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
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Water Main Break Shooting Park Rd at Pike Street
65 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Lois: Was this the same one from the other day? If so, I actually heard on WLPO that we issued a boil order. Don't hear that from Peru very often.
The water break has been there for 3 to 4 days! Why is not being fixed by the city that works? Chief Bernabei and Chief King in your professional training what is happening to the road base and how much water is the city losing?
Does anyone know why there are 2 porta-potties at the southern end of Centennial Park? And, I have often wondered why there is another one right next to the restroom at Baker Lake. That one is there all year long. Can anyone answer why we would pay all year for it when we have a brick restroom right next to it? This is on the LaSalle side of Baker Lake.
Anon 9:31 When did water leak actually start? I do not understand the management of a water department but do ask how much this amount of water is in cost to the city in comparison to bring out a crew to make repairs immediately or wait until Monday morning. Has this leak reduced anyone's water pressure to the point of making their home inhabitable? There has to be a reasonable reason for the delay and as long as there is no health hazard created costs must be considered.
There has been a barricade and visible water flow since at least Friday (4/25) morning. I think it has been known about since Thursday. Today (a few minutes ago, about 1:00PM) I saw a City truck and two employees, staring at it with their hands in their pocket). When I was driving back home about 1:30 PM, the truck and the employees where gone and the water was still flowing.
DUE TO WATER LEAK AT SHOOTING PARK ROAD AND PIKE ST THERE IS A BOIL ORDER IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE FOR THE AREA WEST OF PEORIA STREET. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING RUSTY WATER PLEASE BOIL IT FIRST.
Just rode past this location and there is a large crew of city workers on site. Water appears to be being pumped out of the trench at a rapid rate. Must be a serious break.
How much pipe are they replacing? Would it make sense to maybe replace larger sections when these breaks happen? These pipes are very old. Maybe a little preemptive replacement is in order.
2:42 - It is wise to have an inherent distrust of government. We got in this situation because people did not question anything. Decaying infrastructure due to lack of maintenance is a National issue and next to the unfunded pensions, the single largest cost to local governments. Just like the pensions, we can't continue to push infrastructure upgrades down the road. So I ask again. Why not replace the water main for the entire block or two or three instead of fixing a small portion? Is there a reason other than money that this can't be done or does not make sense?
anon 2:42 No, very seldom am I happy with this administration or council and what they have done. I do not care to have to associate myself with the majority of this group and their ineffectiveness. Now that many more citizens are becoming interested in a change of the majority of the administration and council I find myself becoming much more willing to declare candidacy. As for winning a seat in the council there are very few incumbents that could muster much of a vote if a strong opponent presents himself. In fact in the next elections it will be advantageous to be a candidate rather than a incumbent. Sadly it appears that you consider those who disagree with you or your representation, what was the word "cry babies". To possess such a attitude is very selfish and narrow minded.
5:02 If you're referring to my question regarding the porta potties at the south end of Centennial Park and the one on the La Salle side of Baker Lake I don't think your theory works.
Many people did see a video that a person posted on their facebook page of the continuous water flowing down the street on pike street from last Thursday-Monday. And there were several comments regarding it that were posted. I was told that the police chief commented and Alderman Perez also commented on this. I tried to seek this video out and the comments that were posted. To no avail. Not to be found anywhere. Magically disappeared. HUMMMMMMM, wonder why?????????HUMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!! That's right folks, was a magic wand used in the disappearing act or was the person who posted the video bullied in someway to delete the video and comments made. Curious? Question? Did Anybody on this forum see the video and comments regarding pike streets water flowing down the street, aka:curb?
I'm confused 9:31, don't the PD Chief and FD Chief have professional training in a capacity to be appointed by Harl to be the temporary superintendants of the Public Works Department? Please explain.
It was on FB over the weekend, I did see it and did leave a comment and yes it is gone as of today. Not sure that the controversy was over anything the Police Chief commented on as there was not a problem at that point. If the city had maintained their FB web site, all the questions would have been answered. The City Web site posted a boil if rusty water issue on April 25 and never followed up with any other comment over the weekend because it is very apparent the administrator does not work weekends. The initial comment needed a follow up which never came. Someone in the city prefers that boil orders be done door to door and not by public announcement via radio or otherwise. It is my understanding a nearby resident did not get the boil order message and that is why they should be public announcements. Hope the city learned something from all of this.
I for one do not answer the door if I don't recognize the person nocking. So unless they send a uniformed police officer door to door I will never get the word. Why not use the Code Red system? I know we only get so many calls included with the system - but I'm sure it is not that expensive to add more. There is also a way that an email alert can be sent out - I'm sure our Crack IT contractor can figure a way to allow people to register email addresses to receive information and create mailing lists based on physical address.
I was thinking about the Code Red but believe that is only for city wide announcements. I also think the door to door is rather archaic as many people are like you especially if they live alone. They may leave a door hanger to boil but it could easily be not seen if hung logically on the front door and family does not use that entrance.
Who is our safety officer? You mean to tell me there was a boil order and residents didn't receive it? What is going on with the city? Yesterday(Monday) when flushing toilets in the area of pike street water was brown I was told. When was boil order lifted? Sunday? If water in toilets was brown on Monday when flushing shouldn't there still have been a boil order on Monday? Things are not sounding right or adding up.
A simple phone call to each resident wouldn't take that long and should be a top concern for the people at city hall to inform residents of a water concern. Who is leading this city anyway?
I don't think there is anybody employed by the city that has the soft skills necessary to deal with the public. It seems that they view the public as the enemy or at least an annoyance instead of as the customer. Even most of the elected officials are like this.
anon 1:21 PM The co-supers of the Public Works Dept.& Electrical Dept. are also the co-commanders in charge of ESDA. Don't forget one is the Ch. of PPD and the other is Ch. of PFD. Why would anyone let themselves be spread this thin?
Speaking of the our "multi-titled" Super Chiefs being spread thin while overseeing multiple departments in addition to the ones they are actually qualified to oversee. Citizens of Peru need to realize that the Electric Department Foreman has already had his retirement party and he is almost out the door. Also, the longtime office manager at the Electric Department is retiring as well. That is a position of experience that will not be easily filled. That means Peru has another department with no qualified leadership. Now I suppose Harl will simply assign Electric Department supervision to the Police and Fire Chief as is the new custom. However, the massive VOID in leadership and knowledge in these critical departments is really getting out of hand. Peru already suffers from a critical shortage of qualified leaders from the mayor to the aldermen. Now we have two very important departmrnts that are going to be even more compromised by the irresponsible and negligent refusal of the city council to make a legitimate effort to recruit qualified and experienced supervisors from "OUTSIDE" Peru to run these departments. Chaos is running rampant in these departments and it will only get worse without "real" supervisors. These phony-baloney elected officials have no clue how to lead a city. Should the citizens of Peru undertake the job of recruiting people to run our infrastrucure departments? Somebody needs to take this situation seriously folks.
7:39-Let me ask you a question. To be a building and code officer/inspector shouldn't a person have certifications and many many years personal hands on experience in working in the field of construction, plumbing, electrical, etc... To be able to perform their job description? This position was appointed by Harl to Mr. King along with appointing he as our full-time fire chief $84k year(ESDA, safety officer included). Since february(I believe) Harl has appointed our police chief and fire chief to be temporary superintendants in two other city departments. This throws up a red flag to me that we here in peru did not need a full-time fire chief in the first place. It was a position that will cost the taxpayers several thousands dollars a year. Prior to this appointment the fire chiefs position was paid approx. $11k a year, in which this position also received pay for each fire call in attendance of per year. Why do we have Alderpersons who are suppose to be representing us and can't see something so simple as this. Our infrastructure is absolutely terrible but the city officials don't seen to have any sense in looking at the whole picture. I say we need some smarter people representing us. To just sit back in a chair at a table at council meetings and vote without educating yourself in a cost analysis is just plain stupid! Why would anybody accept a position that would be in the public eye if they don't have the true credentials to perform the job? I'm referencing to any and all positions, not directing this to a specific person. After taking the time to read númerous blog titles, this is my opinion.
As a community we need to get beyond this cronyism. The refusal to allow outside influences is holding back the entire Illinois Valley. Its almost like that lost tribe in South America that have been cut off from civilization for hundreds of years. Constant inbreeding has reduced their physical size and mental capability. We need to make it an absolute priority to hire managers as well as new workers from beyond LaSalle County or even beyond Illinois. Somebody that has never lived outside of the Illinois Valley should be automatically be disqualified. The next thing we need to do is change to Council Manager form of municipal government and hire a strong manger from a state such as North Carolina or Texas. An absolute requirement for this individual is a strong background in union negotiation.
Since we generally do everything wrong around here - there is no way we can trust somebody that learned their trade locally. This region is stuck in the 1970's when everyone worked at "Da Westclox." We should make an effort to entice out of the area construction workers to stick around instead of inflating a giant rat when they show up. We need to do something to lower the average age of this area. I had a customer visit from St. Louis and he was astonished when we went out to lunch an the restaurant looked like an AARP convention.
To 10:01 am, From 7:39 am, Not everyone in Peru wishes for or needs a cushy city job. I ceretainly don't need or want one. I know that this city is in desperate need of outside and independent influence because as a manager for a multi-national privately held company that provides consulting services, I have witnessed this situation countless times over in private and public settings. It takes leaders with the intelligence, vision, and the courage to do what's right by hiring the best qualified people that can be found, regardless of where they come from. We are in big trouble with this situation and we have elected officials who don't even have the sense to see the crisis unfolding in front of them. I really think they believe they are going to save big money by not hiring qualified and experienced supervisors and paying them current market salaries. They are being extremely foolish by playing cute with this situation. With the two key infrastructure departments in Peru currently without proper supervision the wheels are wobbling folks. If this city council continues to stand by and watch them wobble, it's only a matter of time before those wheels come completely off. Just watch!
Off Topic: What was the point of the newspaper article about the 10 largest school property tax payers in Peru? Was this an attempt by the NT to condition us to think that single family residential rates are low and we should not complain when the tax increase comes?
739 and 1127...sore losers are not we need....shape up or ship out..the other 10,250 of us inn town are sick and tired of your ridiculous posts...this city is running better than ever...jealousy is not a good virtue...since the city is and never will be perfect please focus on the things that really can use some improvement and do it the right way...follow Lois and Linda and a few others lead and take a fair and honest approach...your credibility is lost and your posts are detsroying the credibility of the forum
To 11:51 am - I think you are certainly an intelligent person to see through the "subliminal" messaging the Daily Fish Wrapper is attempting to send to those they see as the "great un-washed" in Peru. The editorial staff at the Daily Disappointment obviously see the majority of their readers / subscribers as too ignorant to decipher this type of manipulative journalism. Let me share my thoughts on Miller Group Media including Print and Radio. I watch a lot of news on television, both cable and network. I occasionally view world and national news Blogs on the net. I read the Chicago Tribune and the Peoria Journal Star daily. I consider myself pretty well informed and I believe as a 58 year old life-long resident of the Illinois Valley who has observed many years of the local media outlets, that I have the ability to recognize "quality journalism" when I see it. With that said, I am amazed at the constant stream of amatuerish dribble that Miller Group Media has the gall to pass off as news reporting. When it is not self-serving, which is not often, it is easily influenced by local government officials. It is incapable of conducting an in-depth investigation of any type. It appears much more interested with reporting on silly human interest "fluff" that would be better suited inside a People's Magazine. It's primary purpose and focus is obviously on producing ad revenue to continue to bloat its owners considerable and very "old fortune". If there ever was an honest grading system in the industry to provide accurate reports on the level of journalistic ethics and quality of reporting from this media group the score would certainly be a resounding, 0. AAAHHH! That felt really good.
11:51 now that 2:05 is done babbling if you actually read the article it is about the largest in the Peru School district not the city. There is a difference and that partly is the point of the article. Read it but it sounds like it was dicsussed at a school board meeting and those meetings are covered by the newspaper. So how is it that you make this into a conspiracy? If you don't like the article don;t read it!
I think it speaks volumes that on one hand the city tells the FAA no concerts have been approved, while Concerts for a Croc is moving forward all along, announcing once more a booked artist without a (wink wink) venue.
They broke the FAA rules and restrictions given last year last year, they will go ahead again, mark my words, FAA be damned.
@2:05 Sadly your feelings will not last as long as the "wink wink " reporting of the Miller News Media. When you speak of certain parties which will eventually appear no matter who the individuals are who makes up a government administration miller media will still be the only local newspaper and AM station in town.
What has happened to the 14 signs made up at a cost of $2,000 each which told us that the roadwork was done during the term of Mayor Scott Harl? Did the council ever vote on these signs?
5:06 - after the project, the lumber was burned in the wood stove at the city building next to Washington Park. Illegal mind you since it was treated wood. But Peru never lets the law get in the way.
4:14 - duh, we know that it is the school tax and that is different than the city. If you read the article, you get the impression that they are getting ready to announce a tax increase.
As soon as the venue for concert is made public, make a call to the booking agent be see the date in which they were first contacted by concert promotor. This will tell a story.
6:27 duh? Someone earlier asked what the point of the article was. On what basis do you make that assumption of a tax increase? Nowhere in the article is that even implied.
No! No! No! - it is an airport not a beer garden! This should not be allowed. The city should not spend one stinking penny on this! In fact, we should be charging about $100K for police, fire, ambulance, and insurance!
6:22 - Why? It's called prepping the message. First they come out and say the largest tax payers are businesses. We all know that businesses, especially corporations, are EVIL. So, the NT plants the seed that most of Peru School's tax revenue comes from business. Why do you think the school board even talked about the top ten tax payers? Now that the path has been cleared, they will start talking about raising the residential rate. You see, the EVIL CORPORATIONS have lawyers that will balk at this. So the only way the school will be able to get more is to raise the residential rates. But most of the sheeple in Peru will not pay attention because they have been told the EVIL CORPORATIONS are footing the bill.
10:09 if you are a taxpayer your ignorance is amazing. The school board does not have a different tax rate for "evil" corporations as you say than they do the residents. The same tax rate applies to whatever is in the school district. That is the poitnof the article that there is a different tax base within Peru with Dimmick on the north end.
The article also said this is part of the schools 2013 annual financial disclosure report. It is a matter of public record so would you rather they not talk about it? They aretalking about public records in public! The school district is ran very well and Im a happy taxpayer on that end. I also thought the list was interestng.
It does not take a genius to figure out that the assessed value of a chemical plant is larger than the assessed value of a subdivision. No - the purpose of the article was not to articulate the differences. The intention of the article was to condition the reader into accepting, without question, the yet to be announced property tax increase. It also does not take a genius to figure out that residential property is falling in value in Peru (entire area for that matter). Take a look at the property listings - you will see that the average price of a home is on a downward spiral. It will only get worse as a glut of baby boomer houses come on the market over the next couple of decades. Back to the point - the article was the first salvo in the all out campaign to raise taxes across the board to fund the bloated school administration. Next will come another attempt at a sales tax. Then they will come up with other silly things like soda taxes and local cigarette taxes or other such nonsense. They will come up with all kinds of schemes to increase revenue but will not spend a minute of time decreasing the bloated budget. And the State Sponsored "voice of the people" MMG will wave the banner for increased taxes.
Okay 1:14 you are right. The purpose of the article was all subliminal. You are clearly a genius and I missed it. We will get ready for the big referendum. We will sit back and watch for the "all out campaign". Another conspiracy on the blog. Go figure.
Well I've been reading this back and forth about the school property tax. Here is my two sense. Property taxes for a business should be limited to Police, Fire / Ambulance, and infrastructure only. Businesses should not be paying into the school system. The property tax portion of the school funding should be from residential taxes only.
The only way to get the various taxing bodies to work on reducing costs is to fight every tax increase tooth and nail. The taxing bodies should be begging and pleading for every penny and tax paying citizens should hold every penny in a vice like grip. We need to demand in depth justification! Each time money is wasted, the administrator of that fund should be held up to public ridicule.
We have been and are living in a age where taxes, insurance and utilities are eating us alive. What little is left over cannot meet the skyrocketing costs of education, medical and groceries care. Most housing payments are covering the interest only and gas to get to work is on the charge card. I am not referring to one or two individuals but to the majority of families in the United States. Our political leaders federal, state,county and city all need basic courses in Finance and Economics rather than Spending 101. It is time to elect leadership that realizes it is easier to maintain than it is to rebuild.
Here is what I'm gonna do. 1) quit my job(work 55+hours per week, paid minimal), 2) find a rental under HUD), 3)apply for food stamps 4) apply for a cash benefit to help pay for toilet paper and deodorant 5)apply for utility assistance 6) apply for medical card 7) gonna also go to food pantry 8)gonna go to the shelter for meals during winter months 9) gonna ask churches for some cash 10) gonna go to garage sales on the last day of sale during the last hour of sale(ask for free cloths/misc 12) gonna hitch hike to waterstreet for the 4th of July celebration and ask people to buy me beer 13) get free samples of cologne at bergner's 14) go to waldorf's hair place and ask for a free haircut 15) go to fire station and ask for bottled water, and stop at city hall for free bottled water 16) stop at Bartley's and ask if I can have a to go container of leftover food after dinner hours 17) go to the deli in peru for free coffee 18) ask for free packets of sugar, ketchup,mustard,salt,sugar,coffee creamer,napkins from John's Place 19)borrow a city vehicle to get to the airport and ask for a free pancake 20)ask for a free ticket to concert venue 21) get free hotdog,hamburger, at the open house(if they have one)!at the fire house 22) ask at the Piolice Department if they have an unclaimed bicycle I could have 23)get a free library card 24) ask an If I can have the newspaper that was yesterday's new for free 25) go to the YMCA and get a free membership because I would qualify, I have no income 26) attend council meetings and all other meetings 27) sit at the park and wait and watch pickleball 28) go to the annual car show and Maude Powell events 29) beg for money from people outside if Maple's so I can get a fishing license so I can fish at Baker Lake(sure I can use a stick and find used line) 30). That's all!
I have been driving by the two previous water line breaks on Shooting Park Road in the vicinity of Pike street and there appears to be another water leak. I could be wrong but could somebody from the city that works check it out ?
11:47 maybe those people who were appointed by Harl to supervise that department that oversees it just plain and simple don't know what to do or don't have the experience or qualifications for the their appointed position. Makes sense in my opinion. What's your opinion 11:47? However, shooting park road work was to begin today.
The work on Shooting Park scheduled for this week is from Pulaski to Peoria Street. The area where the previous water leaks have been were near Pke Street which is west of Peoria St.
Lois is absolutely right. The location of the water leak is on the west side of Peoria Street while the work on Shooting Park was supposed to begin on the very east side of 251. However, I didn't see any road work being started today.
65 comments:
Lois: Was this the same one from the other day? If so, I actually heard on WLPO that we issued a boil order. Don't hear that from Peru very often.
The water break has been there for 3 to 4 days! Why is not being fixed by the city that works? Chief Bernabei and Chief King in your professional training what is happening to the road base and how much water is the city losing?
Does anyone know why there are 2 porta-potties at the southern end of Centennial Park? And, I have often wondered why there is another one right next to the restroom at Baker Lake. That one is there all year long. Can anyone answer why we would pay all year for it when we have a brick restroom right next to it? This is on the LaSalle side of Baker Lake.
There was water flowing yesterday all day. When is it going to be fixed?
Anon 9:31 When did water leak actually start? I do not understand the management of a water department but do ask how much this amount of water is in cost to the city in comparison to bring out a crew to make repairs immediately or wait until Monday morning. Has this leak reduced anyone's water pressure to the point of making their home inhabitable? There has to be a reasonable reason for the delay and as long as there is no health hazard created costs must be considered.
There has been a barricade and visible water flow since at least Friday (4/25) morning. I think it has been known about since Thursday. Today (a few minutes ago, about 1:00PM) I saw a City truck and two employees, staring at it with their hands in their pocket). When I was driving back home about 1:30 PM, the truck and the employees where gone and the water was still flowing.
From the Peru City FB page is this comment:
DUE TO WATER LEAK AT SHOOTING PARK ROAD AND PIKE ST THERE IS A BOIL ORDER IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE FOR THE AREA WEST OF PEORIA STREET. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING RUSTY WATER PLEASE BOIL IT FIRST.
I received a communication through Chief Bernabei that residents had been notified of the lift of the boil order.
Just rode past this location and there is a large crew of city workers on site. Water appears to be being pumped out of the trench at a rapid rate. Must be a serious break.
How much pipe are they replacing? Would it make sense to maybe replace larger sections when these breaks happen? These pipes are very old. Maybe a little preemptive replacement is in order.
Are you people ever happy with anything the city does?
Run for office you crybabies.
2:42 - It is wise to have an inherent distrust of government. We got in this situation because people did not question anything. Decaying infrastructure due to lack of maintenance is a National issue and next to the unfunded pensions, the single largest cost to local governments. Just like the pensions, we can't continue to push infrastructure upgrades down the road.
So I ask again. Why not replace the water main for the entire block or two or three instead of fixing a small portion? Is there a reason other than money that this can't be done or does not make sense?
anon 2:42 No, very seldom am I happy with this administration or council and what they have done. I do not care to have to associate myself with the majority of this group and their ineffectiveness.
Now that many more citizens are becoming interested in a change of the majority of the administration and council I find myself becoming much more willing to declare candidacy.
As for winning a seat in the council there are very few incumbents that could muster much of a vote if a strong opponent presents himself. In fact in the next elections it will be advantageous to be a candidate rather than a incumbent.
Sadly it appears that you consider those who disagree with you or your representation, what was the word "cry babies". To possess such a attitude is very selfish and narrow minded.
What has been given as the reason that the water problem repair was not started before today?
The porta potties are probably there for Shooting Park Rd . construction crews.
5:02 If you're referring to my question regarding the porta potties at the south end of Centennial Park and the one on the La Salle side of Baker Lake I don't think your theory works.
Many people did see a video that a person posted on their facebook page of the continuous water flowing down the street on pike street from last Thursday-Monday. And there were several comments regarding it that were posted. I was told that the police chief commented and Alderman Perez also commented on this. I tried to seek this video out and the comments that were posted. To no avail. Not to be found anywhere. Magically disappeared. HUMMMMMMM, wonder why?????????HUMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!! That's right folks, was a magic wand used in the disappearing act or was the person who posted the video bullied in someway to delete the video and comments made. Curious? Question? Did Anybody on this forum see the video and comments regarding pike streets water flowing down the street, aka:curb?
I'm confused 9:31, don't the PD Chief and FD Chief have professional training in a capacity to be appointed by Harl to be the temporary superintendants of the Public Works Department? Please explain.
1:17 PM
It was on FB over the weekend, I did see it and did leave a comment and yes it is gone as of today. Not sure that the controversy was over anything the Police Chief commented on as there was not a problem at that point.
If the city had maintained their FB web site, all the questions would have been answered. The City Web site posted a boil if rusty water issue on April 25 and never followed up with any other comment over the weekend because it is very apparent the administrator does not work weekends. The initial comment needed a follow up which never came. Someone in the city prefers that boil orders be done door to door and not by public announcement via radio or otherwise. It is my understanding a nearby resident did not get the boil order message and that is why they should be public announcements. Hope the city learned something from all of this.
I for one do not answer the door if I don't recognize the person nocking. So unless they send a uniformed police officer door to door I will never get the word. Why not use the Code Red system? I know we only get so many calls included with the system - but I'm sure it is not that expensive to add more. There is also a way that an email alert can be sent out - I'm sure our Crack IT contractor can figure a way to allow people to register email addresses to receive information and create mailing lists based on physical address.
3:23 PM
I was thinking about the Code Red but believe that is only for city wide announcements. I also think the door to door is rather archaic as many people are like you especially if they live alone. They may leave a door hanger to boil but it could easily be not seen if hung logically on the front door and family does not use that entrance.
Who is our safety officer? You mean to tell me there was a boil order and residents didn't receive it? What is going on with the city? Yesterday(Monday) when flushing toilets in the area of pike street water was brown I was told. When was boil order lifted? Sunday? If water in toilets was brown on Monday when flushing shouldn't there still have been a boil order on Monday? Things are not sounding right or adding up.
A simple phone call to each resident wouldn't take that long and should be a top concern for the people at city hall to inform residents of a water concern. Who is leading this city anyway?
I don't think there is anybody employed by the city that has the soft skills necessary to deal with the public. It seems that they view the public as the enemy or at least an annoyance instead of as the customer. Even most of the elected officials are like this.
anon 1:21 PM The co-supers of the Public Works Dept.& Electrical Dept. are also the co-commanders in charge of ESDA. Don't forget one is the Ch. of PPD and the other is Ch. of PFD. Why would anyone let themselves be spread this thin?
Somewhere in a blog post, someone said something about the Peru Little League opening and that they wondered about elected officials that attended.
I have found out that Ald. Potthoff, Perez, Mueller and Ferrari were there.
9:00 PM
My reasoning on this is:
The Mayor appointed both of them to their Chief positions, and they feel some need to get him out of this mess he created.
Speaking of the our "multi-titled" Super Chiefs being spread thin while overseeing multiple departments in addition to the ones they are actually qualified to oversee. Citizens of Peru need to realize that the Electric Department Foreman has already had his retirement party and he is almost out the door. Also, the longtime office manager at the Electric Department is retiring as well. That is a position of experience that will not be easily filled. That means Peru has another department with no qualified leadership. Now I suppose Harl will simply assign Electric Department supervision to the Police and Fire Chief as is the new custom. However, the massive VOID in leadership and knowledge in these critical departments is really getting out of hand. Peru already suffers from a critical shortage of qualified leaders from the mayor to the aldermen. Now we have two very important departmrnts that are going to be even more compromised by the irresponsible and negligent refusal of the city council to make a legitimate effort to recruit qualified and experienced supervisors from "OUTSIDE" Peru to run these departments. Chaos is running rampant in these departments and it will only get worse without "real" supervisors.
These phony-baloney elected officials have no clue how to lead a city. Should the citizens of Peru undertake the job of recruiting people to run our infrastrucure departments? Somebody needs to take this situation seriously folks.
7:39 AM, April 30, 2014
You sound like a sore loser or someone looking for a job paid by the taxpayers! NOT!
7:39-Let me ask you a question. To be a building and code officer/inspector shouldn't a person have certifications and many many years personal hands on experience in working in the field of construction, plumbing, electrical, etc... To be able to perform their job description? This position was appointed by Harl to Mr. King along with appointing he as our full-time fire chief $84k year(ESDA, safety officer included). Since february(I believe) Harl has appointed our police chief and fire chief to be temporary superintendants in two other city departments. This throws up a red flag to me that we here in peru did not need a full-time fire chief in the first place. It was a position that will cost the taxpayers several thousands dollars a year. Prior to this appointment the fire chiefs position was paid approx. $11k a year, in which this position also received pay for each fire call in attendance of per year. Why do we have Alderpersons who are suppose to be representing us and can't see something so simple as this. Our infrastructure is absolutely terrible but the city officials don't seen to have any sense in looking at the whole picture. I say we need some smarter people representing us. To just sit back in a chair at a table at council meetings and vote without educating yourself in a cost analysis is just plain stupid! Why would anybody accept a position that would be in the public eye if they don't have the true credentials to perform the job? I'm referencing to any and all positions, not directing this to a specific person. After taking the time to read númerous blog titles, this is my opinion.
As a community we need to get beyond this cronyism. The refusal to allow outside influences is holding back the entire Illinois Valley. Its almost like that lost tribe in South America that have been cut off from civilization for hundreds of years. Constant inbreeding has reduced their physical size and mental capability.
We need to make it an absolute priority to hire managers as well as new workers from beyond LaSalle County or even beyond Illinois. Somebody that has never lived outside of the Illinois Valley should be automatically be disqualified.
The next thing we need to do is change to Council Manager form of municipal government and hire a strong manger from a state such as North Carolina or Texas. An absolute requirement for this individual is a strong background in union negotiation.
Since we generally do everything wrong around here - there is no way we can trust somebody that learned their trade locally. This region is stuck in the 1970's when everyone worked at "Da Westclox." We should make an effort to entice out of the area construction workers to stick around instead of inflating a giant rat when they show up. We need to do something to lower the average age of this area. I had a customer visit from St. Louis and he was astonished when we went out to lunch an the restaurant looked like an AARP convention.
To 10:01 am,
From 7:39 am, Not everyone in Peru wishes for or needs a cushy city job. I ceretainly don't need or want one. I know that this city is in desperate need of outside and independent influence because as a manager for a multi-national privately held company that provides consulting services, I have witnessed this situation countless times over in private and public settings. It takes leaders with the intelligence, vision, and the courage to do what's right by hiring the best qualified people that can be found, regardless of where they come from. We are in big trouble with this situation and we have elected officials who don't even have the sense to see the crisis unfolding in front of them. I really think they believe they are going to save big money by not hiring qualified and experienced supervisors and paying them current market salaries. They are being extremely foolish by playing cute with this situation. With the two key infrastructure departments in Peru currently without proper supervision the wheels are wobbling folks. If this city council continues to stand by and watch them wobble, it's only a matter of time before those wheels come completely off. Just watch!
7:39
right on the money!
Off Topic: What was the point of the newspaper article about the 10 largest school property tax payers in Peru? Was this an attempt by the NT to condition us to think that single family residential rates are low and we should not complain when the tax increase comes?
739 and 1127...sore losers are not we need....shape up or ship out..the other 10,250 of us inn town are sick and tired of your ridiculous posts...this city is running better than ever...jealousy is not a good virtue...since the city is and never will be perfect please focus on the things that really can use some improvement and do it the right way...follow Lois and Linda and a few others lead and take a fair and honest approach...your credibility is lost and your posts are detsroying the credibility of the forum
12:57 PM
Sorry I agree with 7:39 PM and I bet Linda would also.
To 11:51 am - I think you are certainly an intelligent person to see through the "subliminal" messaging the Daily Fish Wrapper is attempting to send to those they see as the "great un-washed" in Peru. The editorial staff at the Daily Disappointment obviously see the majority of their readers / subscribers as too ignorant to decipher this type of manipulative journalism. Let me share my thoughts on Miller Group Media including Print and Radio.
I watch a lot of news on television, both cable and network. I occasionally view world and national news Blogs on the net. I read the Chicago Tribune and the Peoria Journal Star daily. I consider myself pretty well informed and I believe as a 58 year old life-long resident of the Illinois Valley who has observed many years of the local media outlets, that I have the ability to recognize "quality journalism" when I see it. With that said, I am amazed at the constant stream of amatuerish dribble that Miller Group Media has the gall to pass off as news reporting. When it is not self-serving, which is not often, it is easily influenced by local government officials. It is incapable of conducting an in-depth investigation of any type. It appears much more interested with reporting on silly human interest "fluff" that would be better suited inside a People's Magazine. It's primary purpose and focus is obviously on producing ad revenue to continue to bloat its owners considerable and very "old fortune". If there ever was an honest grading system in the industry to provide accurate reports on the level of journalistic ethics and quality of reporting from this media group the score would certainly be a resounding, 0.
AAAHHH! That felt really good.
11:51 now that 2:05 is done babbling if you actually read the article it is about the largest in the Peru School district not the city. There is a difference and that partly is the point of the article. Read it but it sounds like it was dicsussed at a school board meeting and those meetings are covered by the newspaper. So how is it that you make this into a conspiracy? If you don't like the article don;t read it!
I like the Ottawa Times better. But, they need to start reporting events on this side of the county.
I think it speaks volumes that on one hand the city tells the FAA no concerts have been approved, while Concerts for a Croc is moving forward all along, announcing once more a booked artist without a (wink wink) venue.
They broke the FAA rules and restrictions given last year last year, they will go ahead again, mark my words, FAA be damned.
You don't book major artists without a venue.
@2:05 Sadly your feelings will not last as long as the "wink wink " reporting of the Miller News Media. When you speak of certain parties which will eventually appear no matter who the individuals are who makes up a government administration miller media will still be the only local newspaper and AM station in town.
What has happened to the 14 signs made up at a cost of $2,000 each which told us that the roadwork was done during the term of Mayor Scott Harl? Did the council ever vote on these signs?
5:06 - after the project, the lumber was burned in the wood stove at the city building next to Washington Park. Illegal mind you since it was treated wood. But Peru never lets the law get in the way.
4:14 - duh, we know that it is the school tax and that is different than the city. If you read the article, you get the impression that they are getting ready to announce a tax increase.
Breaking News! NT Princeton office moving to new location - that is the first thing you see on their web page this evening. Hilarious.
As soon as the venue for concert is made public, make a call to the booking agent be see the date in which they were first contacted by concert promotor. This will tell a story.
4:33 the radio ad says the concert will be held once again at the airport.
6:27 duh? Someone earlier asked what the point of the article was. On what basis do you make that assumption of a tax increase? Nowhere in the article is that even implied.
No! No! No! - it is an airport not a beer garden! This should not be allowed. The city should not spend one stinking penny on this! In fact, we should be charging about $100K for police, fire, ambulance, and insurance!
2:05 pm, Very Well stated!
Please feel fre to "babble" as much as you like. I enjoyed it.
6:22 - Why? It's called prepping the message. First they come out and say the largest tax payers are businesses. We all know that businesses, especially corporations, are EVIL. So, the NT plants the seed that most of Peru School's tax revenue comes from business. Why do you think the school board even talked about the top ten tax payers? Now that the path has been cleared, they will start talking about raising the residential rate. You see, the EVIL CORPORATIONS have lawyers that will balk at this. So the only way the school will be able to get more is to raise the residential rates. But most of the sheeple in Peru will not pay attention because they have been told the EVIL CORPORATIONS are footing the bill.
10:09 if you are a taxpayer your ignorance is amazing. The school board does not have a different tax rate for "evil" corporations as you say than they do the residents. The same tax rate applies to whatever is in the school district. That is the poitnof the article that there is a different tax base within Peru with Dimmick on the north end.
The article also said this is part of the schools 2013 annual financial disclosure report. It is a matter of public record so would you rather they not talk about it? They aretalking about public records in public! The school district is ran very well and Im a happy taxpayer on that end. I also thought the list was interestng.
It does not take a genius to figure out that the assessed value of a chemical plant is larger than the assessed value of a subdivision.
No - the purpose of the article was not to articulate the differences. The intention of the article was to condition the reader into accepting, without question, the yet to be announced property tax increase.
It also does not take a genius to figure out that residential property is falling in value in Peru (entire area for that matter). Take a look at the property listings - you will see that the average price of a home is on a downward spiral. It will only get worse as a glut of baby boomer houses come on the market over the next couple of decades.
Back to the point - the article was the first salvo in the all out campaign to raise taxes across the board to fund the bloated school administration. Next will come another attempt at a sales tax. Then they will come up with other silly things like soda taxes and local cigarette taxes or other such nonsense. They will come up with all kinds of schemes to increase revenue but will not spend a minute of time decreasing the bloated budget. And the State Sponsored "voice of the people" MMG will wave the banner for increased taxes.
Okay 1:14 you are right. The purpose of the article was all subliminal. You are clearly a genius and I missed it. We will get ready for the big referendum. We will sit back and watch for the "all out campaign". Another conspiracy on the blog. Go figure.
Well I've been reading this back and forth about the school property tax. Here is my two sense. Property taxes for a business should be limited to Police, Fire / Ambulance, and infrastructure only. Businesses should not be paying into the school system. The property tax portion of the school funding should be from residential taxes only.
The only way to get the various taxing bodies to work on reducing costs is to fight every tax increase tooth and nail. The taxing bodies should be begging and pleading for every penny and tax paying citizens should hold every penny in a vice like grip. We need to demand in depth justification! Each time money is wasted, the administrator of that fund should be held up to public ridicule.
We have been and are living in a age where taxes, insurance and utilities are eating us alive. What little is left over cannot meet the skyrocketing costs of education, medical and groceries care. Most housing payments are covering the interest only and gas to get to work is on the charge card. I am not referring to one or two individuals but to the majority of families in the United States.
Our political leaders federal, state,county and city all need basic courses in Finance and Economics rather than Spending 101. It is time to elect leadership that realizes it is easier to maintain than it is to rebuild.
Here is what I'm gonna do. 1) quit my job(work 55+hours per week, paid minimal), 2) find a rental under HUD), 3)apply for food stamps 4) apply for a cash benefit to help pay for toilet paper and deodorant 5)apply for utility assistance 6) apply for medical card 7) gonna also go to food pantry 8)gonna go to the shelter for meals during winter months 9) gonna ask churches for some cash 10) gonna go to garage sales on the last day of sale during the last hour of sale(ask for free cloths/misc 12) gonna hitch hike to waterstreet for the 4th of July celebration and ask people to buy me beer 13) get free samples of cologne at bergner's 14) go to waldorf's hair place and ask for a free haircut 15) go to fire station and ask for bottled water, and stop at city hall for free bottled water 16) stop at Bartley's and ask if I can have a to go container of leftover food after dinner hours 17) go to the deli in peru for free coffee 18) ask for free packets of sugar, ketchup,mustard,salt,sugar,coffee creamer,napkins from John's Place 19)borrow a city vehicle to get to the airport and ask for a free pancake 20)ask for a free ticket to concert venue 21) get free hotdog,hamburger, at the open house(if they have one)!at the fire house
22) ask at the Piolice Department if they have an unclaimed bicycle I could have 23)get a free library card 24) ask an If I can have the newspaper that was yesterday's new for free 25) go to the YMCA and get a free membership because I would qualify, I have no income 26) attend council meetings and all other meetings 27) sit at the park and wait and watch pickleball 28) go to the annual car show and Maude Powell events 29) beg for money from people outside if Maple's so I can get a fishing license so I can fish at Baker Lake(sure I can use a stick and find used line) 30). That's all!
I have been driving by the two previous water line breaks on Shooting Park Road in the vicinity of Pike street and there appears to be another water leak. I could be wrong but could somebody from the city that works check it out ?
8:17 Something is definitely wrong in that vicinity. City workers are present and there is another huge hole dug on Shooting Park.
11:47 maybe those people who were appointed by Harl to supervise that department that oversees it just plain and simple don't know what to do or don't have the experience or qualifications for the their appointed position. Makes sense in my opinion. What's your opinion 11:47? However, shooting park road work was to begin today.
This is just the start of work on Shooting Park Road. It was scheduled to begin today.
The work on Shooting Park scheduled for this week is from Pulaski to Peoria Street. The area where the previous water leaks have been were near Pke Street which is west of Peoria St.
Lois is absolutely right. The location of the water leak is on the west side of Peoria Street while the work on Shooting Park was supposed to begin on the very east side of 251. However, I didn't see any road work being started today.
The Peru school district sent a message to parents about Shooting Park Road work beginning this week so parents would know about the traffic.
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