of Peru. I am aware of another fact of political life in China that would be well to implement in Peru. When Chinese officials are convicted of accepting bribes for political favors they are summarily tried and executed. Now there's a way to discourage the Peru political nonsense. Just sayin!
The only proper functions of a government are: the police, to protect you from criminals; the army, to protect you from foreign invaders; and the courts, to protect your property and contract from breach or fraud, to settle disputes by rational rules, according to objective law.
I was informed another closed session tonight after a public council meeting of about 20 minutes. if you were in attendance please let us know what you think about Mayor Harl being on some type of "short list" for the Illinois Municipal League.
I think Scott Harl should concentrate his political time to managing and leading the City of Peru. This is what he ran for and what 35% of the voters elected him to accomplish. His urge of Gypsy wanderlust throughout the state and nation are for sole satisfaction rather than city progress. Presently the Mayor seems to have lost direction and a precise definition of what a Mayor does to benefit the city he is responsible to. Sad to say his much wanted picture with McGraw will not be a decision maker in the future success of Peru anymore than the signs he had made up taking credit for all the roadwork. The citizens as usual will end up paying for both as usual. Have any finances of the concert been written off by the Mayor yet for this year? How much will this concert cost the taxpayers who have yet to attend their first? Hate paying for something that is conducted by a private business and recieve nothing in return. That is not what democracy and capitalism are about.
I am in total agreement with you but until a majority of the council also see the light, nothing will change. It's like the mayor has put dark glasses on them so as not to see what is really happening. It has become a waste of time, at least mine to attend council meetings because nothing is discussed and public comment, forget that.
Can't wait for the hiring of this lobbyist. Having been heavily involved with an organization that has a hired lobbyist, be aware that the cost will be north of $60,000 per year and unless you have a very powerful one (much higher $$$), not a whole lot gets done. In Springfield, dollars talk and good intentions walk. Hiring will only be the first expense.
Be sure to read the News Trib write up on the council meeting for last night.Regarding hiring a capital lobbyist for X amount of your dollars and I chuckled the most at the thank you, thank you, no thank you exposition they put on for each other. And they wonder why I continue this blog. If you don't get the paper, go to the library or borrow your neighbors.
I did read the newspaper and all the "thank you's" in my opinion were a joke. And handing a gift to one at a council meeting was childish.Grow up people. Nothing was mentioned as far as cost of this concert to the city/taxpayers. With all the other issues in the city the city gloats on those who volunteered at a concerts that means nothing to most people who pay taxes. As far as the train issue on the 3rd on waterstreet, it would make common sense that if a call was put into CSX railroad and they didn't return call, wouldn't that be top priority to call them back numerous times until you reached someone to try and get train traffic halted during festivities if that were the reason to call them. SAFETY FIRST.
I think a hired blog lobbyist should be paid $60k a year. Lois, are you in? Position need not be publicized in the paper either, already have Lois in mind. No credit card needs to be given for this position. There are no conventions to attend either.
On another blog title it was blogged that 4-5 people from the city went to Florida to look at a fire truck. True? Who paid? Why have to go to Florida? Mr. Alderman Perez, would you care to inform us taxpayers of this issue? And set the record straight? Was this trip paid for by taxpayers or was it a vacation paid for by each person themselves who went? If city paid we have a right to see the expenses for this.
Every time I hear disbursement sheet I think someone else is going to retire. Will the trip to Florida be listed within the "WINK WINK ACCOUNT" or has it already been tossed into the General Fund? When are the bids going to be let for Peru Water Treatment? Tests' 5 year contract should be up soon. This should be a great year to be a city official, for some I've heard it has already started. Last night after the meeting one with deep pockets bought continuously for all who choose to be freeloaders. Some aldermen don't, but many take full advantage of their position,as well as certain city administrators.
Anon 10:30 PM Who has a 5 year non competitive bid coming up this year for $600,000 +, and has had this lack of competitive bidding since the 80's? Who has been the same consulting engineering firm since the latter 1940's except for a time frame as City Engineer at a vast amount of deep pocketing? If a certain individual is appointed from the "short list" to the IML Grand Wompa will these deep pockets have to finance all attendees of the next convention? SCARY. The IML is a ideal organization for this individual to be appointed to its Grand Wompa. Everyone who attends has a good time and a lot of drinking, and this is word for word the only summation from a alderman that I have ever been told of that happens at the IML. Like Vegas, What happens at the IML stays at the IML. TRANSPARENCY?
A blogger directed a question to alderman Perez-(6:22's blog last evening), regarding cost of a trip to Florida that was taken by several people to see a fire truck. Mayor Harl, should be able to give facts pertaining to this. Will he is the question here?
The mayor and 7 of the 8 aldermen and none of the other officials will every come to the blog to answer your questions. This blog only came into existence after the election of the current mayor and most of the aldermen. During the first campaign of the mayor he bragged about all the town forums he would hold to answer your questions and we all know what happened with that campaign promise. He held a few where the content was strictly controlled. Then the blog came into being and questions that are asked are sometimes answered by other people and sometimes answers are correct and other times they are not but at least people are communicating with each other which is more than I can say of our government. The council meetings have public comment but do not provide a public question and we will answer and that makes the public comment worthless. You can call and sometimes they might answer and sometimes not We are basically in a lose lose situation until election rolls around.
Did a city vehicle take this hike to Florida? Or did a bird in the sky take those special people? Motel rooms? Food? Cocktails? Entertainment? Golf? Wink account? Remember the donation to Operation Promise and that money? Wasn't that supposedly put into wrong account? As far as trip to Florida being stated by a blogger, both the fire chief and assistant fire chief went(Hylla and Bartley went also) who then was commander in chief for the fire department for that period while they were gone? A blogger yesterday asked that question.
Do we know for a fact that this trip actually did occur and if so when? I think now that when people make statements such as this we (the citizens of Peru and readers of this blog) would like facts and proof. Then, and only then, will actions be able to be taken.
When the truck was discussed months ago it was said several trips were needed for inspections and sign off on changes and such. However King also said these trips were at E-ones expense, not us taxpayers. Maybe this is a little fishy now if expenses were turned in.
The latest city council meeting video is from 6/17/13? Hasn't there been any since or what is the delay? I've heard that city government interest in Peru has taken a great decline in the last couple of years. Would someone update me as to why.
Our city clerk mr. Bartley, our city treasure mr. Hylla, our assistant fire chief mr. Duncan, our fire chief mr. King all went to Florida too look at a fire trucks at a manufacturing plant. Is this correct? You blogged 12:02 that their was a comment from fire chief king as to trips being paid for by eone(fire truck company) is this believable that FOUR people went on a free vacation? . My thoughts are that city clerk went and treasure. Are these two people in charge of city bookkeeping(keeping track of all accounts)? Did the fly or drive? If drove, what vehicle? Who footed this bill? Remembering the operation promise donation being supposedly put into wrong account. How many month, years did it take to figure this out? Also, it was disappointing that no monies from many years of businesses and taxpayers donating to Liberty Fire Company was used to defray the costs from the city/taxpayers to purchase the fire truck that is to be delivered this fall. I was under the assumption that donations were suppose to be used to purchase equipment. correct? . Isn't a fire truck equipment? Truck costing over $500,000.
Our City Clerk, Dave Bartley did not make the trip to Florida but The Fire Chief and Assistant plus the Treasurer did go and received a tour of the plant where the fire engines are made. I do believe that expenses were on the companies dollar.
10:02. "I do believe" Referencing as to who paid expenses? Not a answer. Thanks for blogging as to who went on trip. A lot of expenses for a trip to Florida. Hard to fathom all expenses were paid by company that's building truck. Who was put as commander in chief at fire department ? With the absentism of chief and assistand? Curious. Anybody know?
The city officials need to remember that they represent the City of Peru as well as the citizens of Peru! Last week our fire chief was asked to leave a COPS for CANCER benefit due to his use of inappropiate language directed at a loyal customer. This city/officials have become the laughing stock of the Illinois Valley
Our mayor should be made aware of how his appointees are conducting themselves. Cops for cancer is a wonderful event promoted by local law enforcements, fire departments, etc... And there is behavior such as this 10:25. . Maybe someone needs to follow up on this, like maybe the mayor and council. A lot of people put a lot of time into cops for cancer. Thanks to all of them.
Even more than making OUR Mayor aware of how his appointees are conducting themselves, which incidently I am sure he knows. He should do something about it.
11:07 How do we know he knows? This is not the first time. Mayor Harl should be embarrassed, the city appointed employees that he himself appoints are a huge reflection on how he runs our city. True?
Was out yesterday 10:25 and several people were talking about the incident that you blogged about. Glad to see that you took the time to inform more of the public by posting a blog.
37 comments:
Local authorities should get rid of huge amounts of meaningless meetings and improve working efficiency, says an editorial in Beijing Youth Daily. Excerpts:
According to Xinhua News Agency, a local bureau’s leading official asked his staff to calculate the number of meetings he has attended in a year. It turned out that he attended 1,068 meetings, or almost three meetings every day.
Numerous meetings are common in many local authorities, a situation that will not help productivity and may even adversely affect it. To implement a project, local authorities always hold a huge amount of meetings, which impedes the efficiency of policymaking and implementation.
The problem is not only that there are too many meetings, but that many of the meetings are inane and boring. Generally, there are empty opening speeches by several leaders at the meeting, which do nothing but waste time. Many speechmakers only give empty talks at meetings that can’t solve any real problems. Such meetings are fully of empty and meaningless words, which can’t benefit practical work at all.
Moreover, such useless meetings and entertainment in the name of meetings waste a huge amount of taxpayers’ money. Some officials use meetings as an excuse for luxurious dining and traveling, a fact that provokes serious public dissatisfaction.
The importance of certain meetings cannot be denied. Meetings are a means to effectively convey and discuss ideas and thoughts, which may become a powerful guarantee of practical work. What we criticize are the meaningless, inane and luxurious meetings that can’t benefit our society at all.
Officials and staff should be liberated from countless useless meetings, which may remarkably improve working efficiency and solve practical problems better.
Posted by: John Galt
Thanks John. The great difference that stands out between the leaders in China and those in Peru is at least those in China are actually undertaking real projects.
The elected officials in Peru meet to discuss nothing, propose nothing, improve nothing, and resolve nothing.
Then they go to the joint for free beverages provided by Chris Perra and Roger Chamlin or Mike Perry.
It is quite obvious who really makes the decisions for the city of Peru.
I am aware of another fact of political life in China that would be well to implement in Peru. When Chinese officials are convicted of accepting bribes for political favors they are summarily tried and executed.
Now there's a way to discourage the Peru political nonsense.
Just sayin!
http://www.midwestavtech.com/
I vote for the china way ! Sounds good and would work in Peru .
The only proper functions of a government are: the police, to protect you from criminals; the army, to protect you from foreign invaders; and the courts, to protect your property and contract from breach or fraud, to settle disputes by rational rules, according to objective law.
Posted by: John Galt
You are all aware that John Galt is a fictional character in the book Atlas Shrugged
6:32 PM
I have the book and should really take the time to read it. Thanks for the info.
I was informed another closed session tonight after a public council meeting of about 20 minutes. if you were in attendance please let us know what you think about Mayor Harl being on some type of "short list" for the Illinois Municipal League.
I think Scott Harl should concentrate his political time to managing and leading the City of Peru. This is what he ran for and what 35% of the voters elected him to accomplish.
His urge of Gypsy wanderlust throughout the state and nation are for sole satisfaction rather than city progress. Presently the Mayor seems to have lost direction and a precise definition of what a Mayor does to benefit the city he is responsible to.
Sad to say his much wanted picture with McGraw will not be a decision maker in the future success of Peru anymore than the signs he had made up taking credit for all the roadwork. The citizens as usual will end up paying for both as usual. Have any finances of the concert been written off by the Mayor yet for this year? How much will this concert cost the taxpayers who have yet to attend their first? Hate paying for something that is conducted by a private business and recieve nothing in return. That is not what democracy and capitalism are about.
10:16 PM
I am in total agreement with you but until a majority of the council also see the light, nothing will change. It's like the mayor has put dark glasses on them so as not to see what is really happening. It has become a waste of time, at least mine to attend council meetings because nothing is discussed and public comment, forget that.
Can't wait for the hiring of this lobbyist. Having been heavily involved with an organization that has a hired lobbyist, be aware that the cost will be north of $60,000 per year and unless you have a very powerful one (much higher $$$), not a whole lot gets done. In Springfield, dollars talk and good intentions walk. Hiring will only be the first expense.
Be sure to read the News Trib write up on the council meeting for last night.Regarding hiring a capital lobbyist for X amount of your dollars and I chuckled the most at the thank you, thank you, no thank you exposition they put on for each other.
And they wonder why I continue this blog.
If you don't get the paper, go to the library or borrow your neighbors.
I did read the newspaper and all the "thank you's" in my opinion were a joke. And handing a gift to one at a council meeting was childish.Grow up people. Nothing was mentioned as far as cost of this concert to the city/taxpayers. With all the other issues in the city the city gloats on those who volunteered at a concerts that means nothing to most people who pay taxes. As far as the train issue on the 3rd on waterstreet, it would make common sense that if a call was put into CSX railroad and they didn't return call, wouldn't that be top priority to call them back numerous times until you reached someone to try and get train traffic halted during festivities if that were the reason to call them. SAFETY FIRST.
I think a hired blog lobbyist should be paid $60k a year. Lois, are you in? Position need not be publicized in the paper either, already have Lois in mind. No credit card needs to be given for this position. There are no conventions to attend either.
On another blog title it was blogged that 4-5 people from the city went to Florida to look at a fire truck. True? Who paid? Why have to go to Florida? Mr. Alderman Perez, would you care to inform us taxpayers of this issue? And set the record straight? Was this trip paid for by taxpayers or was it a vacation paid for by each person themselves who went? If city paid we have a right to see the expenses for this.
If the city paid for any trip to Florida, it will be listed on the disbursements sheet.
Every time I hear disbursement sheet I think someone else is going to retire. Will the trip to Florida be listed within the "WINK WINK ACCOUNT" or has it already been tossed into the General Fund?
When are the bids going to be let for Peru Water Treatment? Tests' 5 year contract should be up soon.
This should be a great year to be a city official, for some I've heard it has already started. Last night after the meeting one with deep pockets bought continuously for all who choose to be freeloaders. Some aldermen don't, but many take full advantage of their position,as well as certain city administrators.
8:57. Who has deep pockets?
Anon 10:30 PM Who has a 5 year non competitive bid coming up this year for $600,000 +, and has had this lack of competitive bidding since the 80's?
Who has been the same consulting engineering firm since the latter 1940's except for a time frame as City Engineer at a vast amount of deep pocketing?
If a certain individual is appointed from the "short list" to the IML Grand Wompa will these deep pockets have to finance all attendees of the next convention? SCARY.
The IML is a ideal organization for this individual to be appointed to its Grand Wompa. Everyone who attends has a good time and a lot of drinking, and this is word for word the only summation from a alderman that I have ever been told of that happens at the IML. Like Vegas, What happens at the IML stays at the IML. TRANSPARENCY?
A blogger directed a question to alderman Perez-(6:22's blog last evening), regarding cost of a trip to Florida that was taken by several people to see a fire truck. Mayor Harl, should be able to give facts pertaining to this. Will he is the question here?
The mayor and 7 of the 8 aldermen and none of the other officials will every come to the blog to answer your questions.
This blog only came into existence after the election of the current mayor and most of the aldermen. During the first campaign of the mayor he bragged about all the town forums he would hold to answer your questions and we all know what happened with that campaign promise. He held a few where the content was strictly controlled.
Then the blog came into being and questions that are asked are sometimes answered by other people and sometimes answers are correct and other times they are not but at least people are communicating with each other which is more than I can say of our government.
The council meetings have public comment but do not provide a public question and we will answer and that makes the public comment worthless.
You can call and sometimes they might answer and sometimes not
We are basically in a lose lose situation until election rolls around.
Did a city vehicle take this hike to Florida? Or did a bird in the sky take those special people? Motel rooms? Food? Cocktails? Entertainment? Golf? Wink account? Remember the donation to Operation Promise and that money? Wasn't that supposedly put into wrong account? As far as trip to Florida being stated by a blogger, both the fire chief and assistant fire chief went(Hylla and Bartley went also) who then was commander in chief for the fire department for that period while they were gone? A blogger yesterday asked that question.
Do we know for a fact that this trip actually did occur and if so when? I think now that when people make statements such as this we (the citizens of Peru and readers of this blog) would like facts and proof. Then, and only then, will actions be able to be taken.
When the truck was discussed months ago it was said several trips were needed for inspections and sign off on changes and such. However King also said these trips were at E-ones expense, not us taxpayers. Maybe this is a little fishy now if expenses were turned in.
The latest city council meeting video is from 6/17/13? Hasn't there been any since or what is the delay? I've heard that city government interest in Peru has taken a great decline in the last couple of years. Would someone update me as to why.
Our city clerk mr. Bartley, our city treasure mr. Hylla, our assistant fire chief mr. Duncan, our fire chief mr. King all went to Florida too look at a fire trucks at a manufacturing plant. Is this correct? You blogged 12:02 that their was a comment from fire chief king as to trips being paid for by eone(fire truck company) is this believable that FOUR people went on a free vacation? . My thoughts are that city clerk went and treasure. Are these two people in charge of city bookkeeping(keeping track of all accounts)? Did the fly or drive? If drove, what vehicle? Who footed this bill? Remembering the operation promise donation being supposedly put into wrong account. How many month, years did it take to figure this out? Also, it was disappointing that no monies from many years of businesses and taxpayers donating to Liberty Fire Company was used to defray the costs from the city/taxpayers to purchase the fire truck that is to be delivered this fall. I was under the assumption that donations were suppose to be used to purchase equipment. correct? . Isn't a fire truck equipment? Truck costing over $500,000.
5:14 PM
Our City Clerk, Dave Bartley did not make the trip to Florida but The Fire Chief and Assistant plus the Treasurer did go and received a tour of the plant where the fire engines are made. I do believe that expenses were on the companies dollar.
10:02. "I do believe" Referencing as to who paid expenses? Not a answer. Thanks for blogging as to who went on trip. A lot of expenses for a trip to Florida. Hard to fathom all expenses were paid by company that's building truck. Who was put as commander in chief at fire department ? With the absentism of chief and assistand? Curious. Anybody know?
The city officials need to remember that they represent the City of Peru as well as the citizens of Peru! Last week our fire chief was asked to leave a COPS for CANCER benefit due to his use of inappropiate language directed at a loyal customer. This city/officials have become the laughing stock of the Illinois Valley
Wasn't their also a incident last year also at a event whereas the same was politely told it was time for them to go.
10:25. Would you testify to that?
Our mayor should be made aware of how his appointees are conducting themselves. Cops for cancer is a wonderful event promoted by local law enforcements, fire departments, etc... And there is behavior such as this 10:25. . Maybe someone needs to follow up on this, like maybe the mayor and council. A lot of people put a lot of time into cops for cancer. Thanks to all of them.
Even more than making OUR Mayor aware of how his appointees are conducting themselves, which incidently I am sure he knows. He should do something about it.
i agree to that!
11:07 How do we know he knows? This is not the first time. Mayor Harl should be embarrassed, the city appointed employees that he himself appoints are a huge reflection on how he runs our city. True?
Was out yesterday 10:25 and several people were talking about the incident that you blogged about. Glad to see that you took the time to inform more of the public by posting a blog.
TRANSPARENCY=TRUTH
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