I was not at the city council meeting but this news report from WLPO says it all.
http://wlponews.wordpress.com/2013/12/30/peru-police-and-fire-chiefs-named-interim-public-works-superintendents/
My own personal opinion is with the lone dissenting vote of Dave Potthoff. I agree that the senior foremen of the public works dept. should have been able to handle this for the few weeks it should take to hire someone new. Notice I said should. The hiring again will be done by Mayor Harl, Ald. Waldorf and Ald. Lukosus, need I say more. Normally you would have a more informed group of people doing the interviewing but we evidently have to go with what we have. Perhaps an interview with all of the city council would be appropriate considering the circumstances of the current (for one more day) SPW/civil engineer. If you doubt what I am saying, watch the city council video of July 15, 2013.
51 comments:
Ugh, autocorrect. That should be PWD not PAD.
I just talked with someone who attended the meeting. He said it was best meeting in a long time. It appears the mayor and council are working together setting aside politics. This solution is the best available. Some may want it to fail for selfishness reasons but to have a union foreman supervise other union workers is wrong. I am glad to here that the mayor and alderman did not give into the nay sayers. Good job Peru.
Not sure why some comments go through and others don't. I had posted last night that perhaps they didn't want someone from PWD stepping up because it might be a conflict because of the investigation.
Just heard on the radio that they are going to be looking for a new electric department superintendent. It is good to see they are thinking ahead this time. However, it sounds like his Royal Highness has doubts about our ability to find a candidate because there aren't many electrical engineers anymore! What planet is he living on? It is a rapidly growing career field. Or.... maybe he has doubts about our ability to attract a competent individual that is willing to work in the political cesspool of the Peru City Government.
Still no reason given for the resignation? And now Harl says they may not hire another city engineer?
Chamlin is laughing all the way to the bank again. They put the screws to Sean Mikos and the citizens of Peru once again.
And the city council just sits on their hands while Chamlin piles on the engineering fees.
What a freakin' disgrace.
People on this blog have asked who is really running the city of Peru? Just open your eyes people.
The chaos and mismanagement that occurs inside Peru government on a daily basis is astounding.
The ridiculous comments from our elected officials reveal a city where politics prevails over common sense with almost every decision.
Our clueless elected officials are so easily manipulated by the real Peru "Players". The players are the individuals and companies that continue to profit from the phony decisions of our mayor and city council.
That "profit" can be financial profit, or political profit, or both.
Keep that in mind as you watch the SPW / Engineer embarrassment play out.
Did anybody mention the reason why Mikos resigned yet?
If not, ask yourselves why.
8:22: So you heard on the radio. You were so lucky to catch that bit of news with the new radio format. We now get an hour of noise called music and maybe a couple of minutes of news. How many FM stations does this area need? Oh, I forgot already WLPO is AM but just acting like FM. From now on I'm listening to Chicago to get my information.
So who is in charge when the SPW goes on vacation? What happens if he gets sick? Exactly what is the chain of command in this department - I'd like to see an org chart for the entire city.
The radio station changed its format to match the intellect of the vast majority of Illinois Valley residents - Old hippies wanting to return to the 1970's, that don't give a crap about the local government or the local economy.
Except for a few bloggers, most people in Peru don't want to know and definitely don't want to see how the sausage is made. They vote for people based on seeing them at their favorite "supper club" or because they vaguely recognize their last name from back in high school. That is also why the newspaper does not cover local government beyond printing an abbreviated version of the meeting minutes. Truth does not sell "In the Valley."
Is it true Alerman Dave Pothoff wanted to have mayor Harl supervise the foremen? So if there is an issue that needs addressed we would expect Harl to supervise or manage fellow 150 employees? That's crap! I would rather chief Bernabei manage those employees rather than Harl. Harl ignores issues and can't see the chief ignoring anything.
Why did Ms Keeney resign from the Rec Board ? She hasn't been on it 6 months ?
3:08 Too much pickle ball!!!!!
I hate everything
3;08 What do you mean by "to much pickle ball"?
3:08 - Probably because she found out that when dealing with the Hurlster, its his way or the highway.
Way to many resignations and retirees in this town!! Wake Up Peru this city has NO Leadership and its collapsing. I'm sure the lady who just resigned from the board was politically correct like the recent resignation was.
Come on Wake Up!!! I would hope Alderpersons Potthoff and Perez can straighten up city hall.
This resignation I believe has a story behind it. When this position on the Rec Board opened up, he received numerous applications but they were people he was not too fond of and out of the blue this lady who recently submitted her resignation was chosen. My take on this one and the one to follow were that they were sought out by our mayor so he could have influence on the board and not have to pick one of those people who actually submitted letters to him. Now remember this is my personal opinion.
This is Megan Keeney - I had work and family obligations that prevented me from attending the monthly meetings in September, October, and November. While not intentional, I felt my lack of participation was an injustice to my fellow board members and the citizens of Peru. There are other Peruvian's willing and able to serve on the recreation board so I felt it approprate to resign and make the position available for re-appointment. I commend the board for their volunteerism and hard work.
Thank you.
Megan Keeney
6:01 PM
Thank you Megan for clearing the air, I appreciate your information. I know we will see you again doing good for the city at some other time, in your own good time.
Here's the scoop on why the mayor has appointed two temps to run the city's workers. He's going to name his spouse to the job just like the mayor of Schiller Park did according to the Chi Trib. The genders may be reversed, but who cares the job only pays 80k.
Anon 9:50 and all others who shoot first and think later. The Mayors wife, Barb, as well as the Mayor and all others of his family are
not deserving of the disrespect you have shown. To disagree with the Mayor is acceptable but to include the Mayors wife in your mud slinging is unfair and uncalled for. The only Harl on the ballot was Scott for Mayor which is the boundary if this is your only form of expression.
2 PM
The mayor's wife name was not mentioned by the initial blogger but you have and for those you might be interested in the whole article, you can go here:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/ct-mayor-hires-husband-met-0101-20140101,0,381510.story
I personally found it a very interesting article and especially all the cities that do ban nepotism, something we might want to consider here in Peru in the future. Also believe the first blogger was just making a comment in jest and not meanness.
2:00. Harl brought all this upon himself with his "it's my way or the highway" attitude and broken promises.
SUBJECT: Co Superintendents of Public Works
Temporary management of Public Works Department split between the present and still Police Chief and Fire Chief raises many questions. If the Fire Chief ($84,000 per year) and the Police Chief ($94,000/year) have enough time on their slate to add the duties of management of the public works department a position which pays over $90,000 per year. If there positions are not a full time position why does the city pay them so much?
Alderman Potthoff proposal of the Mayor filling in for the unfilled SPW position for the temporary time frame of to 6 months with foremen handling duties which the Mayor/SPW assigns them. There is absolutely no reason that a elected official should not be given the duties of a department head for a temporary time. Also most corporations cover management positions by moving members of collective bargaining up when illness, vacations, or a build up or quit occurs. This is even more reasonable since these men have a superior pay in comparison to the rest of the work force. Possibly the real reason is that the Mayor as the members of the DPW's all belong to the same brotherhood and that brotherhood,Local 150, is not in favor.
In a council vote Alderman Potthoffs motion was defeated 7-1, with Alderman Potthoff being the only aye. It was evident that all other foremen had bigger fish to catch for self gain than to vote any other way.
A council of 1 alderman/ward and 2 at large would have given a much better representation vote in representation of constituents.
Alderman Potthoff if he chooses would make a outstanding Mayor, and the only alderman present who could lead Peru into a modern government structure which would include the thoughts of a city manager.
His ability to stand on his own two feet are evidenced by his voting record of 20+ years. He has been involved in 7-1 votes and this may raise the question why was the vote 7-1 with his being the descending vote so often. After questioning many of these votes and giving them time to mature I have asked myself why weren't these votes 8-0 with all voting with the one descender, Alderman Potthoff.
Alderman Potthoff is the only Alderman who evidently can see through Harls antics in this city. What a total joke, Bernabei and King. Harls appointment back in Oct. To King at $84k was a joke and cost taxpayers many thousands of dollars. Peru did and still does not need a full time fire chief. Peru needs a new mayor who can see this and make a change. Harl and King are very good buddies I've been told and that is why Harl made that appointment. Wake up. Alderman Potthoff is smart enough to know this is probably why this has happened. This is my opinion.
11:01 Could you please share the memo that states Local 150 is not in favor of the temporary placement of the Mayor as SPW. I must have misplaced my copy. Come on now, stay with the facts.
Anon 11:01 Directives of this nature would never be placed in a written documentary form. They are handled one on one behind closed doors without witnesses. Local 150 had a lot more interest in Harl being elected Mayor than even most of his close supporters knew. There are several reasons for this also.
@2:00
Harl deserves no respect. Obviously you don't attend meetings to see how he treats the public.
I agree with you 11:01 p.m. A must read blog
For it to take several months to hire a new SPW is too long of a time frame. If a person who is qualified and is offered the position, usually within two weeks approximately they can be on the job. I feel Harl will want to draw the process out a bit in hiring one so that he can pat his back in saying the people he appointed to oversee the SPW in the interim did a fine job.
It should come as no surprise that Local 150 of the IUOE is the most corrupt local of the most corrupt union in the country (next to the old Teamsters). Everyone should know that Local 150 does not cover just the local Illinois Valley area - it covers the greater Chicago area and has had a dirty hand in dirty politics for many many years....
Right. Remember all the thank you's at a council meeting many months ago?
is the web the 3:57 anon
Anon 3:57 is Local 150 the same local that the Mayor belongs to and that the Department of Public Works joined?
I would have thought that the DPW's employees would not join such a union. As a citizen of Peru I do not appreciate that our city officials will have to deal with this Chicago unit. It should of been realized by the DPW's employees that the main strength of Peru is that the decisions made in Peru where made by the people of Peru. Now that this employee-employer bond has been severed the representation of Peru must be equipped to play hardball. The first step would be to eliminate the brotherhood of the present Mayor with a entire city department, the second step which has already been put in process is to vote in the next election that the Peru City Council is reorganized from 8 aldermen consisting of 2 aldermen per ward to a more efficient council of 6 aldermen comprised of 1 alderman per ward and 2 at large aldermen. If this proves to be a successful effort the thoughts of a city manager would be a great follow up.
Presently all city work should be analyzed to evaluate whether it is advantageous to utilize city workers or to outsource city work. No matter who would perform the work a effort would be made to utilize citizens of Peru when available..
10:41. I am beginning to think that getting rid of the PW employees and outsourcing the work is the way to go. It will get rid of the union strong hold. The current city employees could get jobs with the companies hired for outsourcing. Private companies would cost the taxpayers less in the long run.
If Harl were to get a position in Springfield it would be a feather in the 150's cap. This would give them more power and exactly what this area or state does not need. He and the 150 had big things planned when he ran for mayor in this little town.
A big fish in a little pond.
10:41 please reread your comments. How is the elimination of 2 elected officials have anything to do with the 150 representation? The only way to eliminate the union is by a employee vote.
8:43 GET out the truck, the big signs, were going to Springfield. Lets let our emotions take a rest and lets get the gang back together, were going to Springfield. TIME FOR A CHANGE in Springfield! He's got jobs for all the gang.
10:17 AM
When you take the time to actually listen at committee and council meetings, you will soon realize that we have extra people who just come to meetings and don't have much knowledge about what is taking place. We will not miss 2 aldermen.
Most reports read at council meetings are prepared by someone other than the alderman on the committee and if they didn't have the paper in front of them, they would be totally unaware or understand what was being reported on.
This is going to be a process and first we need to approve the referendum in reducing the council and then this city has to hire a City Manager to take control and to get the work done. The disarray of our current administration is not acceptable to the citizens of this city.
We can get rid of the union by outsourcing the PW Department and snow plowing to a private company.
Back to the stated question--how is local 150 have anything to do with less representation? And how has the Mayor anything to do with the Local 150 union? Are you saying that a small union has that amount of influence in Peru? Maybe I just got off the boat, but I don't see the linkage.
Agree, reports are probably written by someone who know sentence/paragraph structure. Thank goodness for spellcheck! You know, I know a person(went to HS with him) who barely made it out of HS, and he's mayor of a city up north and he actually was indicted federally for campaign donations not being spent on campaign, funneled that money elsewhere and owed back child support! When a person talks big talk, it raises a big flag.
The Mayor came from UIOE Local 150. He worked as a crane operator at a well known local business. UIOE Local 150 is not a "small union." It is the largest local of the IUOE and has over 23,000 members. Its territory covers parts of Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana. They control many politicians from the State level all the way down to precinct committeemen. From the Local 150 Web sight:
"As a Union, Local 150 is very politically active. Whether it is in Illinois, Indiana, or Iowa, we stay informed on what is going on at all levels of government. From township commissioners to state representatives to Congressmen, making relationships and keeping an open dialogue is key to having a voice at the table when legislation that affects our members is being discussed."
Anon 10:17 A three stage process was mentioned, all stages being separate from one another. The Mayor is a retired member collecting a pension bargained for by the Local 150 with the Contractors Association. No familiarities there is there?
I am definitely saying that Local 150 is not a small union since it branches out to Chicago and has a tremendous amount of influence in Peru. Local 150 spotted Peru as a town with a lot of finances and financial prospects so they proceeded to become involved in Peru politics by running one of their brotherhood for Mayor. Who do you think really paid for the Mayors campaign signs? How many non union jobs do you see awarded in Peru by the present Mayor? How are volunteers in Peru treated by Mayor Harl? The extreme to which the Chicago based power is dictating Peru and Mayor Harl is of much greater influence than realized. If this plan works as planned Peru will be considered a extremely valuable role model for union influence in the future. Remember how many members has Local 150 increased since Brother Harl has been elected and how many jobs for 150 have been created by his tie breaking vote for infrastructure improvements.
According to the Chicago Tribune, in 2007 six members of Local 150 filed a lawsuit in federal court, alleging that the President and Business Manager of IUOE Local 150 ran a salary kickback scheme. The Tribune article said “The suit alleges that [the local president] for 15 years has demanded that his more than 125 employees make $100 monthly payments” to a fund he “euphemistically referred to as contributions to his ‘Christmas Fund.’”
Anon 1:23 Unions need membership to exist, membership needs jobs to exist as members. What better way to establish a union foundation than
to get a fellow union member into the most powerful political position of the town, Mayor, to eventually increase the number of positions filled out of a particular job hall.
Peru having the largest sales tax revenue of LaSalle County even though only 1/2 the size of Ottawa and 2/3rd the size of Streator and in need of updating infrastructure along with a body of voters who could be convinced they needed a "Change" became a trial city to explore if the Chicago Local would benefit. Now that somehow for some reason a lobbyist out of Springfield has been hired for $24,000 per year and a path to larger things for Brother Harl has been instigated in the state structure a certain body has a lot to gain. Similar to the expansion plan of Walmart there other cities being looked upon as future role models for influential reasons such as tighter control of who gets the jobs and what work can be pushed through to be done immediately to create those jobs.
Kinda like the union education fund that all union members pay for political signs that have been all over Peru in the last 3 elections. Indirectly your taxes pay wages, those wages pay salaries, those salaries pay union dues like the education fund. Those funds pay for those campaign signs that support the choice candidates. Can a few thousand dollars of signs make a difference in a small town election? You be the judge, the evidence will say "yes".
10:27 HOPE YOU ARE KIDDING! Springfield is screwed up enough now!
That is exactly why we need to vote in people that will support "right to work" legislation and make Illinois a "right to work" state. Get rid of these thugs from Chicago!
Great idea, the thought of "right to work" May be a answer to the progress of creating jobs in the Illinois Valley. I have to ask if a city could become a "right to work" city on its own. Also could LaSalle County become a "right to work" county. As desperate as our area is for jobs it would be wise to explore all ideas of increasing employment. Our area would be much better off with a fully employed workforce earning a living rather than kneeling down so that a few can earn a lot and the rest starve.
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