I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THIS ORDINANCE WAS PASSED IN JULY 2011! WHY IS IT SURFACING NOW WITH A CURRENT DATE? ENFORCEMENT TO DATE?
Also the video for 10/14 is online and I did listen to it today. Mostly routine business but it left me with one pretty important question. Ald. Potthoff brought up the walking+bike path at Baker Lake and how it all transpired which he stated he was satisfied with. It seems that the information was relayed to Chamlin Engineering and they took the project in hand and sent it out for bids. When and how I am not aware of. Why are we giving a project to Chamlin not for him to do but for him to find a contractor. Did we pay Chamlin to find the contractor? Could the city and the city engineer have found a contractor on their own and not have to pay an additional fee to an additional company, Chamlin engineering. Was the Public Works Committee not able to do this?
Sorry Ald. Potthoff you explanation simply left me with more questions.
Monday additional note: Does anyone remember where the November 11 Veterans Day Event was held last year or on previous years? We have a Veterans Memorial at Veterans Park but according to the video of this Oct. 16 mtg, this years November Veterans Day Program will be held at Washington Park. Any vets out there reading the blog know or remember where it was in past years?
80 comments:
This is where I think justin has it right on small government. $700 fee per year so a building can sit vacant? What if there are disputes between city and county departments so I can't get a tenant in there? Am I supposed to pay the $700? Give me a break. This is yet another stupid law that shouldn't be on the books
Maybe bids were requested prior to the hiring of the City Engineer.
New ordinance? I think it's about time and I give credit to whoever took the time to create it but when and where was it approved by council? Isn't that the normal procedure?
Let the new building inspector handle these procedures.
not in the city of peru!
654 sorry only one can take precedent----either county or city, but not both. You should contact your attorney. Maybe your vacant building has violations and if that is the case, would it be a good idea to rent? Or are you assuming governement should take your liability? You want protection from those who violate laws that are in effect for your protection. If you have a vacant building that is in disrepair should your neighbors suffer for that? I would think not!
Seal-coating of the bike path was never bid. There was never any notification by the city or Chamlin or anybody else that the work was open to proposals or bids or anything else. Whatever role Chamlin played probably cost us in phoney-baloney billable as per usual. The fact that alderman Potthoff stated he is unconcerned with the way the situation was handled, then that is an indication that aldermen is Potthoff is just as negligent in his duties and responsibilities as the mayor and the majority of Peru aldermen. Why can't somebody just take charge of this city and kick some ass to get things done properly?
There has to be some way to get good people interested in running for office and getting them elected in this town.
1029 you can think only one can take precedent but you'd be wrong! The city can approve something but the county health department can override it. This "top down" control is getting ridiculous.
The bids for the project should be available under FOIA , as well as any request and RFQ sentto Chamlin.
I started watching the 10/14 video. Alderman Potthoff made a joke about only 3 people being in the audience. Isn't that what they all want? Nobody to show up at the meetings to ask questions or voice their opinions??? I believe they have won. They have rolled their eyes, not answered public comment questions, and chased people away from other companies so much so that nobody bothers to attend the meetings any more. How's that for open government Mayor Harl and council?
11:37 The subject is a rerun of a few weeks ago. The city took the lowest bid that was presented. Nothing more.
11:37 The County health department is not in charge of ordinances. They may be in charge of Health violations in restaurants. I have never heard of the County Health Department going to homes to levy fines for in-house fire traps, junk, etc.
12:44 as a resident of Peru I was unaware that there is a fight in the streets that anybody had won. Some residents will show up for different topics, that is the case for many forms of government. The video did not indicate that any of the 3 had a comment. I have been at various meetings and will continue to go to meetings with relative topics. If you go to the meetings to be disruptive than your agenda is not what most of the residents are concerned about.
1:53 PM
Questions remained because at previous meetings, the decision was announced but nothing had been mentioned prior to that. In an attempt to quiet the public, Ald Potthoff only added to the confusion.
It now has become apparent that Peru has always had a full time engineering consultant in Chamlin and one that we paid very well for their services. Considering that everyone used to say we need a City Engineer so we can take Chamlin off of our payroll and that was not too many years ago when Mayor Harl spoke of that.
OK now we did it hired a profession civil engineer and I will be surprised if he will be using his "expertise" very much because the limitations being placed on him by the City of Peru and its inability to loosen the chains of Chamlin bound around us so tightly.
the first year the Veterans Memorial was finished, i think 2 or 3 years ago, the ceremony was there. the rest of the time it was held at washington park; last year it was inside washington school because it either rained or was too cold to hold it outside.
The vacant building ordinance is needed. But it should have more teeth. Many of these old buildings need to be demolished in order to make way for new construction that meets current codes and business standards. The current fine is good for the first year. After the second year of being vacant, the fine should be 50% of the demolition cost. The third year it should be 75% of the updated demolition cost. After the third year, 100% and condemnation with demolition. I don't think any property owners would let it go that far. If they did, it would cost them.
The City of Peru should have some hefty fines coming soon then. How long has the city owned Kings Inn? It's still standing all dilapidated. This is a clear statement of how Peru Leads the Valley by example.
Leader of the Valley- Do as we say, not as we do!!
Where specifically are these buildings which are vacant? Are they apartment buildings, business buildings, condos, rental buildings or rental houses. Every city has its undesirables but those that offer incentatives have less. What incentatives has Peru ever offered and please don't mention Peru's latest attempt for a TIF. This is some of the best real estate in LaSalle County.
What other cities have such a ordinance? This appears to be very negative to anyone looking to invest some money into a area.
How much of the Westclox buiding is occupied and how long has it been since most of it has any activity. Since a small portion of Westclox has been the largest fire in the history of Peru, loaded with asbestos, and has limited possibilities for the growth of Peru it will not be hard to find the 1st building to collect $700.
Westclox should have been demolished as soon as the company moved out. It would have been much easier back then. Then some fool put it on the national registry of historic places!
As far as other vacant buildings - Start with what used to be K-Mart and Jewell. Serious work needs to be done to make them attractive to a another commercial entity. We should just tear them down now and get it over with. Then there is most of the down town buildings. They are not useful for any modern commercial enterprise. They are not useful for office space. And they are dangerous. They should be brought up to modern standards or demolished - whichever is less expensive. Then there is the ex- ESDA building that the city will own again, its only a matter of time. How about that building that the city rents over on Market Street! Then there is the current public works building - totally dilapidate!
6:31 PM
I really think you need to move, find yourself a brand new town in one of the exurbs of Chicago or any large city. Someplace where they automatically demolish a building after 50 years. Just for your info, Westclox is now home to a wonder new business called Music Suite 408, adding some culture new our forgotten city. Stop in and have them show you around.
wonderful not wonder.
I would add to the response to 6:31 that it is not the city's job to decide what to do with buildings. Unless it is a major safety hazard, only the owner or entity knows what is best for a particular property. People own these buildings not the city. If the city does own one, then the city council should decide. Period.
Lois your comment about leaving town is interesting. Couldn't someone say that about half the people who comment on here? This is the single most negative place I know of. I realize I don't have to come here and I rarely do anymore. It is all so negative, and if you print this, then I will just get criticized because it is somehow the mayor or city council's fault.
No. It is not. City leaders don't make people unhappy, although they might make decisions we don't agree with. Your contribution to society has been to provide a place for unhappy people to bitch and spread rumors. It is really too bad that it was never utilized for the greater good, or to organize something positive.
6:59 PM
I very often say that Peru is an extremely negative town and many of the people involved with the city as electeds have a real attitude. I do keep up with a lot of news in the Illinois Valley, La Salle County and many cities in the state and then I come back to reality and know that we have little to brag about. A just for instance is the Halloween festivities throughout the larger La Salle and Bureau County areas, they all did more than we did for our children. I am also aware of how some people were treated by the people in charge of Peru's limited activities and it is ab embarrassment to even be aware of this attitude. We have so much to learn and too many think we have nothing to learn that we are the Leader of the Valley forever. Time will tell. The people have always been saying what you see printed now but you were totally unaware. Now open your eyes and see these people have probably always lived here and you don't like what you are seeing. Closing your eyes or not seeing it in print won't make it any different.
Lois my point was not to criticize the criticism but the lack of action that results. You make some good points although I won't worry too much about who outdid us on Halloween festivities. But seriously not everything is negative and if you have a criticism then offer up a solution. You play to the lowest common denominator.
And I will be honest I know what you mean about how people could be treated from time to time but the mean comments and hatefulness on here far exceeds anything our city leaders dish out. Seriously. You never call out people for calling people names and bullying and making fun of our city leaders. It is nasty and it is one of 100 reasons why absolutely no one takes anything on here with even an ounce of seriousness.
I've seen many of the city leaders change over the last few years but all you ever do is criticize and attack those who disagree with you.
I'm done now. Good luck with affecting change and making something positive happen.
Demolishing a building doesn't mean a new one is ready to be constructed. Your ideas will produce a lot of empty lots.
7:31 PM
I have no power and have no control, I have offered suggestions but all I have to do is say something to many of the elected ones and they immediately start protesting without even listening to me. Sure I have suggestions and you will soon find out what some of them are but the council hears only what will justify there actions and that is not what this city needs. Other cities are moving ahead of us so fast, we are being left in their dust. We might retain most of the retail but that won't help because the businesses to the north are what we call "anywhere USA" they dont and never will make a community desirable to reside in. If that is all you have you have nothing but sales tax.
The new ordinance's role model is the Westclox Building. the entire front boardered up with metal sheeting painted brown. The majority of the building has been unoccupied since the 80's. To realize the amount of unoccupied square footage in Westclox take a ride past the back of the building.
Why or how it was declared historical buiding is a question since it is more of a outdated manufacturing facility of which very little has been done with since Westclox departed.
How could anyone justify the thought of demolishing Washington School and allowing the historical building, Westclox, stand?
The above wass meant for 7:23 PM also.
The above wass meant for 7:23 PM also.
Walgreens is known for choosing the best intersection in a city to build on. Go across the street immediately south and you will find a long term unoccupied piece of property that sits within the same intersection. The last occupant was Jewel Groceries.
It has been said that this building needs vast updating. Is the head of the Chamber of Commerce of Ottawa it owner?
A couple of thoughts on these later comments. LOis I do not agree that all we have in our town is "anywhere" retail. That's how you see Peru? We are more than that.
Many of these discussions are business decisions. The city does not decide which buildings stand and there is no relationship between Washington School and the Westclox Building. Westclox is a perfect example of why old buildings should be torn down if they are not going to be reused for something else. I hope they find another use for Washington but if not it should come down.
9:33 PM
No matter where we travel, we will come to some towns and perhaps many of them that nothing unique is there for a visitor and most of these areas center around a mall, There will be a Walmart, a McDonalds, some type of Pizza Place, a Home Depot, Lowes or Menards and on and on and we call them all "anyplace USA". People are not in those places for enjoyment, it is to buy what they need and go home. Last time we traveled to Iowa City Iowa, we found their Hyvee store and went in to look around and basically it was like being in Peru only bigger. Peru is what it is and nothing is going to change except the stores inside the Mall. I kind of think that cities like that lack identity because nobody remembers them when they go back home.
there was a relationship created between Washington School and Westclox as soon as the comparison was made.
9:33 PM
Please tell me where you would advise those going through our city to visit beside someplace to eat? You stated we are more than that and did not complete your thought about what we are.
7:31 PM
If you are going to critique me as to my negativity please be explicit as I have not been criticizing people because there is no point to it. Everyone knows what my feelings are toward Mayor Harl and many of the aldermen and I do not expand upon that period. They have all created their pond to swim in without any help. I do criticize as to what I believe is a bad attitude to the residents in general and I have seen it and know what has been directed not only at me but at other people are made fun of because they don't follow like lemmings. I attend very few council meetings because I refuse to put myself through that so I view the videos just like you in the privacy of my own home.
I do criticize what I believe are bad decisions and like any taxpayer of the city that is my right.
Lois, my point was not about shopping, retail or restaurants. My point is that it is not a terrible place to live and I just think our city is more than just that. I do think we need a master plan and have a longs ways to go but I don't think that is something to be negative about.
I personally do like that we are the retail shopping area because it brings in a huge amount of tax revenue and those of us who live here partially benefit from that. We have a good hospital, great schools and a nice public library. I think there are many positives to build on, although I would also like to see our downtown improved but I am not sure what the answer is there. I'm not sure it is the city council's job to fix it, but a plan would be good.
As far as negativity I am referring to the fact that basically about every comment on here is negative whether from you or the bloggers. I don't think fighting negativity with negativity works unless there is a constructive alternative.
I don't attend city council meetings but several people who have (NOT city people) have told me that the audience is far more negative than anything they get from council members or the mayor.
I have approached some these people and when I do I am positive, polite and friendly and I've never been treated anything but the same way in return. My aldermen are very approachable and listen to me probably for that reason.
I read comments on here calling these people names and questioning everything down accusations of under the table deals. Never with any proof, but hey I guess you can say anything about anyone.
I will never believe that it works. Some people can do it their way and continue to complain when things don't go there way. I will continue to be positive and hopefully continue to see positive results.
Treat people how you wish to be treated! Yes it goes both ways but just because someone may come off as "rude" doesn't give me a right to call them fat, stupid or all of the other things that are said on here.
Dilapidated, empty, old buildings that are technologically outdated are detrimental to a city. I understand that the city does not own these buildings. However, unless the actual owners update them and maintain them to modern standards, the rent they draw goes on a downward spiral. This creates a negative business climate and attracts activities that the community may not approve of. Eventually, the owner gives up on the property and just milks it for any rent he or she can get. When the last tenant leaves, the property sits empty. If the owner does not have the means to update the building, it just sits there, drawing undesirable activity. At some point, the owner stops paying the taxes and the property is foreclosed on by the county. At this point, a tax scavenger might purchase it. But, most likely, the building will continue to sit empty. Then one day, a politician will decide that the city must buy the property and tear it down to make way for new development.
Why wait for all this to happen? Just make the owners either maintain and update the property ensuring that a viable business will find them attractive - or require them to make way for new construction.
I understand that this would create some empty lots - but empty lots are required for development.
From a historic point of view - I say phooey! Even the oldest buildings in Peru are not historic - they are just old. Nothing happened in these buildings worth a darn.
You can only buy so much with "character." "Character" does not put the rice and beans on the table. Peru is a retail center. It can also become a professional center. All we need is forward looking people with the cojones to require commercial property owners to update their buildings or create vacant lots.
very simply put; if I am going to exercise my right to keep a building vacant I shouldn't have to pay a fine to do so
There are some beautiful old building in downtown Peru. It would be great if they could be restored to their original beauty. Those buildings were built by craftsmen with intricate detailing, unlike today's buildings that are nothing more than square boxes made of pre-fab material. Save the beautiful downtown buildings and make downtown Peru a place where people want to come. Ottawa did it, Galena has done it, Lake Geneva has a beautiful downtown shopping district plus these communities also have Wal-Mart and other shops away from downtown. It could happen in Peru with the right leadership, unfortunately we don't have that leadership with the right vision. Maybe some day!
Let me make this very simple 5:46; just because the city mows down buildings does not mean new development will spur right up. Look at the new Casey's going up. They didn't need an empty lot, they will be handling everything themselves, so you see an empty lot in not required for development. I have to ask, why do you favor such a controlling government?
12:05 AM
The negativity results from poor communication between the council and the people.
Need I remind you that I supported Mayor Harl for 2 elections and then he totally turned around and maybe it is time to post his campaign promises and remind him that the people have not forgotten that he has turned his back on them.
The council is another story and this has become cronyism at its best with after council meetings that are against the open meeting act but no one has pushed them on it. Don't forget the brigade of the mayor, city clerk and aldermen that lied to the ladies about making a statement at the meeting regarding our water testing. We should have representatives who think before they open their mouth. Tell me why I should disregard things that I know are wrong and actually illegal and just smile and move on. If I do that I am just as guilty as they are of wrong doing.
Many of us have been verbally assaulted by certain council members because a comment was not to their liking. This is not good government.
Considering the past history of the last 5 years, it is not surprising that people are negative. Many of the issues were never even made public, you are not aware of them and even I am not aware of words that have taken place between residents and the city administrators.
A lot is smouldering below the surface of this administration.
Someone has clouded you with these conspiracy thoughts. What is illegal? Who assualted a lady at the council meetings.
The downtown buildings will not attract anything but pawn shops, book nooks, and other curio type retail. Let me make it perfectly clear... Quaint does not pay the bills. We have quaint in Utica. Peru should be about business. Maybe medical, legal, or something else. But the won't locate in these dilapidated old buildings.
Why does quaint pay the bills in Utica, but according to you 4:28, it would not work in Peru? Art Giese's place is beautiful inside and it's an old building.
Because it has already been done. I like Art's. But how many full time $50K + jobs does it provide? No - we don't need quaint candle shops and book nooks. We need modern professional business. The first step is to clear out the old buildings. The second step is tax incentives for developers to build new modern office buildings. The third step it to provide incentives for businesses similar to the insurance company downtown.
Why does every discussion of economic development of downtown turn to saving these old relics? They are functionally useless. Not good for modern retail. Not good for office work. Not good for safe working conditions.
No one wants to move into old. They (of any importance) want NEW. Keep the old crap (just like the high school and Washington) and you will see Peru flush down the drain faster and faster every year. Growing areas want new.
4:55 AM and 7:12 AM
Give us the name of cities that have done what you suggest.
Locally look at the cities that are making a difference and you will see the opposite.Have you already forgotten we had the Mirror Bld. and had one heck of a time getting it off of our hands. What in the way of good jobs did the attempt at change produce?
We had Sears and they left. The 3 newest businesses are small businesses in old buildings that do not appeal to the general population but to their particular segment, they are doing well.
Take a ride to downtown lasalle, I went down into that area and could not believe how nice it has and is becoming, take note of the side street by uptown grill. A new restruant that was busy. Old buildings but remodeled on the inside and some upgrades to the store fronts. It's worth the trip to see. LaSalle, you are looking good. Look at Stage 212, which remodeled years ago, studio 718, hardware and muffler store fronts. LaSalles downtown area is much larger then Perus.
What incentives have been offered to downtown Peru and downtown LaSalle to create improvements?
The Mirror Building fiasco was an attempt at direct public funding of a commercial building. A reasonable attempt, but it was doomed to fail largely due to timing. The insurance company that purchased the building provides many good jobs and has the potential for many more. That building, despite being relatively new, also has issues that the current owner had to correct. This was because the people involved during construction had no use for computer networks.
I am NOT advocating that the City purchase, demolish, and build new buildings. That is for the private sector. I AM advocating that the city provides incentives for the current owners of the down town rat traps to do this. Charge them a few thousand dollars a year for fire protection since the buildings are not up to modern standards. Charge them another few thousand dollars a year if they do not have ADA compliant access to the upper floors. Require them to repair the many serious structural problems that are visible to the naked eye. Institute a large fee to transfer the property to another owner unelss it is brought up to the modern safety standards required for new contstruction (in other words, make it impossible to sell the property). Require an anual fee to be held in escrow incase the abandon the property. The long and the short of it - make it more profitable for them to demolish the building and rebuild on the empty lot or sell the empty lot to a developer.
Why did the ad for the Peru BB Gun Club say you had to be from Peru ? The horseshoe pitchers are from Tonica, We let anyone take swimming lessons & handicrafts. The pickleball people don't all live in Peru. What's up ?
Its gonna be difficult for the city to know if a building is vacant. The landlord leaves the power on and thats that. All he had to do is say he's using it for storage.
5:46
A of DS here
We open our deer spotting to anyone from Illinois, but draw the line at people from Wisconsin. There is no particular reason for this. We just don't like people from Wisconsin.
But as far as the BB gun club, I cannot say for a certainty but I would guess that the reason the BB gun club is for Peru residents is related to the master plan to take over the valley by force. We have been training the youth in proper gun usage and marksmanship, preparing for the day we have enough heavy equipment and road grading equipment. And four by fours to rival Sping Valley.
Then I would guess the invasion will begin and the mayor can realize his dream of razing structures in surrounding towns , taxing the vacant ones till they are ripe for razing, until all the Valley is on flat land perfect for more roads and signs!
You will hear no complaints from me, as those deer will have no where to hide.
Those who complain that the city has no strategic plan need look no further than the youth rifle corps training right below the Fuhers (stupid IPad) I mean Mayors picture at city hall.
There you stand with your Rotary Park and chambers of Commerce and City flower Pots, while we have our rows of deer slapping sticks, BB Guns and 150 heavy equipment.
I think we know who the Leader of the Valley will be!
5:46 Good question. I thought we welcomed out-of-towners because they would spend money in town. Also, why the particular age limit? Just curious why only 10-14 year olds.
7:47 PM
Your questions need to be addressed to Geg Vaccaro as this is his program. Second person to ask would be our Police Chief Doug Bernabei. I have my own personal opinion as to how and why this has been put in place.
4:52 PM
La Salle has a very proactive business association who help develop and promote many of the city activities. They also have an involved Economic Director and mayor and ciy council.
Peru has a Downtown Redevelopment Committee that has not been seen in quite a while. Also we have the CSO - wonder if any women have joined since they opened the membership this year. I have not heard of any other citizen involvement
Could they possibly put any more signs on Adventure Drive? It seems that every time I pass by there they have added something, now they are on a big yellow post kick. I wonder what the out of town people think of all the shenanigans in Peru. Any thoughts A of DS?
Had someone already been promised the position before the ad was published? Not surprising. Peru has been running its races with the cart in front of the horse for quite awhile now. Do you think that this could be why it is no longer "Leader of the Illinois Valley"?
What's going on with the graffiti removal along Pulaski street. Did they get a time limit to get it done or since Potthoff is part of the group that did it are they just gonna forget about it?
Wow 9:35, Peru has added some signs and big yellow posts! What shenanigans! What awful thing will they do next! Have a concert? Debate where is best to host fireworks? Build a pickle ball court?
This place is out of control! What do those out of town people think of our awful town?
Lol.
A of DS.....
Your dipping into your halloween candy before you go out to trick and treat. There is a club with about 4 members that brings up a different conspiracy theory once a week. I think they meet underground
in a bunker. Your stories rank right up there with some of the other Medicate Me group. Did you know area 51 is really route 51? Did you know that the airport flys in aliens late at night.
Well said 10:49. Pretty sure that is all a joke, but the crazies live on this blog. Conspiracies everywhere. Wow. Pretty sad.
11:32. You are on the blog. Do you consider yourself one of the crazies?
I think the A of DS is funny. Maybe you do get his or her humor?
If you don't like what you read here, why do you come back?
A of DS here
I was asked to comment on the big yellow posts being erected on the new arts campus surrounding venture drive.
Since the intersection design has caused continued destruction of signs posts and less sturdy structures, our Mayor decided to punish the foolish interlopers who cannot deliver the red cross goods to the businesses behind his intersection blockade without damaging his signs.
He commissioned those lovely yellow phallic sculptures to decorate the new arts campus where people used to drive. Taking advantage of the folks who drive round and round the lots, and the lost folks who drive in circles trying to find their way back to the interstate and escape, our Mayor has killed two birds with one stone. Culture is now on display, yellow statues that rip the sheet metal off a trailer if it gets too close.
Never let it be said that some of us don't give the mayor credit when it is do. And I would like to know how 10:49 knew I had gotten into the Halloween candy? Spying on me? Its enough to make one start to think there's a conspiracy or something.
Wow, can't take a joke 10:26. Pretty touchy about those big yellow posts, and after all it is Halloween. lol
AD HAS BEEN CORRECT ON EVERYTHING. JUST BLOGS IN A HUMOROUS CONTEXT. Possibly, the AD could be appointed by Harl as a chief of deer spotting.' Therefore, new title would be Ambassador of
Deer Spotting/Chief of Deer Spotting. This would come as a increase in salary at a cost to we taxpayers. The AD is
now solely a a self appointed position on a volunteer basic, but peru can afford to, and change this to a salary position, with a big benefit package. Also, new big bad badges need to be ordered for this position.
Please contact the A of DS as to his/her desires of joining the current administration. In fact the A of DS may feel insulted by the idea. Judging by past comments the A of DS is not a advocate of political shenangans and folly and would much rather govern the areas which he has marked as his own. Too spread his domain statewide such as becoming a Ambassador Illinois Municipal League Deer Spotting would only decrease much needed attention of original marked areas. Besides have you ever seen a State of Illinois license plate for A IML DS?
or like the economic director - keep it "volunteer" and just keep turning in your "expenses".
Anon 1:49 The ultimate goal of the Economic Director in Peru is to fill the position under the disguise of "Volunteer" avoiding paying additional income taxes and to operate his own private business within the confines of a city business expense account.
4:47 PM
Thank you, finally an answer to the position that produces nothing and never appears at council meetings. But read the disbursements and you find out that ALWAYS money being spent to pay his expenses under the guise of doing good for the city.
The way I see it, the City writes the Econ Dir a check for unknown services and he then writes a check to SH's war chest. Would that be considered a taxpayer funded campaign?
And all I did was make a comment about the signs and big yellow posts on Adventure Drive and ask the A of DS his or her opinion!
Anon 5:15 Yes, but don't worry we will never be accused of a conflict of interest. No pain, no gain.
Its about time that Peru city officials honestly decide if the positions they create are needed and what they expect to gain from them. The city expenditures are so large that their featherbedding must come to a end.
For example the Building Inspectors occupation paid $30/hr, a sum of money in Peru which you would anticipate quite alot of expertise. The former Mayor made this appointment and the next Mayor changed personnel and job description with a huge increase of pay without explanation.
Recently the city council has diminished its formal meetings by 1/2 after voting itself a yearly salary rather than being paid by meeting.
Did anyone notice that Spring Valley's city council discussed raising their sales tax and said if they raised it by 1/4% they would still be less than Peru's.
Finally an explanation of why Peru called itself "Leader of the Illinois Valley". We have the highest retail sales tax in the area.
4:47 pm, Very well stated. The world would be a wonderful place if only enough of us would open our eyes to such deception by elected officials like Peru's mayor who has facilitated this scam appointment known as Economic Development Director. Taxpayer dollars being spent to promote "ones-self" while being held accountable by no-one is a pretty good gig if you can get it.
Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't it seem as though everybody who has become a Harl appointee have also landed a pretty good gig?
Anon 10:10 If self serving unmanaged and pretty good gig are one and the same you are 110% right on.
I heard economic development position is going to be taken over by king also for an additional $40,000 a year
Very comical 11:51. Really? Add another joke on the councils agenda. Can't believe how some people can talk the big talk, but can't walk the walk. I'm sure that everyone has met a person who talks like they know how to do plumbing, electrical, construction, roofing, but reality and the truth is they know very little, but by the way that person talks, you would think they're an expert. Perus council has shown their lack of intelligence on this one. Everybody's laughing at this fiasco. Bravo city council and mayor.
Within a short time frame Peru government has:
*Created a new position of City Engineer and diluted it by combining it with the duties of the SPW position.
*Created a full time Fire Chiefs position by including the Building and Zoning Inspector position and part time fire position into one package at $84,000/year from a previous $50,000/year.
*Failed to acknowledge that there are still only 24 hours per day and these people are not going to work all of them to get the job done, which they would have to, to accomlish all requirements.
*Succeded in preserving Chamlain Consulting and TEST Corp.'s iron clad agreements.
Word has it on the street that the appointed full time fire chief, building/zoning inspector, ESDA co-director, safety officer, etc., is going to still be working for his company in his company in moline illinois. HOW MANY HOURS IN A DAY? DID HARL KNOW THIS WHEN HE MADE THE APPOINTMENT? Does anybody know the answer to this as to what word is on the street? Council aware of this?
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