Planning Commission Minutes Proposed Marijuana Growing Facilities

New minutes have been posted on the city web site with the proposals of the 4 companies interested in developing  medical marijuana growing facilities in Peru. The minutes are from the companies that went before  the Peru Planning Commission by the date of the hearing which was 8/20/14.

If you are interested in the proposals, location and ownership of them, you will find the minutes quite interesting.

Letters to the editor: Is Peru acting fairly toward all pot company applicants? - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Letters to the editor: Is Peru acting fairly toward all pot company applicants? - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

As I have watched the number of companies interested in establishing the "pot" growing facility here in Peru, I thought about other cities around us and several with a larger population and some close to ours, and wondered why it was only Peru that was putting names of companies out to the public.

I do not know whether other cities were perhaps handling requests in a different manner and considering them privately with city officials only in the know and then deciding which one they would endorse after looking through all their qualifications.

I would like to know but at this time do not. I posted a news article a few days ago and it included all the districts applying, some in detail and some barely mentioned.

Personally I don't believe Peru should endorse a particular one but let the state do that since the city has now been put in an uncomfortable position. I also do not think at this point that there is anyone in the city qualified to make an endorsement and that includes the mayor and council.

Local governments can now consolidate if they so choose « Watchdog.org

Local governments can now consolidate if they so choose « Watchdog.org

Does this mean we can start to eliminate Peru Twp.?

Will the Lobbyist Sign the Same Contract With Same Wording

Now that the lobbyist has been approved, shouldn't the aldermen vote again to approve the contract and add some provisions about responsibility with regard to coming back to the city with specifics being researched and getting approval or do we simply hand it all over to the mayor to do with it what he wishes.

This is the previous contract:

Do the aldermen need to add the responsibilities of the Lobbyist in regard to bringing information back to the elected officials so it can be included in the aldermen's packet each month?

This  should not be for a paycheck at an agreed upon price, we should be getting something in return for the money and that means information in an agreed upon time frame perhaps at Finance Committee Meetings.

This should be standard procedure for all of the companies or organizations that provide paid services to the city regarding economic development.

Recently 2 members of IVAC came to the Finance Committee with a short presentation about their present strategies.

The other company, MCS, Development Delivered has set up an economic development web site which is a part of the City of Peru web site which they maintain and update. It can be located under the Economic Development heading.

Peru renews contract with lobbyist « Classics Hits 103.9 WLPO

Peru renews contract with lobbyist « Classics Hits 103.9 WLPO

Vote to Retain the Lobbyist in Peru

The vote was 4 and 4. Potthoff, Ferrari, Perez and Mueller voted no. Harl broke the tie. 

Thank you Alderman Potthoff, Alderman Ferrari, Alderman Perez and Alderman Mueller for showing good judgement with your vote.

And to those who voted yes to retain the lobbyist, Alderman Lukosus, Alderman Radtke, Alderman Waldorf and Alderman Sapienza, we hope the voters will gradually show you the door out of city hall and bring in some thinking representatives.

I knew with the above 4 still in office that there was no way this would be defeated and I was hoping that Mayor Harl would have to break the tie vote. Now we know that the mayor really is a politician and that his political ties are more important than being a good mayor for the residents of Peru.

Again my thanks  to the Aldermen who voted for Peru by voting against the Lobbyist.

Illinois cannabis lobbyist information

Illinois cannabis lobbyist information


Some big players and lots and lots of money.

Demographics of Peru Are Being Noticed

Our Economic Director, Bob Vickery, once again at Finance brought up the businesses interested in coming into Peru and it appears there are 4 or 5 corporations interested in building more senior housing within the city.  Homes a bit larger than the Stough Group homes and to be built in the northern part of the city. They are looking to build on approximately 5 acre plots, to the north.

Many of us realize that they probably see the right market for their products in senior housing in La Salle Peru. Seniors also desire to have nearby groceries and medical facilities and possibly drug stores that include other amenities.  So we will need to wait and see what is built if any housing does become a reality.

And on the other end of the spectrum is the question of how much money should be put into "decorating" Route 6 businesses.  Mayor Harl prefers banners instead of flower baskets and I am sure that is what we will see along the route. Vickery  is working with businesses to develop a facade improvement program and at the current time, Peru will put in $25,000 toward a 50/50 city/business payment for whatever is decided upon. I would like to see the Peru side of the Route 6 Tourist Assn. began to put their minutes on the Peru city web site, since we will be adding dollars to the program and actually does involve city property.

And on the A-Unified lawsuit, I am told that the N.T. had an article last night which states the city now has the title to the property at a cost of $250,000 approximately plus court costs. But the company has no money and what are the court costs?

Peru Can Definitely Afford One (a Lobbyist) Said Mayor Harl

Finance Committee Mtg August 20 with members Dave Potthoff, Tony Ferrari present and members Mike Radke and Rodney Perez absent.

Mayor Harl is also now considered a member and he was present with Ald. Lukosus by his side and Ald. Sapienza also present. Strangely Treasurer Hylla was not at the Finance Mtg. Definitely something going on there.

They quickly got to the rehiring of Timothy McAnarney as Lobbyist for Peru for another year and as quoted in the heading the Mayor said that any city that can afford a lobbyist has one and Peru can definitely afford one. Ald. Ferrari said the aldermen had never seen any information until he got the foia'd  information but only after the information which I foia'd first was put on the blog. So that means the mayor did not feel that anything the Lobbyist was doing during the last year was important enough to share with his aldermen. But I will clarify that by saying I do believe that he shared any and everything with Ald. Lukosus but none of the others.

But today at the meeting he said the Lobbyist was doing so much for the city and not all that he had done was written on those reports and sometime the lobbyist is talking to people in the Legislature and elsewhere but does not know if anything gets done or not.

He picked out a couple of things he thought was important from the foia'd papers.

November 5, 2013 Talked to Ameren re: Unytite and the proposed move to LaSalle.
November 27, 2013 Per request of Bob Vickery he called ATT&T to look into poor reception in downtown Peru..
Lukosus said Peru could have had a grant for a bike path and that would have been because of him. ???? Also that he is of great help with the airport.

The Mayor also said something about not knowing what was in the original contract to hire and  I suggest he read contracts before he attaches his name to them.

This vote will go to the Council Meeting Monday and I believe with the help of Ald. Lukosus, Sapienza, Radtke and probably Waldorf and with Ferrari being the question mark, it will pass even if the mayor has to end up breaking the tie. And those of us who disagree with this, must remember that there is an election next spring in each ward and it  will determine if  Potthoff, Waldorf, Perez and Mueller are returned to office. Possibly there may be a referendum to put on the ballot changing Peru's government to a City Manager-Council format.

Lobbyist Contract and Remaining Information

These are the remaining pages of the foia. We as taxpayers already pay the salary of Rep. Mautino (D) from Spring Valley and representing the 76th District of which Peru is part of and additionally Senator Sue Rezin (R) of Morris maintains an office in Peru. Add onto that the $14,000 we pay yearly to IVAC. Peru has a Economic Director.

My question is what did we get for the $24,000 we paid to the Lobbyist? This topic will be presented at the Finance Committee @4PM and they will talk (I hope) about whether he supplies services that Peru cannot survive and move ahead without.

On a personal note, I have always been an Independent voter and have never voted any party line and I am finding this hire to be a very Democratic associated individual. We don't vote a political party when we elect a mayor or aldermen but I realize while they don't run on a party ticket they have a right to personal party associations but I don't want them imbedded in a small city government. Get help from all and don't get too cozy and you will get a bit more from all of the them.

Peru Seems to be Interested in Expanding PPD to Plank Rd

Oh and also I wonder if they are interested in renewing the Lobbyist contract for another year. Since no one seemed to remember that his contract signed on August 1, 2013 was no longer valid since this is now August 18.

The first partial letter is a recommendation to the Peru City Council Aldermen. The full page letter shows why the mayor wanted this appt. As his first task, he seems to be interested in the Peru Armory.
The last page on this post is the last 2 months of the Lobbyists work for the city. Draw your own conclusions on this.

HeavyMtl 2013 - Godsmack - Mosh Pit

Lou's LaGrottp states no mosh pits allowed but comments seem to indicate they can't stop them. On her FB page she also has a list of items not allowed at the concert.

Chief Bernabei WLPO Radio Interview RE: Concerts for a Cause

WLPO Interview with Peru Police Chief Re: Uproar Concert

Contract for 1 Year Where is Mr McAnarney, Lobbyist? Suit Against A-Unified?

These are the minutes from last year when the hire of #Lobbyist Mr #McAnarney was approved and have heard nothing further. Did we extend the contract or not?

The suit against #A-Unified is settled or not? Our keeper of records City Clerk Bartley is not in the office this week so perhaps someone else might know the answers. I found the minutes to be interesting and provides more questions than answers.

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#citycouncil

CITY OF PERU REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 15, 2013

A regular meeting of the Peru City Council was called to order by Mayor Scott Harl in the Peru City Council
Chambers on Monday, July 15, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Perez, Radtke, Mueller
and Sapienza present; Mayor Harl present.
All joined in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
PRESENTATION
PUBLIC COMMENT
MINUTES
Mayor Harl presented the minutes of the Regular meeting of June 10, 2013. Alderman Potthoff made a motion that
the minutes be received and placed on file. Alderman Radtke seconded the motion; motion carried.
REPORTS
Mayor Harl presented the Building Permits Report for the Second Quarter 2012. Alderman Potthoff made a motion
that the report be received and placed on file. Alderman Radtke seconded the motion; motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Lukosus made a motion to hire Tim McAnarney as a Government Relations Lobbyist for the City for a
one year period for $24,000. Alderman Waldorf seconded the motion. Alderman Potthoff commented on the benefit
of a lobbyist to seek out discretionary funds from state and federal level and supports the option on a yearly basis
with a list of priorities to measure. Alderman Waldorf stated that he supports the choice and hopes there will be a
positive economic impact. Mayor Harl stressed the benefit of the contacts and then noted that Mr. McAnarney has
many contacts. Alderman Radtke stressed the importance of face-to-face contacts. Alderman Perez asked Mayor
Harl to explain the tour he had with Mr. McAnarney. Mayor Harl stated that they drove the whole town and
highlighted the City’s needs and wants. Alderman Perez voiced his concern for not looking at more contacts before
selecting Mr. McAnarney, although he is well qualified. Alderman Perez also stated that he believed our elected
officials, Frank Mautino and Sue Rezin along with IML and IVAC represent the City’s interests.
PUBLIC: Resident Sherry Mayszak asked how many towns Mr. McAnarney represents and what size. Mr.
McAnarney introduced himself and stated that he represents the City of Peoria and Chatham and explained other
issues he has represented.
Resident Mike Hart asked in what capacity Mr. McAnarney would work with Economic Development Director Bob
Vickrey. Alderman Potthoff stated that the two would have separate responsibilities and will work on their own
efforts.
City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Radtke, Mueller and
Sapienza voting aye; Alderman Perez voting nay; motion carried.

Mayor Harl recommended the appointment of Sean Mikos as Public Works City Engineer with an annual salary of
$87,000 to replace retiring Superintendent of Public Works Gary Bleck. Alderman Waldorf made a motion to
concur with the recommendation. Alderman Lukosus seconded the motion. Alderman Perez asked the Committee to
explain the process of selecting Mr. Mikos. Alderman Waldorf stated that nine resumes were received, three phone
interviews, two personal interviews and then two more personal interviews were conducted. Alderman Waldorf
explained that both of the final candidates were excellent and that one had a PE and one did not and that ultimately
Mr. Mikos proved to the best candidate and will be able to oversee small engineering projects. Alderman Lukosus
seconded the motion. City Clerk Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus,
Perez, Radtke, Mueller and Sapienza voting aye; motion carried.

CITY OF PERU REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 15, 2013
2
Alderman Lukosus made a motion to authorize Corporate Counsel Doug Schweickert to file suit against A-Unified
LLC concerning demolition of the Power House. Alderman Waldorf seconded the motion. Alderman Perez asked
Corporate Counsel to explain the process and reason for filing suit. Corporate Counsel Doug Schweickert stated that
filing suit is necessary to get the title back into the City’s name and stated that it’s a lengthy process. City Clerk
Dave Bartley called the roll with Aldermen Potthoff, Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Perez, Radtke, Mueller and
Sapienza voting aye; motion carried.

Watch This Video I Love What the City is Doing to Spruce Up Their City

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Do you like this?

#KewaneeIL
#revitalization
#generatetourism
#community

Peru Looking for Financial Officer to Replace Budget Director Hylla

With Gary Hylla leaving, the Budget Director position for which he was hired as an addon from the Treasury position. Peru will be hiring a replacement with the title of Financial Officer. He/she will operate independent of the City Clerks Office and will have their own office elsewhere in the city hall building.

Originally called a CFO. the position will be simply titled Financial Officer. They are looking for a CPA with at least 3 years experience. Duties will include supervising bookkeeping, checking with auditors, cash flow, budget, financial planning and coordinate utility billing.

Why Can’t You Get Medical Marijuana At CVS Or Walgreens? – Consumerist

Why Can’t You Get Medical Marijuana At CVS Or Walgreens? – Consumerist

Obama administration clears banks to accept funds from legal marijuana dealers - The Washington Post

Obama administration clears banks to accept funds from legal marijuana dealers - The Washington Post

Obama says ok, Congress says we have to make the law to make the banking ok.

Banks Say No to Marijuana Money, Legal or Not - NYTimes.com

Banks Say No to Marijuana Money, Legal or Not - NYTimes.com

Yesterday at the Finance Meeting, the subject came up of how the businesses get their money transferred because marijuana is still considered illegal by the Federal Government and  most banks  (Federal and State) are unwilling to open accounts and companies therefore cannot use ATM's for money transfers. Also it was noted that it is the cities in the IV with ties to the IMEA that presently have  been approached by the marijuana producing companies most frequently as in Peru, Princeton and Oglesby. Why are they looking for cities that produce their own electricity?

To Peru City Flower Waterers A How To Do from You Tube

Committee Meetings This Week Monday and Wednesday

Along with the regular Public Service members minus Ald. Sapienze, the meeting was attended by Lois, Linda and Mike Hart.

Meeting was much shorter today, only one hour and needed to move to the council chambers so everyone could have a seat. Updates on all the works in progress. Coke plant was sold so city will be going out for bids to see what the cost to build a new public works building would be. I don't believe specifications have been drawn up yet. As usual no questions taken and only public comment allowed even though they were asked.


Flower baskets downtown are being removed as they die and I was told that they had been watered every other day and still did not thrive. Perhaps we need to consult with another city for advice.
Those in charge prefer the planters.

The question again came up about making the PW bldg on Peoria St. a Brownfield site and the question was posed to the NCIG representative by Mayor Harl. The representative said he has no prior experience with that program.

Vickery was present and gave us the following economic update. Someone is looking to construct a strip mall on the Crazy D. site. Several companies are interested in building senior housing. Another proposal for an Aquatic Center and an unknown company looking for land south of Shooting Park Road for retail. Additionally another MM company or two will give a presentation to the city. Also something about a movie theater and I don't know and the committee is scarce on details these days.

Has work resumed on Advanced Auto?

Hanger talk at the airport which I am not up to date on. Marquis Energy and OSF mentioned.

I heard a rumor of possibly making the present setup of Co Superintendents permanent positions and not hire a Superintendent of Public Works or Light Dept.