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
Yes 8:47 please verify and back your statement with facts on where you got this information regarding Mr. Mikos. If you don't we will have to assume you're just trying to stir the pot.
Its funny that you won't comment on the township. You did a pretty good number on them during the election timeframe. You put the heading on the blog. Things haven't changed have they?
Anon 8:47 The truest TEST of donations will be set next weekend at the IML. Being strictly business even the donar will not ever know or remember what or how much. Must be in a equivalent to a good fishing trip to Canada. Book in the east end is 100 to 1 that no report comes back from the IML. Same, same as Las Vegas. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Just think if you were playing a game of poker would you want the other side knowing your hand? That comes from a rookie alderman what will he amount to once he becomes seasoned? True evidence that the mandatory four year term should be eliminated, if a city representative does not understand city business or his constituents fire him on the spot.
What's pissing the unions off now? They have 'guards' posted at Gate One on the south side of the Peru-Spring Valley road (Rt. 6) Someone has their feelings hurt.
You can look up the campaign contributions in Mayor Harl's report. You can read it at the state board of elections web page. The information above is correct.
It sure sounds like the city will be in the market to hire a new employee to replace the Building Inspector who apparently was relieved of his duties. I heard yesterday and from several more that Frank Taylor has been dismissed from his position.
I'm sure Harl has his appointment ready to go to fill Franks position. This should be interesting to see how this all plays out. Whoever Harl chooses it would be interesting to first check if he/she has contributed to the Harl campaign.
Frank Taylor's replacement better have experience in construction. And No 80,000 Construction Engineer either. Just someone who knows about all in and outs of residential and commercial construction. Taylor had no clue. I'm sure there are many retired construction pro's out there who can handle that position.
Nobody does business with the city or gets a decent job now unless they put money in the cookie jar.
It's our way.
If you don't like it move away to some city with dangerous pools and no pickleball, you rubes. We give beer to adults who trick or treat so we can make sure we have people driving buzzed when kids are in the streets. That's culture.
Good riddance to Frank! He had no skills for which to perform the duties of the position. The fact that he was allowed to ride the city of Peru "Gravy-Train" as long as he did is a testament to the perpetual lack of leadership by our elected officials who allowed it, year after year. Now, the question is, "Who will perform the duties of building inspection and code enforcement? More importantly, what qualifications and experience will that person (Harl's choice) bring to the city of Peru? If none, what have we gained other than another political appointment complete with a salary and benefit package courtesy of the taxpayers of Peru. Sweeeeeeet!
The sweetheart deal for the Asphalt Restoration Co., was questionable. No public mention had been made of the desire of the city to have this work done. Whether it was published in the local paper, I don't know. The aldermen received the information on Friday in their packet for the mtg on Monday. It became evident after the really low bidder said he would have submitted the bid of $ 5,500 for the the parking lot and added the bike path for no additional cost to the city. This follows along the same path as the TEST contract, spring it upon everyone that we would be seeking this project bid done NOW and we already have the contractor put in place. Done. Some of us were just discussing the manner in which the public is informed of everything. For example at the last meeting the initials of STU was tossed about by Ald. Waldorf as if everyone in attendance knew what in the h... he was talking about which we didn't and he was just showing arrogant disregard for all in attendance. I asked several people in attendance what the initials stood for and they did not know but finally we were able to find one person who explained this to the residents. Excuse me this happens to be the job of the mayor and aldermen both of whom need to get off of their high horses where they sit only in their imaginations.
Lois..it was almost two full weeks between the announcement and vote for the TEST contract. Stop comparing and stop using it as the compare-all. You really lose credibility with what you are trying to do here when you let your fingers do the thinking.
5:58 PM You are comparing apples to oranges. The TEST contract was worth millions and deserved months of open discussion not 2 weeks. The bike path probably deserved maybe 2 weeks of discussion not 4 days. They are similar because they were both a successful attempt to push through a contract and avoid an open and honest discussion for a reasonable amount of time.
If out of towners aren't allowed to trick or treat here we need to place volunteers at Baker lake to check ids to make sure only peru citizens use the path. Why should we pay to seal it when other towns use it too. Stupid Peru!
Anon 5:58 Are you concerned with TIME or are you concerned with the amount of MONEY which could have been and could be saved with the utilization of open competitive bidding? How much could have been saved with the water and waste water contract has been declared as much as $800K. The recent overnight $17K repair should have been done for $5,500 with the parking lot included which is not included in the contract which the Mayor and council accepted. Lois you as a tax paying citizen of Peru as every other citizen of Peru have the right to question repeatedly the poor business practices of your representation and the business procedures upon which they reach their inefficiencies. There are ordinances which they themselves create and are sworn to live by. When they purposely break this oath all of us should question them and as their constituents question them and state our own beliefs as has been done in the Test and path issues. Lois keep up the good work and all of us thank you.
From what I've heard I don't think the Baker Lake path request for bids was put in the paper. I wonder if we even got any other bids besides the $17,000. It makes me sick as a resident of Peru if indeed we could have saved over $10,000 on this project.
We will never find the answer. We will never fix Peru! Because WE AS A COMMUNITY REELECTED THESE MORONS! WE NEED TO ATTEND MEETINGS AND VOTE THEM OUT !! The majority don't think they are doing wrong because they won't get off their butts and see for themselves . Its our own fault we are ruining our town and being the laughing stock of the valley . Our mayor tears down our pool and refuses to build a new one when the old one could've been fixed. All because he was a fat kid and never went to the pool as a youngster. Then we reelected him. We are are fools
Anons 7:38 & 12:42 Once everyone has travelled through Peru to go home at the end of their work day Peru has ony a amall amount of traffic. As for Fourth Street and Peoria Street you could lay down in the middle of them for a half hour at a time without being run over if it wasn't for the police cars going by every 4 to 7 minutes. The PPD have already built a moat around Peru.
@5:58 I do believe one of those two weeks was an open week with no meeting. Ald Perez asked the committee to have a meeting to discuss the Test contract during that week. From what Rod said they refused to have one. Go figure! Don't take my word maybe Rod would come on here and verify that.
2:35 - Do you think that is a bad thing? All we want the out of towners to do is come here, spend money, and geth the H out. Have you seen some of those people that shop at wally world? My god in heaven, I'm afraid to expose my children to those dreggs. They just need to spend their money and get out!
Anon 2:35 Are you sincere? Do you know positively that these are out of towners or is it possible that they are from this area? Have you looked at your own appearence recently? If everyone had your snobish attitude in time there would not be any stores for you to shop at in this area.
When the council reduces its meetings to two per month starting January 2014 they are going to have a minimum of at least one round table informal open discussion meeting per month as was stated by Ald. Lukosus. It has not been that many years ago that the council meet every week with every other meeting being a informal meeting on Wednesdays and the formal meeting on Mondays. This gave all in attendance a opportunity to express themselves better than present procedure. Possibly Ald. Lukosus would find the exchange of formal and informal weekly meetings more efficient than his motion of 2 meetings/month. Will Ald. Lukosus who has been a office holder less than three years and seen the meetings reduced from every week to three a month to a future two meetings per month eventually make a motion to reduce the annual pay of the council in proportion to the number of meetings per month. Up to now Alderman Perez has been the only elected city official who has questioned how a body can reduce it number of meetings to 1/2or less and maintain the same financial compensation.
I personally have a big problem in the manner in which he was re elected. I will say no more but many people in town know how this unfortunately happened. If you don't know just ask around, especially in the 4th ward. Absolutely lost total respect for Mayor Harl and Jim Lukosus.
Jim Lukosus was not reelected. He obtained the council seat initially by a appointment from Mayor Harl. The first time he was ever elected was last April. What did Mayor Harl have to do with Alderman Lukosus being elected? I do know that Harls campaign manager in 2009 was Steve Weberski and that Weberski was Lukosus' opponent in the aldermen race of 2013 so out of courtesy I thought that harl would have supported Weberski.
Lois: mayor Harl was scared of getting Weberski or loger in office, easily the two most solid and independent thinkers we had running for alderman. Our mayor had to really step up his game to make sure his pawn stayed in place
Does anyone ever go through and read these posts to see how ridiculous some of this sounds? No one drives on Peoria or 4th Streets except the police? "Loger" was the "solid" candidate people really wanted? Lol. Seriously, why not plan something constructive instead of bitch and moan. Why not get involved and make a difference?
Anon 9:45 "solid and independent thinkers" are not accepted by this administration. For proof watch the fellow faces of other council members whenever Alderman Rodney Perez speaks.
4:18 the TEST contract was discussed several times at the committee level and at the previous meeting. No conspiracy. The asphalt was discussed at the committee level. Ald. Perez should do his homework and go to those meetings that he is elected to attend.
10:07 Wasn't the asphalt issue discussed at the wrong committee level? Isn't the Baker Lake bike path in a park? And aren't parks under the Public Property committee level? So why did the Public Works committee level make the decision?
Anon 9:56 In the election of 2009 someone had to be a independent thinker and it sure was not Harl. The other guy is Justin Loger and you will be hearing more of him and Steve Weberski in the future. Anon 9:56 10:07 How do you know what has been discussed at the committee level? What is the reason that the Public Property committee was not assigned the asphalt project at Baker Lake as it should have been rather than the Public Works committee? NO CONSPIRACY?
You failed to mention that the Public Works committee ALWAYS meets around 10 AM in the morning on a Monday. Most people are at work if they work a day shift but it is the most convenient time for Chamlin, TEST and people like Harl, Hylla and perhaps an alderman like Lukosus who I believe is retired and Ald. Waldorf picks his own working hours. Most working people cannot attend. Why don't they alternate meetings and maybe every other month hold one in the evening when the general public is available to attend? I am absolutely sure Alderman Perez was at work.
My comment brought to mind a time when Mayor Harl had scheduled a meeting at a time of day when he knew former Ald. Mayszak was working and when she reminded him of that, his answer was something like, that's too bad. Arrogance??
All committee meetings should be held in the evening so every alderman can attend as well as the public. They have the meetings in the day time to squash anybody attending that might question what they are doing.
You notice that TEST and Chamlin's are always there for the 7:30 council meeting. So why not have the committee meeting at 6:00 or 6:30. That's what some of the committees do.
What monetary arrangements does the city have arranged with TEST and Chamlin Consulting? Peru has hired a full time city engineer and Aldermen Lukosus and Waldorf who are on the Public Property Committee at the meeting that can answer questions relating to engineering without any additional payroll costs. The same goes for Paying the President of TEST to sit in on council meetings. No way does a corporation sent representation without a financial charge, whether it is made public or covered up in other charges.
your wrong 1:33 Test/ Eng. is not charging. They do take responsibility for their service and send reps. to follow up on any questions. Its that simple. They also attend all of the committee meetings. Why don't you ask them a question, they attend all meetings.
We also know that this committee can never function with only the 2 aldermen on it. I don't know for sure but I would think that it has always been this way as we never had a city engineer and even now, I do believe from what I have seen that our P.E. will be limited as to what he may do, even when he has the qualifications for more. At least it appears that way.
You're absolutely right 11:10. If Weberski and loger teamed up they would be very formidable. I find it odd that loger and Rodney have similar ethics yet Rodney is adored while loger is shunned on this blog.
Anon 3:29 How do you know I am wrong? If you have proof, show it! Now everyone knows that you don't have any competitive bids to compare existing charges of TEST/ENG. You have surely backed yourself into a corner this time.
Of course TEST and Chamlin's charge for the reps to be at the council and committee meetings. Time is money! If it's not shown as a direct charge to the city, then it's built in to each project they do. It's called private business, and that's how it works.
How does the city attorney charge the city also? $150,$175,$200,$225 (????) per hour. This should also be considered and re-evaluated if monthly meetings go to 2 .
enough already..TEST for the last time DOES NOT charge anything except for the contract price. Sampling, analytical, meetings, overtime, above and beyond..nothing. Why not just call them - 815-224-1650..according to their website - www.testinc.com - Chris Perra is the President and Dave Lourie is the General Manager. I have met both and they seem to be nice guys and willing to discuss anything about the company. Everyone is convinced that they get paid for all items either on the table, below the table or at some bar down by the river.
9:07. do you seriously think that the time that Chris Perra attends the council meetings is not built into the contract price? You must work for the government, because private business does not just give away time. and if Chris Perra wanted rumors of getting paid on the table, or under the table, he should stop buying the aldermen drinks and stop making campaign contributions to the mayor. Funny how he supported Baker until Baker lost and now he's a Harl supporter. When Harl loses, Chris will then be buying the new mayor drinks and making campaign contributions. It's called doing business, and Chris has learned well.
Anon 10:03 Excellent explanation, clear and to the point. You have explained the problem of private-public business procedure from a basic high school business course to a MBA degree. We elect the most popular rather the best qualified and than they are offered a style of living they would not pay for on their own. Both the grantor and the grantee are in the wrong when in acceptance and truthfully private business enforces a Code of Ethics upon its employees.
10:03 Private business does give away time if you are talking about sales and marketing. If I had a multi million dollar account you can be damn sure I would stay very close to all the decision makers, make sure they are happy, hear every one of their concerns and entertain the hell out if them to make sure nobody knew more about them than I did. It IS business and is totally legal and not immoral. It does not effect the prices you pay, because it is built in to any business.
Now what IS immoral is the government representatives shutting down alternate bids, commentary, rushing through a bid without discussion, perhaps accepting excess gifts and entertainment during a bid year. That IS wrong. That is the elected official not protecting my tax dollar to the best of their ability. The fact that hey did not leverage their position to force a 15 percent reduction or go out for bid is an absolute joke. TEST would not want an open bid only if they were truly overcharging the city and would jump at the chance to keep their operations here and maintain their local account. It could have been win win, a pool could be well on the way to funded and business could do what it does best, become more efficient.
11:11 your information comes from a very slanted point of view. Without discussion? I am just as surprised that someone would take the viewpoint of another person that has a self-interest in the job. And by the way the local company has done the job very well for many years. This year the price is no increase.
Anon 1:10 "This year the price is no increase". Last years price was anywhere rom 20% to 35% too high. How do I know this? How do you know it isn't? Your information comes from a very slanted point of view because there never has been a competitive bid to compare TEST's quotes to. Incidentally do you know if Peru has ever asked any corporation for a competitive bid? EVER?
What exactly does that statement mean. My information comes from my examination of the facts. Does slanted point of view mean different than yours?
Without discussion?
Yes, there were very qualified people who could have in the very least given points for discussion, alternatives to consider that might save a great deal of money. This commentary was illegally crushed, by the city's own admission.
You are surprised that someone would take the viewpoint of another person who has interest in the job?
What viewpoint? If you are trying say you would wonder why I would listen to another qualified company, several in fact, who point out that it seems like we are grossly overpaying... Well who exactly should we listen to? Should we send the invoices to a bakery or pizza shop for them to review it? You would like an independent third party in the water treatment business and an analytical lab to do a thorough analysis for you , but ONLY if they promise not to bid on the job, right? Let me guess, you are one of our local crack business professionals.
We were not given the CHANCE to check out lower bids, or even hear from them.
They have done the job well for many years. There is no price increase this year?
These may get the award most irrelevant comments of the entire debate. Are you saying that only when company screws up royally should consider going out for bid? My reply to that is simple. No. Few have said they have not done a good job. Many have said we would like to see what type of premium we are paying for that good job.
There is no price increase but there is no competitive pressure for a price decrease either, a decrease that very well may have allowed a pool to be built. Thats dumb. That's wrong. That's Peru.
This a loud AMEN to you 3:37. What do I know? I've been around you know. The only thing I'd add to your dissertation is that "that's dumb, wrong and government. Peru doesn't have a corner on this stupidity but what Peru did have was a golden goose but it is no longer laying golden eggs. I am proud of those that have stood up and asked questions and stood their ground. Fight the good fight and hold your head up. Be proud of your choices but always keep in mind that we all are never correct all the time. Listen hard but if your sure of your stand, fight. Don't threaten, don't talk but fight. Anyway and everyday however you can. This blog has made a difference and for those of you that read it and find ways to fault it you might be surprised at how much power it truly has........wait I think you do and that's why whenever you can you slam it. Good luck with that........one day longer one day stronger.......yes o yes change will come
72 comments:
There is a blog for township matters, so please post any comments you have about that topic there, I will NOT post them here.
This posting is informational only.
where did the second comment go - it was there five minutes ago.
Good ideas would like to hear more f
I see mayor Harl got a donation to his campaign from the new city engineer in the amount of $250 mr.mikos is that how you land an 87k position?
Also the shamed Mr biederstedt is busy since he can't do appraisals anymore he is busy donating to mayor .
Chamlin with another $500 donation and 4 out of area unions pour money into mayors campaign fund.
8:47 please tell me your joking about the 250 from Mr. Mikos, and if you are not where did you find that info?
What is the township blog website?
Yes 8:47 please verify and back your statement with facts on where you got this information regarding Mr. Mikos. If you don't we will have to assume you're just trying to stir the pot.
Its funny that you won't comment on the township. You did a pretty good number on them during the election timeframe. You put the heading on the blog. Things haven't changed have they?
Anon 8:47 The truest TEST of donations will be set next weekend at the IML. Being strictly business even the donar will not ever know or remember what or how much. Must be in a equivalent to a good fishing trip to Canada.
Book in the east end is 100 to 1 that no report comes back from the IML. Same, same as Las Vegas. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Just think if you were playing a game of poker would you want the other side knowing your hand? That comes from a rookie alderman what will he amount to once he becomes seasoned?
True evidence that the mandatory four year term should be eliminated, if a city representative does not understand city business or his constituents fire him on the spot.
What's pissing the unions off now? They have 'guards' posted at Gate One on the south side of the Peru-Spring Valley road (Rt. 6) Someone has their feelings hurt.
You can look up the campaign contributions in Mayor Harl's report. You can read it at the state board of elections web page. The information above is correct.
935 : Go to the township blog! Read it! Things have changed! Then post your comment on the Township blog!
Yep. Sean donated $250 on 7/19. That smells corrupt and immoral.
How do I find the township blog?
5:57 PM
The link is to the right on this blog
Peru Township Learning Through Transparency.
It sure sounds like the city will be in the market to hire a new employee to replace the Building Inspector who apparently was relieved of his duties. I heard yesterday and from several more that Frank Taylor has been dismissed from his position.
I'm sure Harl has his appointment ready to go to fill Franks position. This should be interesting to see how this all plays out. Whoever Harl chooses it would be interesting to first check if he/she has contributed to the Harl campaign.
Frank Taylor's replacement better have experience in construction. And No 80,000 Construction Engineer either. Just someone who knows about all in and outs of residential and commercial construction. Taylor had no clue. I'm sure there are many retired construction pro's out there who can handle that position.
First Watts, then Drennan, now Taylor. If I worked for the city, I'd be getting a little nervous right about now!
10:12 - the key words in your comment is "worked FOR the city."
Nobody does business with the city or gets a decent job now unless they put money in the cookie jar.
It's our way.
If you don't like it move away to some city with dangerous pools and no pickleball, you rubes. We give beer to adults who trick or treat so we can make sure we have people driving buzzed when kids are in the streets. That's culture.
What about the Code Enforcement Officer that was not allowed to enforce the codes?
Good riddance to Frank! He had no skills for which to perform the duties of the position. The fact that he was allowed to ride the city of Peru "Gravy-Train" as long as he did is a testament to the perpetual lack of leadership by our elected officials who allowed it, year after year.
Now, the question is, "Who will perform the duties of building inspection and code enforcement? More importantly, what qualifications and experience will that person (Harl's choice) bring to the city of Peru? If none, what have we gained other than another political appointment complete with a salary and benefit package courtesy of the taxpayers of Peru. Sweeeeeeet!
12:00 PM
The sweetheart deal for the Asphalt Restoration Co., was questionable. No public mention had been made of the desire of the city to have this work done. Whether it was published in the local paper, I don't know.
The aldermen received the information on Friday in their packet for the mtg on Monday.
It became evident after the really low bidder said he would have submitted the bid of $ 5,500 for the the parking lot and added the bike path for no additional cost to the city.
This follows along the same path as the TEST contract, spring it upon everyone that we would be seeking this project bid done NOW and we already have the contractor put in place. Done.
Some of us were just discussing the manner in which the public is informed of everything. For example at the last meeting the initials of STU was tossed about by Ald. Waldorf as if everyone in attendance knew what in the h... he was talking about which we didn't and he was just showing arrogant disregard for all in attendance. I asked several people in attendance what the initials stood for and they did not know but finally we were able to find one person who explained this to the residents. Excuse me this happens to be the job of the mayor and aldermen both of whom need to get off of their high horses where they sit only in their imaginations.
Another job for the campaign manager?
Lois, who did this person(bidder) tell he would have submitted a bid for $5,500? Why didn't this person tell the city a lower bid was pending?
maybe they should hire an audio/video specialist. Or maybe just some school kid. It is obvious that nobody knows anything about posting videos.
Lois..it was almost two full weeks between the announcement and vote for the TEST contract. Stop comparing and stop using it as the compare-all. You really lose credibility with what you are trying to do here when you let your fingers do the thinking.
5:58 PM
You are comparing apples to oranges. The TEST contract was worth millions and deserved months of open discussion not 2 weeks. The bike path probably deserved maybe 2 weeks of discussion not 4 days.
They are similar because they were both a successful attempt to push through a contract and avoid an open and honest discussion for a reasonable amount of time.
If out of towners aren't allowed to trick or treat here we need to place volunteers at Baker lake to check ids to make sure only peru citizens use the path. Why should we pay to seal it when other towns use it too. Stupid Peru!
Anon 5:58 Are you concerned with TIME or are you concerned with the amount of MONEY which could have been and could be saved with the utilization of open competitive bidding? How much could have been saved with the water and waste water contract has been declared as much as $800K. The recent overnight $17K repair should have been done for $5,500 with the parking lot included which is not included in the contract which the Mayor and council accepted.
Lois you as a tax paying citizen of Peru as every other citizen of Peru have the right to question repeatedly the poor business practices of your representation and the business procedures upon which they reach their inefficiencies. There are ordinances which they themselves create and are sworn to live by. When they purposely break this oath all of us should question them and as their constituents question them and state our own beliefs as has been done in the Test and path issues. Lois keep up the good work and all of us thank you.
From what I've heard I don't think the Baker Lake path request for bids was put in the paper. I wonder if we even got any other bids besides the $17,000. It makes me sick as a resident of Peru if indeed we could have saved over $10,000 on this project.
Right 7:38. Put toll booths on east and west Shooting Park Rd. and Peoria St. Why not Fourth St. also. Better yet, build a moat around the city.
We will never find the answer. We will never fix Peru! Because WE AS A COMMUNITY REELECTED THESE MORONS!
WE NEED TO ATTEND MEETINGS AND VOTE THEM OUT !!
The majority don't think they are doing wrong because they won't get off their butts and see for themselves .
Its our own fault we are ruining our town and being the laughing stock of the valley .
Our mayor tears down our pool and refuses to build a new one when the old one could've been fixed. All because he was a fat kid and never went to the pool as a youngster. Then we reelected him. We are are fools
Anons 7:38 & 12:42 Once everyone has travelled through Peru to go home at the end of their work day Peru has ony a amall amount of traffic.
As for Fourth Street and Peoria Street you could lay down in the middle of them for a half hour at a time without being run over if it wasn't for the police cars going by every 4 to 7 minutes. The PPD have already built a moat around Peru.
@5:58 I do believe one of those two weeks was an open week with no meeting. Ald Perez asked the committee to have a meeting to discuss the Test contract during that week. From what Rod said they refused to have one. Go figure! Don't take my word maybe Rod would come on here and verify that.
2:35 - Do you think that is a bad thing? All we want the out of towners to do is come here, spend money, and geth the H out. Have you seen some of those people that shop at wally world? My god in heaven, I'm afraid to expose my children to those dreggs. They just need to spend their money and get out!
Anon 2:35 Are you sincere? Do you know positively that these are out of towners or is it possible that they are from this area? Have you looked at your own appearence recently?
If everyone had your snobish attitude in time there would not be any stores for you to shop at in this area.
When the council reduces its meetings to two per month starting January 2014 they are going to have a minimum of at least one round table informal open discussion meeting per month as was stated by Ald. Lukosus.
It has not been that many years ago that the council meet every week with every other meeting being a informal meeting on Wednesdays and the formal meeting on Mondays. This gave all in attendance a opportunity to express themselves better than present procedure.
Possibly Ald. Lukosus would find the exchange of formal and informal weekly meetings more efficient than his motion of 2 meetings/month. Will Ald. Lukosus who has been a office holder less than three years and seen the meetings reduced from every week to three a month to a future two meetings per month eventually make a motion to reduce the annual pay of the council in proportion to the number of meetings per month. Up to now Alderman Perez has been the only elected city official who has questioned how a body can reduce it number of meetings to 1/2or less and maintain the same financial compensation.
Maybe Lukosus will move to have only one meeting per month next?
Lukosus is as money hungry as the rest of them. He misses most of the meetings anyway!
I personally have a big problem in the manner in which he was re elected. I will say no more but many people in town know how this unfortunately happened. If you don't know just ask around, especially in the 4th ward. Absolutely lost total respect for Mayor Harl and Jim Lukosus.
Jim Lukosus was not reelected. He obtained the council seat initially by a appointment from Mayor Harl. The first time he was ever elected was last April.
What did Mayor Harl have to do with Alderman Lukosus being elected? I do know that Harls campaign manager in 2009 was Steve Weberski and that Weberski was Lukosus' opponent in the aldermen race of 2013 so out of courtesy I thought that harl would have supported Weberski.
Lois: mayor Harl was scared of getting Weberski or loger in office, easily the two most solid and independent thinkers we had running for alderman. Our mayor had to really step up his game to make sure his pawn stayed in place
Does anyone ever go through and read these posts to see how ridiculous some of this sounds? No one drives on Peoria or 4th Streets except the police? "Loger" was the "solid" candidate people really wanted? Lol. Seriously, why not plan something constructive instead of bitch and moan. Why not get involved and make a difference?
Anon 9:45 "solid and independent thinkers" are not accepted by this administration. For proof watch the fellow faces of other council members whenever Alderman Rodney Perez speaks.
What makes you think that the former campaign manager is a independent thinker? And the other guy, who is he?
4:18 the TEST contract was discussed several times at the committee level and at the previous meeting. No conspiracy. The asphalt was discussed at the committee level. Ald. Perez should do his homework and go to those meetings that he is elected to attend.
10:07 Wasn't the asphalt issue discussed at the wrong committee level? Isn't the Baker Lake bike path in a park? And aren't parks under the Public Property committee level? So why did the Public Works committee level make the decision?
Anon 9:56 In the election of 2009 someone had to be a independent thinker and it sure was not Harl. The other guy is Justin Loger and you will be hearing more of him and Steve Weberski in the future.
Anon 9:56 10:07 How do you know what has been discussed at the committee level? What is the reason that the Public Property committee was not assigned the asphalt project at Baker Lake as it should have been rather than the Public Works committee? NO CONSPIRACY?
In response to 10:07 AM
You failed to mention that the Public Works committee ALWAYS meets around 10 AM in the morning on a Monday. Most people are at work if they work a day shift but it is the most convenient time for Chamlin, TEST and people like Harl, Hylla and perhaps an alderman like Lukosus who I believe is retired and Ald. Waldorf picks his own working hours. Most working people cannot attend. Why don't they alternate meetings and maybe every other month hold one in the evening when the general public is available to attend?
I am absolutely sure Alderman Perez was at work.
My comment brought to mind a time when Mayor Harl had scheduled a meeting at a time of day when he knew former Ald. Mayszak was working and when she reminded him of that, his answer was something like, that's too bad. Arrogance??
All committee meetings should be held in the evening so every alderman can attend as well as the public. They have the meetings in the day time to squash anybody attending that might question what they are doing.
You notice that TEST and Chamlin's are always there for the 7:30 council meeting. So why not have the committee meeting at 6:00 or 6:30. That's what some of the committees do.
What monetary arrangements does the city have arranged with TEST and Chamlin Consulting?
Peru has hired a full time city engineer and Aldermen Lukosus and Waldorf who are on the Public Property Committee at the meeting that can answer questions relating to engineering without any additional payroll costs. The same goes for Paying the President of TEST to sit in on council meetings. No way does a corporation sent representation without a financial charge, whether it is made public or covered up in other charges.
you kidding 945 lol
Utica fire chief resigns. "Irreconcilable differences".
your wrong 1:33 Test/ Eng. is not charging. They do take responsibility for their service and send reps. to follow up on any questions. Its that simple. They also attend all of the committee meetings. Why don't you ask them a question, they attend all meetings.
3:29 PM
We also know that this committee can never function with only the 2 aldermen on it. I don't know for sure but I would think that it has always been this way as we never had a city engineer and even now, I do believe from what I have seen that our P.E. will be limited as to what he may do, even when he has the qualifications for more. At least it appears that way.
You're absolutely right 11:10. If Weberski and loger teamed up they would be very formidable. I find it odd that loger and Rodney have similar ethics yet Rodney is adored while loger is shunned on this blog.
Anon 3:29 How do you know I am wrong? If you have proof, show it! Now everyone knows that you don't have any competitive bids to compare existing charges of TEST/ENG. You have surely backed yourself into a corner this time.
Of course TEST and Chamlin's charge for the reps to be at the council and committee meetings. Time is money! If it's not shown as a direct charge to the city, then it's built in to each project they do. It's called private business, and that's how it works.
How does the city attorney charge the city also? $150,$175,$200,$225 (????) per hour. This should also be considered and re-evaluated if monthly meetings go to 2 .
5:43..
enough already..TEST for the last time DOES NOT charge anything except for the contract price. Sampling, analytical, meetings, overtime, above and beyond..nothing. Why not just call them - 815-224-1650..according to their website - www.testinc.com - Chris Perra is the President and Dave Lourie is the General Manager. I have met both and they seem to be nice guys and willing to discuss anything about the company. Everyone is convinced that they get paid for all items either on the table, below the table or at some bar down by the river.
9:07.
do you seriously think that the time that Chris Perra attends the council meetings is not built into the contract price? You must work for the government, because private business does not just give away time. and if Chris Perra wanted rumors of getting paid on the table, or under the table, he should stop buying the aldermen drinks and stop making campaign contributions to the mayor. Funny how he supported Baker until Baker lost and now he's a Harl supporter. When Harl loses, Chris will then be buying the new mayor drinks and making campaign contributions. It's called doing business, and Chris has learned well.
Anon 10:03 Excellent explanation, clear and to the point. You have explained the problem of private-public business procedure from a basic high school business course to a MBA degree. We elect the most popular rather the best qualified and than they are offered a style of living they would not pay for on their own. Both the grantor and the grantee are in the wrong when in acceptance and truthfully private business enforces a Code of Ethics upon its employees.
10:03 Private business does give away time if you are talking about sales and marketing. If I had a multi million dollar account you can be damn sure I would stay very close to all the decision makers, make sure they are happy, hear every one of their concerns and entertain the hell out if them to make sure nobody knew more about them than I did. It IS business and is totally legal and not immoral. It does not effect the prices you pay, because it is built in to any business.
Now what IS immoral is the government representatives shutting down alternate bids, commentary, rushing through a bid without discussion, perhaps accepting excess gifts and entertainment during a bid year. That IS wrong. That is the elected official not protecting my tax dollar to the best of their ability. The fact that hey did not leverage their position to force a 15 percent reduction or go out for bid is an absolute joke. TEST would not want an open bid only if they were truly overcharging the city and would jump at the chance to keep their operations here and maintain their local account. It could have been win win, a pool could be well on the way to funded and business could do what it does best, become more efficient.
11:11 your information comes from a very slanted point of view. Without discussion? I am just as surprised that someone would take the viewpoint of another person that has a self-interest in the job. And by the way the local company has done the job very well for many years. This year the price is no increase.
Anon 1:10 "This year the price is no increase". Last years price was anywhere rom 20% to 35% too high. How do I know this? How do you know it isn't? Your information comes from a very slanted point of view because there never has been a competitive bid to compare TEST's quotes to. Incidentally do you know if Peru has ever asked any corporation for a competitive bid? EVER?
1:10 11:11 herE
My information come from a slanted point of view
What exactly does that statement mean. My information comes from my examination of the facts. Does slanted point of view mean different than yours?
Without discussion?
Yes, there were very qualified people who could have in the very least given points for discussion, alternatives to consider that might save a great deal of money. This commentary was illegally crushed, by the city's own admission.
You are surprised that someone would take the viewpoint of another person who has interest in the job?
What viewpoint? If you are trying say you would wonder why I would listen to another qualified company, several in fact, who point out that it seems like we are grossly overpaying... Well who exactly should we listen to? Should we send the invoices to a bakery or pizza shop for them to review it? You would like an independent third party in the water treatment business and an analytical lab to do a thorough analysis for you , but ONLY if they promise not to bid on the job, right?
Let me guess, you are one of our local crack business professionals.
We were not given the CHANCE to check out lower bids, or even hear from them.
They have done the job well for many years. There is no price increase this year?
These may get the award most irrelevant comments of the entire debate. Are you saying that only when company screws up royally should consider going out for bid? My reply to that is simple. No. Few have said they have not done a good job. Many have said we would like to see what type of premium we are paying for that good job.
There is no price increase but there is no competitive pressure for a price decrease either, a decrease that very well may have allowed a pool to be built. Thats dumb. That's wrong. That's Peru.
This a loud AMEN to you 3:37. What do I know? I've been around you know. The only thing I'd add to your dissertation is that "that's dumb, wrong and government. Peru doesn't have a corner on this stupidity but what Peru did have was a golden goose but it is no longer laying golden eggs. I am proud of those that have stood up and asked questions and stood their ground. Fight the good fight and hold your head up. Be proud of your choices but always keep in mind that we all are never correct all the time. Listen hard but if your sure of your stand, fight. Don't threaten, don't talk but fight. Anyway and everyday however you can. This blog has made a difference and for those of you that read it and find ways to fault it you might be surprised at how much power it truly has........wait I think you do and that's why whenever you can you slam it. Good luck with that........one day longer one day stronger.......yes o yes change will come
Broadway
What's the word on the street for Taylor's job?
Post a Comment