The city council will begin the evening with an executive session beginning at 6:30 PM and will be in session for an undetermined amount of time. I have been told it will be a short session.
It will be followed by the "committee of a whole" meeting and I guess one depends upon the other as far as time is concerned.
The aldermans packet on the city web site which you can download is over 100 pages long and if interested, take a few minutes to check it out. That is where the letter from Brian Towne's office is located.
It does appear that there was a get together for lack of a better term between Ald. Sapienza and Ald. Ferrari to determine not to let Chief King allow Ald. Perez the use of the fire truck at the winter event and I will be watching to see at what events it is allowed. Now not for one minute do I believe that the 2 aldermen took it upon themselves to do this, they would not even think about it. There is no paper trail on this transaction so it was done either by email or phone conversations and I believe this was all illegally done. We all are aware there was someone else with influence and power involved. Ald. Ferrari did comment he was not the only one when contacted.
So with all the spite thrown at Ald Perez, he went forward and organized a great event appreciated and enjoyed by all the families that took part, it was truly a community event. Lots of great photos on FB of lots of smiling kid faces. Wonder if any of the elected will do the right thing and thank him this evening.
If you have time,check out the events at city hall this evening..
47 comments:
Closed executive session from 6:30 to 7:30 PM and evidently this infamous 'committee as a whole' was conducted in private. They must be too embarrassed of what is going on in Peru that they constantly take it behind closed doors. Do you realize that since Harl has been elected 5 years ago, only the minutes from 3 closed meetings have been released?.
In just a little over 30 days, the aldermen at large referendum will be voted on. This should be a loud and enormous vote to elect 2 at large and 1 per ward with all those wishing to have a chance for an elected position having to run in 2015. Let's put new people in office as beside Ald. Perez and Ald. Potthoff, the rest seem to be asleep on their feet.
If you were at the mtg, please let me know what you thought of the mayors behavior this evening. I am embarrassed at the picture we are showing to the local communities.
Lois, I thought Mayor Harl behaved extremely immature.
Rodney mentioned the city should move forward by asking Harl to apologize to the public and employees for the payroll fraud. Mayor Harl totally ignored him.
Rodney also acknowledged and expressed condolences on the recent loss of a family member of Mayor Harls. Harl totally ignored him again.
What a childish behavior .
Marsha Perez
Marsha, No one is responsible for Scott Harls' behavior other than Scott Harl. If his preference is to exist in this childish behavior so be it. The longer the length of time he remains status quo the more people will notice.
Rather than waste anymore time on him I think it would be best to ignore him and direct all time to the upcoming March election.
The election is near and so very important to Perus future.
Unrelated to the topic. But, OMG! Today is probably the coldest day of the year. Actual temperatures 20 below zero today. Why didn't they call off school today? They called off school on other "non-snow" days because it was cold. Why not today? Maybe because it is not Monday or Friday?
Marsha: I too could not believe that the mayor didn't even acknowledge Rodney's offer of sympathy. That, to me, is childish selfish behavior. You don't have to
"like" someone in order to thank them for being kind.
People who don't take responsibility for their wrongdoing and inappropriate behavior by not apologizing to those that have been affected shouldn't be trusted. Those type of people aren't worth their spit to shine anyone's shoes. What goes around comes around. I think today it's called karma. If a person did apologize, they would be admitting guilt.
Just read the newspaper article on last nights council meeting. I just can't understand why an insurance company would give us $34,000 for a stolen truck and then allow us to buy it back for only $13,000 ($8000 purchase price plus $5000 in repairs). I want the name of that company!!
I don't particularly like how Harl has handled his mayorship whatsoever. All his cronies need to go along with him. We need a new administration and some new department heads. I agree that having a fire truck at these events is unnecessary. Shouldn't even be an issue. However having one there would give the full-time fire engineers something to do when it would return to the station by cleaning the outside of it, instead of waiting for a call to be dispatched.
Was this fun day approved by the rec board?? Couldn't find it on any agendas or in the minutes??!! Don't tell me Rodney didn't follow proper procedure!!!??
Some people may not like what I'm going to post, but I don't care. It's my constitutional right. Here us my opinion. Alderman Perez does look out for the citizens best interest . There have been many times on this forum where people have blogged questions in regard to Harls reasoning for making certain decisions, appointment to certain people, let alone regarding salary amounts. As I understand Mr. Perez is on our fire department as a paid per call volunteer fireman, however is not a member if Liberty Fire Company, which is a boys club/fundraising organization for the FD. This being said, is there a conflict of interest here? Mr. Perez is caught between a rock and a hard place. Wonder what would happen if Mr. Perez resigned off the fire department? Can you image what could come to the forefront. On a few occasions Mr. Perez has come forth and answered questions related to the FD, however many times there has been no answer, which make me wonder if he is holding back. As far as Liberty Fire Company when questions have arisen as far as what the money taxpayers have donated is spent on. Mum. Why would someone who is on a FD as a fireman not know what a fundraising organization does with its money even if they aren't a member? Don't forget the Operation Promise donation ordeal. Put in wrong account supposedly. Who really birve that one. Too many things don't add up in the triangle. HARL, KING, and PEREZ. Nice event at the park this past weekend Alderman Perez.
Anon 11:01 could you comment back and tell us where it states in ordinance that Perez needed approval to invite the public to a public park to ice skate on a rink that was placed publicly by the city? When you post your evidence I will personally call Rodney to ask him to address it. If what Perez did bothers you I would say you're one of the seven puppet affiliates of Harl. You have a very weak argument and can't see one civilized tax payer coming forward to complain on what Perez did.
11:01 AM
I am happy to relieve your anxiety that perhaps proper protocol was not followed.
This was discussed at the January Rec Board mtg and was approved. But because the Rec. Board president forgot to file an agenda with the city clerk for this month, a mtg has not been held in Feb. yet or this would have been posted in the minutes from January which will be approved this month.
There were at least 3 of the rec. board members helping at the Winter Fun Day.
good fire protection, lower home insurance rates. if you need the service, thank god it is there. if you don't count your blessings stop your complaining
The new motto at council meetings appears to be a quote from Abraham Lincoln.
Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.
Abraham Lincoln
People - wake up! This activity was designed to create fun and exercise for young and old alike. This activity was created by an individual who volunteered his time, energy and his pocketbook at "no cost" to the city. And, not one alderman or elected official volunteered to help or even asked at the council meeting how things went. Yet, these very aldermen seem to have no problem with the mayor giving away our money in an inappropriate manner. What's wrong with this picture and these individuals who are supposed to represent us - the taxpayers?
@121PM If there is any silence at a Peru council meeting the reason is that one of our elected officials is opening his mouth to change feet.
YOU COULD BE ON TO SOMETHING 12:06's BLOG. Pieces of a puzzle. Who cares, a nice event for all who attended at the park. Nice to see something that wasn't a fundraiser of some sorts where it costs people money, or a alcohol fest.
7:34 you have to be joking. The schools called because of wind chill concerns on those days and today isn't even close to how cold it got. They make up the days. What is your point?
I think 11:01 brings up a legitimate point and it is a concern many share with Rodney. As an individual he has no authority to act on behalf of the city. He is part of the council. I thought what would happen if a kid was hurt? Does the city take on more liability because Rodney turned it into a city (actually a political) event? This is a completely different situation than kids just showing up as it is now a city sponsored event, even though he does not have the authority to make it one.
Just because someone questions Rodney does not mean they support everyone else. Frankly many people have just as many questions for him as everyone else. I don't need Rodney or anyone else to take my kids sledding or have a "fun day". There would have been kids sledding there with their families just as there were kids sledding in other places around the Illinois Valley. I don't need a Peru city council member to make sure my kid has a "fun day".
It's also funny to me how some of you criticize who are not there but if they are there it is for political reasons. Do you not recognize that Rodney is doing this for political purposes? If not, why does he have to tie his name to it? Why not just promote it and help get the word out anonymously. Or did the news tribune just happen show up because some kids were there sledding? Please.
Who's driving the super of pubic works suv? Would be good idea to get rid of that vehicle to save money since king and bernie already have city vehicles. Or is another special one allowed to waste gas like bleek?? This town is sickening and getting worse!
11:01 AN
you are putting the cart before the horse. No one specifically said it was a city sponsored event but neither is pickleball, tennis and playground equipment. In order for the city to sponsor, that would mean investing money into the event of sleigh riding. This was not done unless you want to consider at last some use of the $7000 ice skating rink the mayor purchased 2 years ago and finally used during this event. Don't make the fun something nasty or ugly, it was for children and if you don't like children having fun, so be it.
ShaaaaaZammmmm Lois! In tonight's paper read the
Donations the city is giving out. Nice no frill event in which memories are made. In 50 years those kids will be telling their grandchildren about sledding down that hill and having a hotdog and hot chocolate!
Good questions 2:41. Mr. Bleck had the use of a city vehicle and so did Mr. Taylor. That makes 2 that are not presently needed. Wonder where they are.
To2:17
From Rodney Perez
You are too funny. Not sure where to start with your rant! I'll start with your political allegations with me using my name and recognition.
Please feel free to verify everything I'm about to lay out for you:-)
During the first event last month the news tribune approached me for an interview, I directed the reporter directly to The President of the Park Board Ray Z. and Board member Linda D. to take the interview.
During this past event President of the Park Board Ray Z. Took responsibility and contacted both the radio and news tribune to advertise Our city event.
Feel free to contact these board members to verify the facts, I never went looking for the news tribune reporter, according to board members the reporter continued trying to track me down at the park as I was helping at different stations.
So.. 2:17 I guess I blow your theory out of the water that I'm a media hog for my own personal agenda.
See.. When a person plays an active role in the community as I've always done, even before running for office, you'll tend to get caught in the medias eye.
As far as your injury to others concern during an event like this I took every precaution to help with public safety by asking our hometown hero's PVAS to sit with us if they had spare time and they sure did. Great PR for them too.
Besides 2:17 you must understand that the city has made that park a sled skate venue, therefore, if anyone gets injured the city could be held responsible with or without Rodney there handing out free hot dogs and hot chocolate.
Lastly... If I wanted full blown recognition for everything I did that day I could have easily told the paper that I Paid for the Hot Dogs, Hot Chocolate, Condiments, and Porta Pottie, but I didn't. I told them it was all sponsored, and organized by me and the park board.
Believe it when I tell you I dodge the media more than you could imagine.
I just felt a need to have to set You straight in your tracks because its obvious you don't have a clue of who I am and what I'm truly about... It's called Passion:-)
Sincerely,
Alderman Rodney Perez :-)
Video of council meeting on Monday evening is available on the city web site.
In the News Tribune open forum last evening a very good explanation of the referendum to take place March 18, regarding the at large aldermen vote.
Can you post that letter?
Good job Rodney!
If you view the video of the meeting pay special attention to the mayor's response to alderman Perez's several comments addressed specifically to the mayor. Especially when alderman Perez gives his condolences to the mayor for his loss.
Rod, Thank you for your extensive involvement in the many community events that never would have happened without you.
If the people who want to get thing done would wait for those that play the "What If Game" there would be very little if nothing accomplished.
When General George Washington was approached to become President of the United States how much would the history of the United States be changed if George answered with "What If"?
@2:17 You, myself and many others do not need a "Winter Fun Day" to enjoy a day at the park. But I enjoy it so much more as a group event which expands upon a individual thing - children and families having fun with other children and families and meeting one another. Learning to become friends and how to share. Developing into a community.
Although we don't need a "Winter Fun Day " to socialize in the park remember that there are those that do. Above all there are many children who left the park Saturday that will forget you, me and Rodney but they will remember that day and grow upon it.
Finally, to all who do not know Rod Perez, I'll mention that he is a hard driving person with a big heart and a strong desire to improve the challenges he encounters in life who deserves a helping hand in his efforts. I don't have a direct line to his bucket list but I can tell when a person has the desire to make Peru and his country a better place to live in and Rod is one of these people.
It was a sled ride down a hill!
It wasn't a shuttle landing.
It wasn't d-day.
It was a sled ride down a hill!
On the recent reform referendum in the newspaper yesterday. What money will we save by having less alderman?
He also mentioned that the city could save money with less alderman and spouses attending conventions. How much and who spent on last years conventions?
Figures please. How many meetings were attended last year? How many committee meetings, are alderman paid for committee meetings?
11:22 AM
I really hate responding o someone like you because it is apparent you don't have a clue to what is going on.
If you saw the open forum (not reform) and read it you would not be asking the questions about money versus time spent at council meetings.
Second all the information you wish can be obtained through a foia at city hall. I have the information but certainly don't plan on spending time to explain it to you when you can't even understand the information printed in the open forum. BTW you sound like a spouse of an alderman????
11:22, you can't be serious in asking the sort of questions you have. Check last years expenses also. Less alderman less expenses on a monthly basic also. A no brained, and I'm smarter than a fifth grader.
Do you think 11:22 that all the closed sessions since Harl came in to office is a truthful way to have transparency for the citizens of Peru? That in itself throws up a red flag in my opinion.
A 7-11 or a White Castle on the corner parcel of the old k-mart property.
Anon 11:22 AM Not mentioned in last nights reform referendum article was the very important fact that with the passage of this referendum there is a strong possibility of retaining Alderman Potthoff and Alderman Perez and ridding the council of the six most misguided representatives Peru has ever had a history of. Peru is in much need of a open, transparent government not the self centered non representation that it presently has i.e. the No Bid TEST contract-Super Majority Clause. As in the book "A Nation of Sheep" the majority of the present Peru City Council consists of followers who have been led astray by its very questionable leader.
To insure that Peru has the opportunity to vote in intelligent leadership with fresh ideas and ethical motives (one of which is not half the work with the same amount of pay) is reason enough to vote in favor of the reform referendum.
Anon 11:14 AM And what have you volunteered to do for your community recently? Doing absolutely nothing and complaining about others who do something does not count!
So what happened to the list of citizens that applied in the past year for open spots in the city ? I thought the mayor was going to go in order and use those people first to fill vacancies on boards and such? Lies, all lies!
8:06 That is only if he likes the people on the list, if not he recruits.
10:47 You are exactly right. A good example of that is the recent Rec Board vacancies. There have been at least 2 individuals who have applied multiple times for multiple vacancies and have been overlooked every time. And then, a new name appears on the list and low and behold - he's appointed.
Peru is definitely going backwards! We need Baker back... at least there was accountability in departments and we had money!! No boss hurl is only saying were broke but let's spend spend spend!!
11:22 sounds like 3rd ward alderman's wife who was threatening people with harmful comments about her dogs...idiot!!!! Never did it say anything about alderman spouses...
Anon 8:39 If the 3d ward alderman's wife's feet are bothering her so bad that she is threatening people with harmful comments why doesn't she go to the foot doctor? Heck! That's a easy one to cure. Same old story "If you got lemons make lemonade". Poor girl.
Anon 9:08 PM Who are the third ward aldermen? I live in the third ward and in the last two elections I have had a man come to the door to say he is running but for a long time these are the only times I ever see them.
I have asked neighbors who our aldermen are and they don't know either. I often wonder how they can vote if they don't communicate with people in the ward. Does the mayor tell them what to do?
To 9:40 pm, Congaratulations! You and your neighbors are the "Protypical" Peru voter profile.
You don't know who your aldermen are.
You don't know how they vote.
You are totally ignorant of the issues and you can only hope that your elected officials are representing you.
You, and others like you are exactly why we get aldermen like Waldorf and Sapienza. Thanks for being clueless and uninformed of the world around you!
how did they know about the peru town forum then?
Anon 10:56 I am the person you answered and yes I am reluctant to involve myself in politics. I just never realized that the need of the everyday citizen is so important. Years ago Peru was growing and prosperous and many like myself took everything for granted and you are correct I've ended up with Waldorf and Sapienza. For this like many others we are blaming ourselves. I understand that in another ward they had 2 open positions and only two people ran.
Anon 10:56 Thank you for the wake up call and you will see a sign in my yard and I am voting yes.
Post a Comment