We have what is called a strong mayor - council city government with a city divided into 4 wards with 2 aldermen in each. La Salle is similar but Princeton, Oglesby, Ottawa and Streator have 4 commissioners each . Princeton and Streator have city managers.
It looks like we have more paid elected officials in comparison to most except La Salle.
Considering recent changes in salary structure for the aldermen with more money for less meeting time, are you interested in change. Do you feel you are adequately represented? Would you like some of your aldermen to be at large instead of bound to one ward? Aldermen as a rule become very territorial and don't want others infringing within their boundaries. If you have unresolved problems in your ward, who do you reach out to.
How strongly do you feel about the current structure? Some of you have watched council meetings, are they working for you or working for themselves?
120 comments:
It’s time to stop teaching racism in our public schools. I can’t believe that in this day and age we still have high school team names like the Morris Redskins, Minooka Indians, and Seneca Fighting Irish! Lack of unity is holding back this country! Teaching the kids violence with contact sports and demeaning parts of the population is keeping us back. We need to teach the kids that competition leads to violence. The government needs to enforce “all people are equal” and make everyone produce what they can for the collective good and only allow people to have what they need.
Lois, unless it was adopted by referendum, we do not have a "strong mayor", we would have instead an aldermanic form of government.
We need to change to the managerial form of government as allowed by and described in the Illinois Municipal Code. Simply hiring a manager will not correct the problems - the manager needs to be insulated and protected by changing the form of government.
More attacks on the elected officials?
I have been to several city council meetings. Most of the council is very professional and the meetings are boring but businesslike. I think its apparent that some members of the audience have their own agenda, what is their agenda depends on who they are. Competitive business? Lost election? Political aspirations? Chaos? Who knows? I don't know about territorial issues, most of the discussion is about city issues. I don't know if that issue is that important. Going from 8 to 4 may be a good idea, you just hope that you have 4 of them that have the skill set to operate the city. If your doing this to save money, a city manager will exceed all of the elected official salaries. Which may be a good idea. Is "working for you", the same as working for the benefit of the residents of Peru? It depends on which seat you occupy in the audience.
Having aldermen-at-large would give each and every individual and ward more representation.
You call the council professional when they literally attack each other and criticize one of their own? Voicing different opinions and ideas is one thing but being obnoxious is beyond professional in my books. As far as the audience what are you referencing with regards to them? Are you saying that they should just sit back and agree with everything that is being done with their tax dollar? Are you saying that their council should be able to decide when and if a project should go out for bid or when and if they should follow ordinances? Protocol should, in my opinion (notice I said opinion), should be followed at all times not just when it's convenient for those involved.
5:14 You had to throw in your fake plea for communism to attach it to the valid arguments about racist labels for sports teams.
Bob Costas summed it up well on the halftime commentary during the last Washington Redskins game. There are many derogatory names for races, which I will not list here, and even the backward thinkers might have trouble using them but given the fact so very few of us know any native Americans , it is easier to shove them to the back of the bus.
Because truths are inconvenient does not make them less truthful.
Communism has been rejected by nearly all the world as being an ineffective method of wealth and welfare distribution. Yet still, you lump it in with any government program that encourages equality and protection of basic human rights. And you try and connect it with the government admitting and commenting on the use of a truly derogatory term for Native Americans for a sports team in the very heart of our govt.
Less government does not mean blind government, nor government that only agrees with you. Colleges and high schools can more easily switch their names, since their deep traditions are only radically valued by a small group who generally never evolve much past there local high school spirit to recognize a much bigger world out there. It is more difficult for the national teams with very large followings. But if you cannot draw a distinction between Fighting Irish, Cleveland Indian, and Washington Redskin there is no point in arguing the point with you. You just want everything to stay the same because it is not hurting you.
I don't know who to ask this of so maybe someone in the city will answer.
Now that we have a professional engineer on staff to take Gary Blecks place, does anyone know what jobs he is allowed to undertake, that Gary could not. It was hinted at by Ald. Potthoff to Mikos that did he have the skills to work on the airport road and of course he said no. And since the city workers could not seal the blacktop at Baker Lake, I will ask again, should he have been able to with city encouragement to undertake this job. I have a neighbor who seals his blacktop driveway without going out for professional workers.
Your neighbor may buy driveway seal that is much different than what is utilized by professionals. The oil base and binders are watered down for cool pour on residential areas. The professionals will bind cracks, air power cracks for debris, and apply a hot seal for the walkway.
Lois - everyone should read about the different forms of municipal government available. I think some people have some misconceptions about how each one functions. For example - I believe that if we change to the council / manager form, the manager will replace the elected clerk and treasurer. But everyone should read for themselves. Here is a link to the code:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=802&ChapterID=14
12:48 PM
Thanks and my next question is,
Since we have a professional engineer on staff, could he have directed our city workers to perform the job and it would be done in the manner needed?
I guess anybody could do it if you have the proper training and materials.
Just because someone is a PE it does not mean they are experts in the actual implementation of every construction or repair project needed in a city. I does mean they know the questions to ask and can pull the trigger on decisions between ways to go, both labor and materials.
If you have an architect design your home or office building you might not want them to do the actual construction, plumbing and electrical. You would hope they would know the right questions to ask and people to hire, and make sure there design makes sense from the standpoint of the skilled laborers. But they are not paid for their ability to oversee general contracting.
City employees should be able to reseal the path. It's not I-80 for crying out loud! If they can't do it, maybe they should be looking for a different job. LaSalle was able to install all the new play ground equipment in their new park with city employees and volunteers. Why can't we lay down some tar on a walking path?
I think a change in government would be beneficial to our City given its current state. There is little representation of the PEOPLE's opinion on the current council. Should you be on the outs with your ward alderman there is NO REPRESENTATION. Here's some food for thought...
I would think many of us would agree that in order for a small community to thrive and see positive growth the community must use all major transportation routes to their maximum capacity and benefit. One can argue that in the past 5+/- years Ottawa has really separated itself from the Illinois Valley area due to its progressive development within its boundaries and has maintained a steady growth during one of the weakest economies of our lifetime. Peru and Ottawa share many of the same major transportation systems (Interstate 80, Rte. 6, Illinois River, CSX Rail system) yet Ottawa has seen more growth and development than Peru. These two communities have virtually the same tools for positive growth yet Ottawa has thrived as Peru has gone in the opposite direction. What gives? Is it that Ottawa has a better system of government setup to allow it thrive? Is it that our leaders lack leadership and focus? Is it that Peru has no clear plan for the future and does things in the spur of the moment? Is it that we are being misinformed and mislead by Chamlin (being that they have a lot of influence in development)? Opinions are welcomed.
I think Ottawa has a very good economic development director, where Peru's seems to never be heard from. Also Ottawa's mayor is very much in favor of volunteers helping make Ottawa a better town, Peru's mayor frowns on volunteers. I believe Ottawa also held a meeting to hear residents' ideas of ways to better Ottawa. Can you see Harl doing that? Didn't Harl promise town hall meetings??
Thank you for your opinion. I am curious to see all the thoughts out there being that Ottawa and Peru share so much in common, but yet we are in a backwards spiral as Ottawa is not. Here's another thought, besides Chamlin could we also put some blame on Janko being that they are the major developer around here and have pushed for so many TIF districts?
4:45 What do you call creative development? Ottawa is a vibrant city, no arguement. Peru has a larger sales tax base, lower utility rates, lower property taxes. Peru has stepped up to fix outdated sewer systems and helped with residential flood problems. Ottawa continues to struggle with the flooding issues in many residential areas. Ottawa has a nice park area along the water front, Peru does not have that opportunity. Your main point is that Ottawa has a better city. Well it depends on what is your interest. If you intent is political, you may be making your point. If your intent is common sense and keeping money in the residents pocket, you may want to re-evaluate. If you want to compare high school football teams, you may win with Ottawa this week. But I want to remind you the Cavaliers are not bad and I predict a Cav win. 19-12
You forgot to add that Ottawa is allowing liquor sales in the South End. Now thats progress?
I'm thinking of opening a business in peru. It would be a drive-thru convenient store. With hopes of liquor and cigarettes being my biggest seller. I would like my business hours to be 6am-2:30am, therefore all the bar hoppers will drive thru for last call. Thoughts anyone?
8:16 More baloney......Peru has no residential TIFS! LaSalle, Ottawa, Mendota all have more TIFS than Peru. Your perception is wrong. What's wrong with TIFS as a tool to create business that in turn helps the economic base of the city? The business still pays taxes.
4:45,8:54,8:16 good creative and informative banter. This is much better than the personal insults.
Well said 4:45. I am part of a majority that would much rather be in Peru than anywhere else around. We have low taxes, an excellent school system and quite a few amenities for a small town. Take a look at other towns of our size.
I do not agree with all of the decisions made by our city and I think we need to have a long term plan, but all of the crap on this blog is ridiculous. Go ahead and criticize me for liking my community but I do. Calling people names and having nothing but criticism for public servants does nothing to help. Step up and get involved. Complaining does nothing.
4:45 Falling back on the mall retail tax base is getting old. We also pay more in sales tax. Retail adds fewer quality jobs with benefits.
A portion of Ottawas growth and planning is coming from it's being on the outer fringe as a suburb. You are probably looking at another ten years unless rapid transit heads out there, but their real estate will become prime.
Ottawa has a higher percentage of transplants from out of the area, which helps in voting and thinking change. Lasalle and Peru working as one could do similar things, but that will never happen.
Ottawa is not the land of Milk and Honey. They have their own problems as mentioned above. One thing they are doing that is rather silly when you think about it is the tree planting thing. They use tax money to plant trees all over the place without thinking about it. The trees are fine - but they are planning them under power lines and even under other trees. In a couple of years, they will need to pay to have these trees trimmed.
10:16 what is your interest. Peru has a good variety of grocery stores, great restaurants, Mall, Target, Walmart, Walgreens, car dealerships and more. Bar hoppers are gone, that went out with several years ago. Most bars in this town are closed by 11pm. And there is nothing wrong with that.
For a TOWN OF 10,000 Peru has alot of offer from a shopping standpoint, nice recreational options, nice schools, good police, ambulance, fire. And many local hometown stores like Debos, Deli, good hospital, and a number of manufacturers. Even resale shops and auctions houses are available. Its has a Pads, Goodwill and others. The downtown area looks much better than it did 20 years ago. We have some of the most talented contractors and home improvement individuals located in the area. We have some very good law firms, medical providers. And we have some very nice retirement centers. To those who continue to be critics, naysayers and name callers. Where have you lived before and are you prisoner in this fine city?
11:52 AM
It would be interesting to know if you ever shop outside the area? Also wonder how many shop outside the area at least once maybe in a 4 to 8 week time period or more frequently. Quite a number go to Ottawa to work or to the courthouse etc.
Other than Ottawa, where do you travel to shop for either a wider selection or a store that is not locally available.
For instance, we were in Ottawa yesterday and only went to Farm and Fleet and back home.
Also I personally have a difficult time finding a restaurant locally that serves good gluten free food, so we seldom eat anywhere in Peru.
If Oglesby goes through with building a grocery store and recently has opened a hardware store and Loves Truck Stop will open in November, it will mean some loss of tax dollars which could only be minor or more, no one really knows.
People from many places come here to shop at Hyvee and I believe more will when they open their Health Market soon.
This is all constantly evolving and much depends upon the leadership in each city.
Is Peru on the wpswing or the downswing in the last 5 years? Compare it to other localities that you are familiar with to make your evaluation.
For example Morris, Ottawa, LaSalle and Utica all have nicer and more active downtowns than Peru. Mendota has a new high school, Hall is getting a new high school. L-P is putting its money in a new sports field. Peru has a new grade school and so does Ottawa.
City governments of all the other towns are much more serving, open and friendly to their citizens.
Peru is turning into a retirement center. The average age is going up fast. We need additional industries that support a larger number of employees and attract younger, educated people.
Spring Valley voted that the volunteer fireman will not be receiving a raise. They receive $200 a month in salary. How much does peru fireman get paid per call?
I want to reiterate on Justin Logers comment above. I cannot stress enough the fact that we do "NOT" have a Strong Mayor form of government in Peru. I mean that both figuratively and literally. And for any of you "council defenders" out there complaining about insults directed at Peru's elected officials, back off!
This is not an insult, it is my "opinion" and it is not based on anomosity, it is based on reality. I have experienced it personally and I have witnessed it in council meetings and social settings. As far as the majority of Peru aldermen, don't even get me started on that "No-Bid Gang of Seven".
Now that was in fact meant to be an insult.
Thank you all for your comments. It was an interesting take on things by some. It was not to attack on anyone, I was just curious as what people thought. Would you agree that Peru must begin to plan for the future around Interstate 80? It seems as though a lot of communities have or are investing a mass amount of tax dollars around their interstate areas in order to keep attractive to anyone that may feel the need to stop.
The posting above:
WOULD YOU CONSIDER OTHER TYPES OF CITY GOVERNMENT?
This is a extremely important question for each and every citizen of Peru. Taking a look at the agenda for tonights city council meeting I do not understand why there is a meeting? I would think that people of strong leadership would strive to discuss important town topics to update and inform all concerned.
Recently, with the upcoming reduction to 2 meetings/month, 24 meetings /year and a council members salary of $4,940 per year it has been determined that a council member will be paid $205.83 for each scheduled meeting whether the council member attends or not. Yes that is correct $205.83 per city council meeting. Recently there was a 75% turnover of the Peru Township Trustees because of a $200+ pay per meeting of each trustee. So now what does our own council vote in but a pay for themseves of $205.83 for each council meeting. This is in the form of a guaranteed salary per year of $4,940.
Has anyone ever questioned the cost of a city council meeting? What does it cost to conduct a meeting in which the Mayor, City Clerk, City Budget Director, City Attorney, Eight City Council Members, City Engineer, Chamlains Engineer, President of Test, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Building Inspector are in attendance being paid? This is a total of 18 people. Could the full time Human Resource Manager and Mayor analyze where they could make significant cost savings through a cost analysis of these meetings. There is a possibility of 7 of the 18 positions not having a need of being present.
Every town should look at other cities to see what positive things they have and what negative things they have. The town governments that seek the why answers to both will be the leaders. Leadership means to Lead, status quo means your just ignorant or unwilling to improve or do better.
3:25-You are exactly right. Just because a mayor is perceived as being powerful does not mean we have a "strong mayor" form of government.
4:53-I understand the willingness to invest around such a high visual/traveled area of our local economy, but the dollars that are invested should not be with tax dollars. Look at the scenario that happened in Spring Valley with the hospital. Massive amounts of tax dollars were invested to build the infrastructure to lead out to the new hospital out by St. Bede. Well the hospital backed out so all that infrastructure is sitting there, unused, while that capital could have been used elsewhere in the city. The investment dollars that go up near Interstate 80 should come from private capital, but we first as a city must give people a reason to invest here. We, as a city, can clean it up as much as we like, but if we as a city are still very much anti-business then it will have all been for nothing.
Lois in answer to your question of whether the current structure is working for me or serving themselves. They are working for themselves as proven by recent no bid contracts and pay increase to over $208.00+/meeting. Nowhere, Nowhere , Nowhere has this particular group of individuals ever been paid, or will be paid this amount of money they have voted themselves to get with their background and abilities. Their is not one of them who has the background or professional experience to serve on the Alderman Committee they are supposidly making decisions for. The way it has always been is not creating a future for the City of Peru. New, intelligent ideas are a must for a progessive Peru.
To: Lois
From: Rodney Perez
I would support more representation without increasing government; One alderman per ward with Two aldermen @ Large.
The people should have the right to contact a representative they feel comfortable calling; for instance: if a second ward constituent never voted, or supported either of the second ward aldermen they should have the right to contact an alderman at large whom they feel comfortable dealing with, this would resolve conflict amongst officials who draw the line in the sand.
Since the council voted 6-1 with 1 absent to decrease number of monthly meetings, should the council reduce number of aldermen to maybe 1 per ward and 2 @ large, total of 6 aldermen?
This is the second time within the last twelve months our administration moved to reduce monthly meetings.
Being there was no discussion after the motion was made to have two monthly meetings, I will assume the reason for the change was due to the majority feeling there's a lack of city business to discuss, or manage.
If the majority reduced monthly meetings by half due to a reduction of business on our agendas, then the majority should also support a salary reduction...less work = less pay.
There's plenty of issues, concerns, and opportunities left on the table week after week but until we implement strategic planning and design a blueprint of the future for our city, we will continue kicking the can down the road.
Thanks!
Rodney:-)
Draw ther line in the sand? Where did any aldermen get this idea of boundary limitations? When voting at a coucil meeting don't they realize they are voting for the entire town, not just their ward.
$205.83 per council meeting which is normally one hour, not too shabby for a jr. col. golf coach.
If these aldermen where as good at working for the system as they are at working the system Peru would be one hell of a town.
Rodney, that is not a can that this administration and council are kicking down the road. It is a 55 gallon barrel full of stupid.
Spring valley fireman don't receive $200 a month. Most recieve less than $200 a year. They increased the annual amount divided up to all fireman by $200 . You people amaze me to think we can't afford to pay our fireman a decent wage! Your taxes that you pay go to support a fire department just like a police department or streets department! They don't work for less than $200 a year, why should our fireman?
Good question. What is the cost of a city council meeting?
Well just for the aldermen alone it will be $1646.64, whether they go or stay home.
$200 a month for spring valley fireman 10:18, in paper two weeks ago. A lot of volunteer departs get paid per fire call they go to. I believe perus fireman get $33(?) PER FIRE CALL. Even if call is 10 minutes. Too much money per call. Checks monthly vary in amounts. Possibly up to $600 a month. ASK THE FIRE CHIEF. Or maybe he should blog information here.
Rodney, be a example by cutting your pay in half and giving it back to the taxpayers. Not some bogus charity. Nothing less is nothing more than hot air. And your volunteer fireman pay, maybe donate that back to the fire department. Coming to the station to sign in isn't a fire call.
What are the deadlines for the application process in which the city is accepting for the building inspector position? I would think that the person who is to replace Taylor will have extensive knowledge in this department. Not just talk the big talk that they have knowledge. I would also think this position one whorls have to know EVERYTHING about building a house, remodeling codes, etc. There are a lot of construction workers out there who have all this knowledge, hope the city hires this position in a fair and honest manner. Don't believe what someone says in a verbal interview. A lot of people can talk big but aren't really knowledgeable on the subject.
Good point Ald.Perez. What about the other elected officials like the mayor, clerk, treasurer, dept. heads. Less meetings = less work?
And your reasoning on town representatives makes sense. What if I didn't vote for Senator Dick Dubin of Illinois can I call Ted Cruz of Texas to help me with my local neighborhood problem?
Has anybody heard of anybody who has put in applications/resumes for the position of building/code inspector? If so who has shown interest? I have a friend who lives in Plainfield and has been in construction for twenty plus years. Has built and subcontracted building 500k+ homes. He may be interested in relocating to peru. He is very experienced and has a great resume. Maybe honest government can start with the hiring process in this department.
You are insinuating that a volunteer fireman gets paid for a call($33(?) for just signing a ledger and not actually at the scene? Just dilly dalley to station and get paid. Now, that a good deal and a waste of taxpayers money. Fire call comes in, ones at the bar, finish cocktail, leave, go to station, sign book, wait, fire call over, go back to bar. Has this happened?
Are applications even being accepted for this position? Has there even been public notice of this vacancy? Could it be an in-house person?
10:36 AM
The word on the street that I have heard from several different people is that it will be filled from within from a city department head who is part time at present.
Lois, who might that be? Nothing wrong with giving name. Why would the city not have a open application/resume process for this? Is this rumored person a qualified person with knowledge and hands on experience in this position?
Part-time city department head????????
Lois, will be interesting to see the qualifications of the word on the street person is. And what kind of relationship/donations have been given to our current mayor for his campaign fund. Would not this person have electrical, plumbing experience extensively. Not to mention structural knowledge in building from the ground up?
11:18 You can be sure that the person who is being considered has definitely donated to the Harl campaign.
The Great Kreskin thinks you have pulled the next Building Inspector out of the Fire Chiefs Helmit since he is the only part time city dept. hd.
Before anyone is chosen there will have to be several procedures to be followed because in Mayor Harls 2009 campaign he was a strong advocate of all city positions being advertised and published and everyone would have a equal and fair path to obtain the position.
Mayor Harl emphasized many times that he felt it was unjust and wrong that 38% of the cities employees were within 3 familiews of political power.
He also promised to address the practice of "No Bid" contacts and that he would encourage citizen involvement in the political process, "I will listen to the voice of the people" are his exact words.
Hopefully this position won't be filled like the test contract was pushed through. The alderman should step up to the plate and have extensive interviews of applicants for this position and ask many questions. Is there an aptitude test, written exam given? Knowledge of blueprints, plumbing, electrical test? Favoritism should not be used in filling this position.
What position? Building Inspector or Assistant Building Inspector? Who will the person that fills whatever is determined to be the position answer to?
Part-time employee. Isn't the assistant fire chief part-time also? WHAT CREDENTIALS DOES THE FIRE CHIEF HAVE IN BUILDING ANYTHING? IF IM READING THIS CORRECTLY IT SEEMS AS THOUGH THE BLOGGER IS SAYING THE FIRE CHIEF IS A PERSON OF INTEREST. IS THIS A JOKE? IM GOING TO MAKE A FEW PHONE CALLS TO A FEW PEOPLE AND BEAR WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY ABOUT ANY EXPERIENCE THIS PERSON HAS IN THIS POSITION OR FIELD. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT IF TRUE. WHO CARES OR WILL INFORM US TAXPAYERS ON THIS? Is this position a no experience necessary?
12:06 you have to have experience for this position. A person with very minimal or no experience should not even be considered. How is salary going to be decided? Conflict of interest? Is peru looking for a new fire chief? If what you blogged is true 12:06? And yes money of $600 was donated by the current fire chief to Harls campaign. Mr. Perez, what have you heard and your knowledge on this hiring process? Curious, and thank you.
There are two people I know that have extensive knowledge to be able to fill this position. Have actually worked in this field and are living in Peru. One of those people would ask for a salary of $60,000 per year. Think of the money Peru could save with this position. Doesn't peru have a well paid electrician? Could he be considered if interested? The city should not be pulling a persons name out of a helmet because of favoritism. If they do, it's going to come back and bite them in the butt. 12:06, has this person ever built a house? Plumbed a new home? Roofing? Certified for all electrical components? Concrete knowledge? basement foundation knowledge? Put siding on a house? etc....Applicants should know all this and be able to verify what they say during the process for employment for this job. Where is the job qualification listed for this position?
You are correct 1:15.
Do firemen get paid to sign in?
This has been discussed on this forum before. Yes, you sign in and get paid for fire call. Can't remember which month and year this was discussed on here. Correct my recollection of this if my memory is amiss.
Wonder what the payroll has been each month for the volunteer fireman and the fire chief and asst. chief? For the past 7 years? And how many calls for each month and year. Comparison analysis here. Not including the four full-time engineers stationed 24/7 at the firehouse. This information should be easy to obtain. Simple mathematics. Who keeps these records?
How many applicants has peru received for Taylor's position? My friend was asking me how he can apply for
the position. He also has always been a non-union worker
In labor and construction field.
2:14 PM
I believe the procedure is to foia the records from the city clerks office who will get them from the fire chief. I also know that if you ask for more than they want to give you free there will be a charge. I don't remember what the limit is.
All applicants should have a meeting with the
Mayor and Alderpersons at the same time. PUBLIC INVITED. 3x5 question index cards allowed.Have a Q&A relating to subjects that have to do with the position. Put a two hour cap on meeting. Then go into a
Closed session to choose who would best fill position. This would be a fair and honest way to fill this position. There would be a lot less talk in regards to any one having favoritism as to who was hired. Persons with knowledge in this field for position should have no problem being asked questions relating to their knowledge. Resumes and references of employee applying and their work history should also be considered in this process of hiring.
The direction of the operation of the city can start here with this process being conducted in a fair and honest process.
Why not all free. This should be published information available to taxpayers. Another shady deal sounds like.
Sorry I'm clueless did they let Taylor go?
2:40 PM
He got his walking papers about one week ago. Also word is that a replacement had already been chosen and discussed behind closed doors before his dismissal.
I have always felt Frank Taylor was the wrong man for the job but why did Harl keep him on for 5 years and suddenly replace him is the question.
And why is he not choosing to publicly put out an advertisement for this position?
Were promises made to someone else that the job would be his?
Lois, Again, what type of qualifications person have? Who is this person? Unfair hiring process if this is true. TRANSPARENCY?
Why would this process of filling and hiring for a position be handles in yet another secretive manner? Wrong. Don't count on job security in four years after the next election. A change in government. This process if hiring can and hopefully will be used by the new candidates for mayor.
Salary is always based on experience and if a person has no experience I would assume salary would be low. $40K??
There are many people who have been born and raised in peru that should be given the opportunity to apply and be considered for this position that Mr. Taylor has had for five years. Questions that all taxpayers of Peru should ask themselves is: Is Perus hiring process fair? Is Peru a equal opportunity employer?
349 Does Peru even have a hiring process? I know when the mayor was campaigning he promised such but he hasn't lived up to any of his promises. If we do have one we pick and chose when to follow it.
Donate to my campaign, do as I say, don't ask questions, don't answer questions from bloggers on blog site(because you may not be smart enough or invasive), and I will give you raises and try and get you a full-time city job somewhere, even if you kinda,sorta,really don't qualify for the position, anything is possible. Does this happen? Oh yeh, don't forget to buy me some beverages. It's all good.
Reneged on the bidding process also. What promises has Mayor Harl kept in which he campaigned upon?
Are we dealing with a puzzle here? Read the above blogs regarding Mr. Taylor's position being filled. Didn't the fire department want to have ambulance service out of fire station and fire chief was supposedly going to oversee
this if it would come to be, discussed not long ago. Wasn't it also mentioned a while back about peru having a full-time fire department and full-time chief, etc..? In which peru doesn't need either of these two and issues were dropped. Our fire Chief was appointed by Mayor Harl. Now, I'm reading on here that there is rumor on the street in regards to perus fire chief filling the full-time position of Mr. Taylor (building/code inspector). What qualifications does perus fire chief have to perform the position of building inspector? needless to say, there seemed to be two strikes with obtaining a full time position with the city, is this the third? Or will this be a home run? Or, a last resort for a full-time position with the city. What's the heck is going on? Now, , these are blogs, are they true as to the rumors?
Wasn't there recently a full-time position opening as a fire engineer available? Didn't a volunteer firman get that position? What was his starting salary? 30k(?) with benefits? My question is why didn't perus fire chief apply for that? Wouldn't that position have been closer to his line of work on his resume? Or was it that the salary wasn't good enough and Mr. Taylor's position was eventually going to be available with a much higher salary. Who would have known this in a secret (possibly) meeting. The mayor and fire chief?? Food for thought.
Another important issue with the governing of the city of peru. Very interesting in reading blogs. Maybe someone will put our minds to rest and tell us what's truly happening. Is this speculation or the truth? How can we know the truth when truth is not given? It is Halloween month and it's getting scary. Is this a trick? Or treat?
Can my brother Joe Smoe apply for Taylor's position? He flips burgers at Mickey D's now. And does he need certain qualifications? I'll have to help him fill out app and get an upscale resume. Where does he go from here or who does he talk to?
This is off the subject but on Tuesday and Wednesday there were accidents on Peoria Street. The first one was at the intersection of Peoria and Hyvee. The one on Wednesday was the intersection by Goodwill. And it is not even the holidays yet. Yikes!!!!!
A very important point to consider when the subject is of a political nature is DO NOT ASSUME.
So to reach a logical answer, which has become a impossibility in Peru politics, let us ask.
Was Frank a assistant building inspector or a building inspector?
Was his position designated as a part time or a full time occupation?
was he really paid $30/hour?
Where did Frank fit in in the management/organizational chart?
Who told him what to do and who did he tell what to do?
Who watched his number of hours turned in and who observed what was being done during these hours?
Was he his own boss or did he have a assigned supervisor?
How do the answers to the above questions correlate to what the future wishes are for the next person holding this job are?
Many questions will be answered when the job opening is advertised in the local newspaper? Is there a possibility that a previous Peru Building Inspector will apply again?
Wasn't this advertised in paper? Last week or so.
Peru already has a full time chief. Position was given to King to be chief/ inspector. Harl too scared to announce it though!
5:56 Didn't Mr. Taylor just get let go? I doubt it was advertised in the paper yet (if it will be at all). I know on the city website, under "job opportunities", nothing is listed for Mr. Taylors or Mr. Potthoffs' positions.
11:38 when did this happen? So fire chief/fire Marshall gets paid a salary? He also get another pay for volunteer fireman, paid per call, also, ESDA pay, and now chief inspector?pay??? What's his pay for this new position he has supposedly been given? Why wasn't this discussed at council meeting? This is four different salaries for four different jobs??????????????????????
Your blog isn't understandable. Could you be more specific? Harl gave Taylor's job to Fire Chief Jeff King? Why would Harl want this a secret? Is Is Jeff King still Prrus Fire Chief/Fire Marshall? Taylor's job was? building/Code inspector? Doesn't that have to do with building permits, electrical?Plumbing inspection? Not fire extinguisher and exit inspections. Qualifications King has for Taylor's job? Any? When will Harl let public know? Do alderman know? Is this top secret? Why wasn't this position available for anybody interested to apply? No alderman has answered any of the previous questions asked.
2:32 Sure and then they should let the public ask questions. That may be the single most stupid idea that has been listed on this blog site in at least three days. Then after the public flogging they receive from the question and answer period, the applicant could take rides in the back of your pick-up truck so you could show them your home and request that they not fine you for your 16 inch grass, couch in the front yard, the still in the garage and the 3 different famlies in the 300 square ft.
2:34 PM
Very little done in the city of Peru is understandable. The word is circulating and the electeds have never discussed in public but would they discuss something they don't want people to submit applications for? I don't think so. In fact they have not publicly announced that Frank was dismissed and they would be seeking a new Building Inspector.
Was the TEST contract discussed in public, before the aldermen announced what they were going to do?
Don't you remember how aggravated they were when I asked the qualifications of the man they had just chosen to be the superintendent of public works?
How far back do you want me to go?
Whomever Peru hires I hope hes like
Borostowski. He got things done when he was the asst. for a short time. I just hope its someone who is strong. Taylor ran away from one house on this block, cause he was scared. He was useless.
The blog has very little accurate information. Please read the newspaper to get a real-time account. The fun thing about the blog is that the information is based on rumors, gossip or personal agendas. Never has anything ever been verified with those in charge. When I have a question I call the source, many times the clerk, mayor, city alderman.
ZERO QUALIFICATION IVE HEARD AND PRETTY SURE ITS TRUE
2:52 When you run for public office and are elected you are under the microscope for every decision and vote you cast. You should know this going in, it happens at every level of government from local to Washington DC. It is taxpayer money they are spending so the public has the right to know how they are doing business. although I do not agree with the public asking questions of the applicant, the job should be advertised on the web site and the newspaper. That is where this administration gets in trouble, if it is true that the job has already been filled.
No way 11:38. For surely not
True. Really? Are you really kidding us? really?
Lois, this should have its own topic heading. And all the recent blogs transferred to comments. We taxpayers being snowballed again?
Firemen pay- My dad was on the Peru fire dpt. it shouldn't surprise you of how these firemen get paid. Ankeiwitcz and others who have small children aways took there small kids to the station signed the pay book and sat at station until the firemen were back from a call. These guys like Rob A. and several others brought small kids in under the age of 5 years old or even baby's during a call to sign to get paid. My dad always got mad because those firemen couldn't do anything at the station or go on another call out because there kids were to small to leave there. I would sometimes go and see that with my own eyes but I was like 10 years old then and I could have just walked home. This all took place when Jeff King was chief so it is recent.
Rodney Perez at least did things and worked hard when I saw him at the station. Firemen should not be allowed to get paid for fire calls when they take there kids to the station if they are to little to walk home.
Isn't Jeff King still fire chief?
I heard from a solid source that part of decision to release Taylor was disagreement of a residential property on Plain St. Alderman Radtke wanted a house which has been damaged for 5 years knocked down and Taylor still let it sit there damaged with huge pile of dirt and big hole in the ground and green tarps all over it.
Hey Mr. King can you get it burnt down please its an eyesore to the plain st neighborhood.
6:38 AM
I do know the house you are talking about, but It looks like someone is working on it to make it bigger.
I can top that one as around the block from me is one that Taylor was very aware of and in fact, I had just called on it and this time to Ald. Mueller the day before Taylor was let go. This house is not habitable and has not been for about 4 or 5 years. I admit there might be rats, raccoons or other creatures living in it.
There are rats, racoons and other creatures living in a lot of houses and apt. buildings in Peru.
If anyone thinks for a second Taylor was let go because of a certain property than I have an ocean front property in Arizona to sell ya. Taylor's termination came so another one of Harls buds could have his position. Check to see what Taylor has contributed to the Harl campaign compared to what Jeff King has, and will do for Harl. If Harl terminated heads for not doing their job than he would have gotten rid of Taylor and Bleck 3 years ago.
1:05 Point well taken.
Anon 1:05 In a couple of sentences you have opened alot of seed for thought. This blog has already pointed out what wrongs could be created by a incumbent having yearly fundraisers for campaign war chest in his next election three, two, one year from election. Yearly golf outings etc, have no more place in small town politics than political party participationship and/or excessive contributions and involvement from private organizations. Simply stated individual politicians have proven themselves incapable of staying honest when they can achieve a financial gain greater than their office. Remember when President Obama's political seat became open upon his being elected President.
I'm glad Tayors gone. But I don't know if the fire chief will be any better? I hope we get someone who will do something about a lot homes and yards that need to be checked out.
WWGD ?
What would Gary Do?
This man was the best chief Peru had!
Another $125 ,000 a year job. This city can afford it.
What's the particulars here? Jeff king, the fire chief, QUALIFICATIONS PEOPLE! Does he even have any for Taylor's position. When is this going to be in the paper and what salary he will get? Doesn't the council see qualification of applicants?
Could there be an alternative motive here why harl would give this position to king? To help king out in a personal endeavor? Won't go into it. That coin has two sides.
One requirement for any lead position within the city should be a credit check from all three credit bureaus.
What in the heck does a credit check have to do with any of this? My credit stinks because of certain circumstances beyond my control. I work 60+ hours a week, definitely not lazy. And have had a job since I was 14. Now, hitting the big 50. Personally, I thinks it's wrong for employers and insurance companies to access this information. Bank loans of course this information is a must. If and when I might possibly find another job and my credit report was part of the hiring process, I would be crappy out of luck. And yes, I take full responsibility for my actions, and like I stated before, circumstances beyond my control. 2:16, a lot of people possibly wouldn't get jobs if credit reports were part of the hiring process. Not fair, because it could be because of circumstances.
2:16 start with elected officials. I bet some won't pass the credit check.
Here is my question: if our fire chief was given Taylor's position, has Mr. Jeff King ever had any type of contractors license himself? If not, how can he do that job.Go to Perus website and you will see it still lists Taylor. Why hasn't site been updated by clerks office? Is this like the videotapping of council meetings, mishaps and malfunctions of computer system? Just wondering why Taylor's name is still on website.
Will Taylor's replacement be discussed at tonight's council meeting? Maybe someone who will attend will fill out the comment card and ask about it. Or will this be another one of those closed session deals?
Regarding the article about Gary Eccles in tonight's paper, what I want to know is why does everybody speak so highly of Gary, and yet they couldn't wait to get rid of him as chief and get King in there. Sounds two-faced to me. I don't trust King. Too many things that don't sit right with me with the way King got to be chief. Gary was a good guy who got a bad deal.
As long as all professional procedures are used to hire a new employee (publication of open occupation, particulars of needs wanted and dates and whom to contact etc.) a closed sesson meeting is appropriate for a final approval. There is no need of everyone knowing each and every person who applied or specifics of why one person was chosen and others were not. Those not selected still have to go on seeking employment.
Were there any professional procedures followed to hire a new employee? I don't think anyone was given the opportunity to apply for this position.
Professional? we are talking about the city of peru.
Post a Comment