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
Friday, August 15, 2014
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.
96 comments:
Anonymous
said...
To all representation of Peru I ask how can you be responsible for allowing this on taxpayers property and than sit in city hall and feel you are capable to manage Peru.
I think Ms Noonan cooked her own golden goose with this concert. She's done having concerts at the airport after tomorrow's debacle. But I'm sure we will all hear how there were no issues and everybody behaved.
Does anyone know how many tickets where sold to out of area customers? I'm concerned that trouble makers and thugs from Chicago might be coming to town. We don't need that.
Altamont Free Concert – 1969 World Series of Rock – 1979 The Who in Cincinnati – 1979 Monsters of Rock – 1988 Montreal Riot – 1992 Woodstock ’99 – 1999 Pearl Jam at Roskilde – 2000 Marilyn Manson – 2003 San Bernardino Punk Riot – 2006 Family Values Tour – 2006
Peru, IL – 2014?
What do all of these events have in common? Live rock music has always held a terrific attraction for young people. Unfortunately, poor organization, too many rowdy fans, and casual attitudes towards drugs and alcohol have turned many concerts into complete chaos. Riots, crowd stampedes and crushes have led to many deaths at rock shows over the decades. Be it the ill-fated 1969 Altamont Free Festival or the infamous 2000 Roskilde disaster, history has many examples of concerts that ended in bloodshed.
Anon PARANOIA, when does it stop, how do you bloggers get any kind of sleep, you must be like zombies from worrying about this concert, I feel sorry for you!
The basic and only reason that the citizenship has a business interest in any Concert for a Cause is that it is held on a public interest - the airport. If the promoter was to only extend the concerts to private entities the public would have very little interest and say so. Peru's government representation should never have become involved nor should it have used city property in this manner. Decisions such as this should be considered in the voting booth. The voting booth is where decisions are made as to the directions your city will take and you have all the input with your vote.
It is not Paranoia. Even the most vocal anon concerned citizens realize that there is a very high chance nothing horrible will happen and that the trib will be able to put a bright shiny face on it and a school will get "30,000" worth of Ipads or whatever. There are hundreds of drunks that have driven home safely for years for all the ones who end up in a crash. I expect the idiots who say if people get hurt it there fault, you can get hurt crossing the street, etc. You will never open their minds. But to hear the chief talk about this likes its a parade or a nostalgia concert. To see the council allow this To see the patronizing attitude of the news media. That is where the real fear, not paranoia, comes from. The faction of the city that is taking over is changing what is considered normal here, slowly. A little bit at a time.
Wonder how many city employees would join in these mosh pits after a few cocktails? I've personally have witnessesd unprofessional behavior of some at events over the years while not on the city's payroll. I've just come to the conclusion that one isn't a representative of the city when not on the clock. How outstanding is that? And the maturity level on some.
Would you let your 13 year old or 17 year old go to this concert? People tend to hang out and be friends with people who are just like themselves. Hard rock music years ago attracted a large percentage of people who participated in illegal activities, today's hard rock music does the same. I watched this video several times, and I wasn't really shocked. I also didn't notice security. City officials should be ashamed of themselves and so should concert promotor. We as adults should be teaching our youth that this behavior is unacceptable, this concert is promoting this behavior by knowing this type of behavior happens at this type of event. TITLE SHOULD BE: CONCERT FOR CHAOS!
$30,000 I would be extremely surprised if that happens. I believe the last concert produced $9200 to Lostant school and the concert before that produced "$0" to Peru baseball.
Anon 12:15 a city employee doesn't represent the city on off hours. It is a job, nothing more, to insinuate more than that shows how delusional you are.
I would say any person in any supervisory position with any job would uphold a ethical manner of behavior when in public being as if a role model even when off the clock. Example(no reference to any particular person) would be, say for instance I'm a police officer, I'm involved in events for alcohol/drug awareness , I go to a festival on my day off and get drunk at the festival, get in my personal vehicle and drive away. Is this ethical behavior? Is this a role model? This would be the same senerio as if someone was a school teacher, worked in the juducial system, and many other fields of work. 2:43, I don't agree with you that the commentor was delusional at all. Freedom of speech and the press is great isn't it?
Look at all of you freaking out over this. I find it hilarious. It's different. Give it a chance. This entire area could use a little excitement. Stop being so uptight.
5:20 Why does it have to be so secretive then? Give what a chance? Continued malfeasance and possibly unplanned and un safe gatherings at a federally funded asset?
Thats like saying wait til somebody dies, give it a chance first. Nobody much cares that these concerts go on, its the totally unprofessional, taxpayer abuse and fake charity approach that gets people upset, not the music.
Anon 4:34, I was talking about your basic laborer working stiff who could care less about politics, but is just trying to to get through life towards retirement like 99 percent of us try to do, on his off time he or she could care less what joe public thinks a out him, her or anybody else. They are not out to be role models for the city, and I don't blame them! Lighten up extremist!!!!!
"Chief Bernabei has an Action Plan portfolio they put together. During Monday's Public Safety Meeting Chief went through it and pointed out changes they would make for next time, Things as simple as: staging, and directional placement of squad cars. I'm certain Chief would be happy to share with anyone interested in seeing their action plan."
Quoted from Rodney Perez on this blog a couple years ago. Rodney, I can tell you that prior to the Kid Rock concert, there was no publicly available safety plan or action plan. The notes from the meeting you reference did not seem to reference any. And right now the AG is wondering why it was a problem for Kristy to get one for this concert. Even one with all the secret laser gun placements redacted.
I will bet if anything happens tonight, there will be a nice fresh one with fresh ink all printed up, specifically addressing whatever it needs to, in hind sight of course.
I cant wait to hear your report on this festival. But this time there just might be some video to counter.
Just left the concert. Not my kind of music but went with a friend who really wanted to go. Don't think I am sold on heavy metal but have to say all the predictions of how bad it would be were 100% wrong. That will probably disappoint some. Asked 3 different cops how this concert compared to the others.they all said without a doubt that this was the easiest one yet for the police. Only one minor issue. Wow I bet you people will just say peru just got lucky. Average age were 40 or more. No open drug use.
I guess we really don't need to be concerned with safety and security when nobody shows up.
From the NT:
"As of gate time on Saturday, though, Noonan was a little nervous about attendance. Only 2,200 advance tickets had been sold. That was about the same as the previous concert, a country show, but Noonan said bringing the festival to Peru cost three times as much."
There were no "predictions", at least from sane people . There was concern. There is no shame in saying they got lucky. No rain is luck, Low attendance is both lack of luck and likely due to restrictions that were forced by the concerns. There was strong police presence at the truck stops where drug dealing was suspected, which is good. From reports at the concert there was minimal drug use, less than Kid Rock. I do not believe there was any moshing either.
The concern remains as to why the secrecy about simple FOIA requests. The concerns are legitimate, but the city and promoter are not transparent, and always extremely defensive.
734 really? You just can't admit this city can handle things. That says a lot. If you noticed lois fir example has questioned the venue not the boots on the ground so to speak. Btw over 1500 more than last concert and no problems.
I heard that the concert was actually a bust. It mainly attracted the 40 plus crowd which is in line with our local demographics. Alcohol sales where lower than average and the costs where any other concert so far. I'm predicting that the school will get nothing and the city will only get the meager revenues generated from the parking.
I we are lucky, the free market will force these concerts to end. The effort should now turn to a affair accounting of the money. The city needs to get reimbursed before anything else!
8:55 The city handles things. They just do it secretly and questionably. Stalin was able to handle things lol.
No one has said the Safety and Security plan is not totally awesome. There is just no way to know since it is not transparent. Its very existence has been questioned. Thats legitimate.
From La Salle so no horse in the race but I agree. The concert would not be my choice but kudos to the organizers and law enforcement. My adult son who has made almost every concert at the airport was there and said there was a huge police presence and security presence. He goes to concerts all over and told me the parking, the venue you name it is as good as it gets. I asked him why heavy metal though. His response to me and his mom "why did you go to Woodstock." Enough said new topic please!
I looked back at the summer events in the Illinois Valley. In Peru we have had many cars shows, downtown concerts, concerts at the airports, fly in breakfast and free plane rides, central states baseball,CSO picnics, too many to mention runs and walks throughout town and at at Baker Lake...the list goes on. I would say we are doing our share. Peru is not alone. All the other local towns are trying to make a nice place to live , work and play.
The amazing thing is that some consumers actually BELIEVE the purpose of these concerts is to fundraise. They state it on Facebook, attacking any negative comments.
There has barely been any donation for a couple years now and consumers STILL believe the primary purpose of these concerts is charity and fund raising.
How could anyone get the impression these are primarily charity events put on for causes.
11:27, it is sad to say, but many people in the Illinois Valley are not the sharpest tools in the shed, so to speak. If they ever pay attention to any news, it is provided to them by one source - the Miller Media Group. I was talking to a man just this morning that had now idea what was going on in the St. Louis area. With the only news source painting a lovely picture of these events, it stands to reason that most people think they are actually for charity. We call these people the low information group- they don't want to know. All they want is beer, pull tabs, and slot machines. I think I'm going to open a bar and call it Brewskis for a Cause. I'll pick a charity every month and give them 10% of the bar take every Tuesday night.
1:03 - they are the same group that voted in Blaggo twice and will overwhelmingly vote for Quinn. Yup, another 4 years of Quinn, Madiagan, and crew brought to you by the low information voter.
9:28 God you are a pizza plant lol. No dog in the race huh?. No kid would say this venue is 'as good as it gets". Forget the paranoid cops and the secret plans for a sec, the venue itself gets lots of complaints from hard core concert goers. No chairs, no way to get close with flat line of sight, concrete, list of no nos as long as my arm, cash no credit , high prices for concessions, long walks slow exit lousy acoustics, little shelter, crowded, short sets.
Its centrally located in Illinois and gets decent talent, moderate tix prices. But you can stop the fake kudos that are magically coming from the super concert goer kid lol. Kids always comment on the great parking. You grotto groupies just kill me.
Heres why people think that events generating 200,000 to 700,000 in gross receipts and use 50 plus unpaid volunteers cant afford to donate more than a 15,000 average check to a charity ARE primarily fundraisers.
"Merry Noonan, co-owner of Lou’s LaGrotto restaurant in Peru and local Concert for a Cause promoter, brought the 10-band, two-stage festival to Peru with the intention of providing funding for technology upgrades at Centennial Elementary School in Streator."
I think it is a good idea to shut down the airport and make it a fair ground. WE don't need an airport at all - what good is it? We DO NEED a fairground to hold festivals and stuff.
The voters have very little say in how things are done in Illinois. From the City of Peru, to the County of LaSalle, to the State of Illinois - it is rigged against the average person. We pay for people to live the plush life and they just keep on keeping on.
Anon 6:44, just a little tidbit to help your disfunctional thought process, without the airport there would be no Eakas, Unytite, James Hardie, Meticore, etc etc, any type of industry that looks at a site, one of the first thing they ask about is an airport. Like him or not Baker had a great understanding of this.
Believe that if you want 8:02. But the fact is we would be better off having a permanent place to hold concerts and other events. If the corporations really need an airport, they will make their own.
To 5:21 PM Aug 8, That 9:28 post is hilarious. 9:28 must be Ward Cleaver telling us all about a report from The Beaver's experiences at GODSMACK. "Golly gee Pops, the GODSMACK show was really keen". "Larry Mundello and me ate some popcorn and pizza and had a really neat time". Too bad it took six years of the Beaver's allowance and all his confirmation money to buy his ticket to the show. OH, and by the way, as he often does, the Beaver did not tell Ward and June that his best pal Larry Mundello got wasted and "blew chunks" of overpriced pizza all over the back seat of the Studebaker. 9:28, you and your report are just as phony as Concerts for a Cause.
11:21 PM an extra $16K per year for attending a meeting once a week and doing little if anything else is the "plush life" in the Illinois Valley. This is on top of their normal "day job" or retirement income. Lets be nice and say the average alderman works 8 hours per week. That amounts to $38.46 per hour. Now lets look at our State Rep For Life Frankie - He made just about $85,000 plus full benefits. Since he has been in the legislature since the beginning of time, he will get most of this for the rest of his life. Yup, these guys have it figured out. BTW, Members of the Illinois General Assembly are among the highest-paid state legislators in the country.
Anon 5:18, please use a little bit of intellectual common sense, number 1, I didn't say anything about holding concerts there, I personally feel it is a waste of the cities workforce time. Factories do not put there own airports in cities, that is why State and Federal governments finance up to 90 percent of the funding knowing that any industry looking at an area, one of their first concerns is an airport, which intern produces jobs and cuts down on unemployment, plus produces goer mention revenue. I remember when Harl thought the airport was a waste, after his election and talking to industry leaders he figured out how important the airport is.
That will never be a concert venue. It is to close to many homes. And this aint pickleball. But she could sell the land to a farmer of home developer and take the proceeds and find a nice spot. Thats true.
8:54 aldermen make about $6,000 per year not $16,000.
Harl did think the airport was a waste when he was running for mayor. He quickly changed his mind not only by talking to industry leaders, but also because he got to fly places and it made him feel uber important.
To 8:54 am, I think you are mistaken at least about the aldermen's salary in Peru. They are paid about $5,000 per year and my observation of their actual contribution indicates that they don't even do enough to earn that amount. All they do is exactly what Chamlin and TEST tells them to do. For what they actually bring to the table in terms of leadership and vision they should have to pay the taxpayers back. sort of like having to buy " Renewable Integrity and Ethics Credits" for the way our aldermen pollute the city of Peru with their incompetent and phony antics just like the electric utilities have to buy renewable energy credits for polluting the environment. Harl can afford to buy us a lot of those credits for phony behavior.
Anon 8:54 Please explain your statement that a alder-person is paid $16K/year. I understand it is a fixed salary of $5,000/year, along with a few sweetheart benefits. Presently there should be much more concern with the lack of qualifications managing this city than the pay. Possible a decrease in numbers with a increase in pay or simply a decrease in participation and time and a reaching out to a more professional environment.
9:39 - that is what they tell you. More often than not, they just attend meetings. And I will compare Frankie if I want to - simply because that was the context of the original post. If you recall, I said:
"The voters have very little say in how things are done in Illinois. From the City of Peru, to the County of LaSalle, to the State of Illinois - it is rigged against the average person. We pay for people to live the plush life and they just keep on keeping on."
And I stand by this post. For the most part, elected officials are in it for their own personal gain. Their gain can be anything from the ego trip associated with the office to monetary. Very few of them represent the people. It is quite the contrary - they represent the government, meaning they would rather expand the reach of government. What is the reason the local yokels use for all these "entertainment" events? They say "it will bring in additional taxes." Well I say, if the government did not get involved in such shenanigans, it would not need the additional taxes. That goes for everything from pools, to central state tournaments, to car shows, to pickle ball, to concerts, to fire works. Government sponsorship should be discontinued for all of these events!
To paraphrase Pat Brady: Illinois is under the thumb of a controlling, vindictive, ethically challenged, self-serving leprechaun, House Speaker Michel Madigan. And I mean no disrespect to leprechauns.
11:48 They don't make anything close to that $16,000, unless they are elected Mayor or Township Clerk, assessor or supervisor. If you review the salaries you will find Peru to be the lowest paid of all cities.
Concert went well. I heard on the radio today that Alderman Rodney Perez reported that it went well and no problems. He was with security and was he paid?
ok, I stand corrected on the alderman pay. But the point is that they only talk about representing the people at election time. After the election, they represent the government status quo. That is why nothing every improves or even changes. It's always the same story... the electric department needs a new truck, all in favor say aye. We need to waste thousands of dollars on fireworks, all in favor say aye. All the employees need a 5% raise, all in favor say aye. We need Cadillac heal insurance, all in favor say aye. We need another TIF, all in favor say aye. and on and on and on. Only one of them has ever said - "hey, hold on a minute, why are we doing this?" Until we get a majority of Aldermen that simply say "hey, hold on a minute" every once in a while, the City of Peru government will be nothing more than a way to provide jobs and spend money - all without regard to the public interests.
hmmmmm... LaSalle County has a Mounted Sheriff’s Posse and Robot Airplanes. This is the epitome of Illinois government - add new requirements but never cut loose the old ones.
One of those at least was for our deer spotting. I can say we are most anxious and excited.
I was slightly disappointed when I learned that the vehicles could NEVER be manned, but the mayor assured me those rules could be bent if not broken, because of home rule.
4:03 When did anyone claim there was a conspiracy? When does a concert happening without incident become something that is unusual?
Answer why the Emergency Response Plans have never been released to the taxpayer. Just try and answer that, correctly and logically, without using the word conspiracy or political or agenda or any other irrelevant comment.
Why? Simple question. Do not use the phrase , because I dont want them to. That is not allowed because it is not legal for you to decide that. Do not use the phrase, because no city does. That is incorrect. Do not use the phrase Get a life , since I already have one and could care less about your judgement of it. Do not use the phrase you people are ridiculous or old. It is irrelevant. Do not use the phrase people get hurt walking the dog. In debate , that is called using single incident/result as statistical rule, and is considered the sign of a very weak argument. Do not use the phrase, it would have sensitive information. Very little in such plans would be considered sensitive information. And that could be easily redacted.
Then answer why anytime someone asks a question or raises an issue it is called conspiracy theory? If there is nothing to hide, people are generally more forthcoming.
According to the article in this evening's paper the CSO is credited with providing the fireworks in Peru. I'm pretty sure that's not true. In fact, I believe it's the Park and Rec Board that sponsors this event. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
Isn't drinking at these concerts when one is over the limit considered public intoxication? Isn't it against the law to be publicly intoxicated? Were any tickets given for public intoxication.
9:24, it is not against the law to be publically intoxicated in Illinois.
"In Illinois, public intoxication is viewed as a medical or social ill, but not a crime. In fact, Illinois prohibits any county or municipality from adopting or enforcing any law that includes being intoxicated as the sole basis of the offense."
This became the law in Illinois sometime in 2013. Prior to that, Public Intoxication was subjective and often abused by the Police as a form of harassment.
No 924. It was deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court that you can't be standing outside, intoxicated, but doing nothing wrong and be charged with public intoxication. You'd actually have to commit a crime (public indecency for example) to be charged with anything
In response to 8:10 yes indeed, the Park and Rec Board pays for the fireworks and the bouncy toys at the family area. The CSO, I believe, runs the beer tent, hires a band, and provides the porta-potties.
7:58 You answered your own question. Details of security plans are in the hands of those who need to know. Why would a bank tell you where security cameras are? Why would the police tell you when a police car is driving by your street? Does the bank tell you when the car is picking up the money?
Your request to get a detailed plan is understandable if you were in charge of the security team. Otherwise it serves no purpose. Your ability to criticize any plan would only be helpful if you were employed as the person in charge of security.
Please jump on the next topic. Maybe the Maud Powell festival needs someone of your great talents to review the security plan for that event.
You all forgot to mention that the CSO collects and keeps the proceeds from the beer garden that uses city labor for set-up, take-down, clean-up, etc. But they do put up some Christmas decorations. so, we got that going for us.
10:18 Again, your reply is borderline draconian. You have a militaristic and 1950s view of safety, FOIA and right to know laws. Public citizens have the right and responsibility to know all kinds of things regarding emergency preparedness and response. It is the LAW. It has been the LAW. For a very long time now.
The ability to personally DO anything about it is somewhat irrelevant. You need not be in charge of security to have interest in it. Sensitive information is readily redacted.
If all there is would be sensitive information, then the last thing it would be is an emergency preparedness plan. You would have done well in the SS or present day China.
Yes, 1:52 we should sacrifice public safety because you want to know how many police and their whereabouts? I think everybody agrees that freedom of information shouldn't trump yours' and my safety. Go back to your Wiki leaks trolling. People like you have no idea what it takes to run a safe event like a concert, and it appears they have had very few problems.
4:05 You have zero, I mean zero , idea of what a large event emergency response and contingency plan is. I do. The police placements could be redacted and the Plan would be huge. Please reference the Ravinia community plan and then get back to me about what it takes to prepare an ERP. You have zero idea who you are talking to, or maybe you do and dont care, but my intent was never to get into a argument with an idiot. I was trying to see if anyone had ever done a safety plan, and who knows, I might have been blown away by it just like Rodney was two years ago. But its all hush hush secret, like the concert profit formula. You like it that way. I don't. Do not assume that interest in government and safety means conspiracy and revolution. Methinks the police force doth protest too much, and I think the AG will agree, for what little that may be worth.
Do you have that there Ravinia plan in your hands? I bet you don't. Your blown away by not getting your expertise involved with the safety plan? Rodney, was part of the plan and paid to sit at the concert. Do you want the safety plan for Furguson, Missouri? Won't get that plan either. The reason police don't share plans is simple math--its to protect the innocent. No secrets and whatever is your reason for sharing the plan with everybody?
As I have read through the comments on safety, one thought keeps running through my mind. Is the safety plan people want to see the same as what any manager of any movie theater, sports venue etc. has to make available to the public. Simple things like EXIT signs, maps showing the layout of the facility so you don't find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Location of restrooms, First Aid stations etc. I would expect to see all of those things available to any spectator at any event and I would think would be required by law.
9:41 Those are simple plans that every spectator should know. Go to a movie or ballpark and you will find the exit, restroom, first aid. Einstein is looking for details, how many officers, locations, cameras, etc. They will get the foia request and utilize the request to negatively impact those providing the security. There is no public purpose to publish a security plan. Lets not disguise this with a safety plan that would include first aid, ambulance support that is provided in full view for everybody to see!
What amount of time has this administration and city council spent on concerts which should have been focused on city government business? What amount of time has the PPD, the PFD, and all city employees spent on concerts instead of their specified occupations? With the downward trend in attendance at every concert don't the city officials realize that it is a poor investment of hotel and motel tax money? It may be a winner for the promoter in her concessions and from corporate donations but as for the city it is a loser. Word is that there where less than 3,000 ticket sales for Uproar with high expenses.
1:09 your banking on hearsay. I have reviewed city council minutes, tapes and have not found more than 5 minutes of any concert discussion. This is more of a naysayer topic that most of the residents don't care about.
Discussions do not take place in council mtgs., never ever. Some discussion takes place in committee mtgs and the rest might be done via email. You need to remember that the current mayor does not allow questions at council meetings and depending upon the chair of the 2 remaining committees, you might get an answer there. At least Finance has informed us that our questions will be answered. Just remembered I asked a question at Public Service and it was answered even though oftentimes they will not. Concerts have been discussed at many committee mtgs through the years but often it might not be in the minutes.
9:00 The Police do not prepare full Emergency Response Plans for private venues anywhere but here. They usually request them from the business for review and along with Fire are pretty serious about making sure the private business has done a great job with them. They are generally hired to provide traffic control and to handle escalated incidents , arrests, and call in assistance for riot control and to help evacuate if necessary. They usually have to just be a small part of such a plan, the last resort muscle. You are all mixed up. You think of everything like its a criminal investigation. They are not sharing for one reason. because they, like you, dont think people have any right to review, or criticize, anything they decide to do. Taxpayers do have a right to see how prepared we are, how much the city is spending in time and dollars ( the market cost for a plan for an event this size in 10 to 15 k, not counting meeting time), what we get for it, if the ordinance is followed, if our asset is at risk, if it is safe to attend, and what insurance liability is if the crap hits the fan. We have a right to know how max attendance was calculated, what the evacuation protocols are, as well as time to evacuate and local vs off site shelter. We have a right to know what is being done to constantly improve protection of this high pubic fund and safety risk for a private business profit. You dont want to know. You sound like most promoters. They dont want to know either, they just want the money. If I wanted it to simply use as toilet paper and was willing to pay the copy cost, you should just be quiet and sit down. If you want to repeal the FOIA , more power to you.
One time Mayor Harl gets criticized for inquiring or speculating to obtain information. The next time he is being described as not being a leader. People you have to make up your minds. It seems that people want to criticize the Dailey Administrations of Chicago but they were the outstanding big city leaders of their era. The Mayor 's position is to lead the council. If he cannot make a inquiry how can he lead them?
10:05, evidently those of us who are unable to get to council meetings, on numerous occasions haven't been able to watch the videos of them. Why is this? 10:05, what's your opinion on all of the closed sessions since Harls administration?
Sorry to jump into your question but my feeling is that this administration just doesn't care about your concerns. They know there are problems and evidently they are such good friends with the server who evidently is not very technilogically savvy, even tho they run a computer business. I am so tired of their excuses and inability to correct the problem that I can only reach that conclusion.
Anon 3:18 Do you really think that the sever is at fault? If you based your reputation on service and had a constant technical malfunction wouldn't you bring in a corporate technician to rectify the problem? This administration cares about certain knowledge leaving the council chambers and is protecting itself by not having recordings when it could raise political doubts.
96 comments:
To all representation of Peru I ask how can you be responsible for allowing this on taxpayers property and than sit in city hall and feel you are capable to manage Peru.
I saw on someone's Facebook that Jennings and sariah from suicide girls are in town, so no performance ?
OMG, that's crazy! I read that Godsmack promotes mosh pits. How are security people going to stop that tomorrow?
I think Ms Noonan cooked her own golden goose with this concert. She's done having concerts at the airport after tomorrow's debacle. But I'm sure we will all hear how there were no issues and everybody behaved.
looks like rain. Its going to get really muddy.
Does anyone know how many tickets where sold to out of area customers? I'm concerned that trouble makers and thugs from Chicago might be coming to town. We don't need that.
Altamont Free Concert – 1969
World Series of Rock – 1979
The Who in Cincinnati – 1979
Monsters of Rock – 1988
Montreal Riot – 1992
Woodstock ’99 – 1999
Pearl Jam at Roskilde – 2000
Marilyn Manson – 2003
San Bernardino Punk Riot – 2006
Family Values Tour – 2006
Peru, IL – 2014?
What do all of these events have in common? Live rock music has always held a terrific attraction for young people. Unfortunately, poor organization, too many rowdy fans, and casual attitudes towards drugs and alcohol have turned many concerts into complete chaos. Riots, crowd stampedes and crushes have led to many deaths at rock shows over the decades. Be it the ill-fated 1969 Altamont Free Festival or the infamous 2000 Roskilde disaster, history has many examples of concerts that ended in bloodshed.
Anon PARANOIA, when does it stop, how do you bloggers get any kind of sleep, you must be like zombies from worrying about this concert, I feel sorry for you!
The basic and only reason that the citizenship has a business interest in any Concert for a Cause is that it is held on a public interest - the airport.
If the promoter was to only extend the concerts to private entities the public would have very little interest and say so.
Peru's government representation should never have become involved nor should it have used city property in this manner.
Decisions such as this should be considered in the voting booth. The voting booth is where decisions are made as to the directions your city will take and you have all the input with your vote.
Mr. 9:41 - When the SHTF and rule of law collapses, the people you call Paranoid will be the only ones between you and destruction.
How much is the union wage for public works to be working on Saturday?
It is not Paranoia. Even the most vocal anon concerned citizens realize that there is a very high chance nothing horrible will happen and that the trib will be able to put a bright shiny face on it and a school will get "30,000" worth of Ipads or whatever.
There are hundreds of drunks that have driven home safely for years for all the ones who end up in a crash. I expect the idiots who say if people get hurt it there fault, you can get hurt crossing the street, etc. You will never open their minds.
But to hear the chief talk about this likes its a parade or a nostalgia concert. To see the council allow this To see the patronizing attitude of the news media. That is where the real fear, not paranoia, comes from. The faction of the city that is taking over is changing what is considered normal here, slowly. A little bit at a time.
Anon 10:33, this is Miss 9:41, I think you read to many comic books.
Wonder how many city employees would join in these mosh pits after a few cocktails? I've personally have witnessesd unprofessional behavior of some at events over the years while not on the city's payroll. I've just come to the conclusion that one isn't a representative of the city when not on the clock. How outstanding is that? And the maturity level on some.
Would you let your 13 year old or 17 year old go to this concert? People tend to hang out and be friends with people who are just like themselves. Hard rock music years ago attracted a large percentage of people who participated in illegal activities, today's hard rock music does the same. I watched this video several times, and I wasn't really shocked. I also didn't notice security. City officials should be ashamed of themselves and so should concert promotor. We as adults should be teaching our youth that this behavior is unacceptable, this concert is promoting this behavior by knowing this type of behavior happens at this type of event. TITLE SHOULD BE: CONCERT FOR CHAOS!
$30,000 I would be extremely surprised if that happens. I believe the last concert produced $9200 to Lostant school and the concert before that produced "$0" to Peru baseball.
Definition of Uproar
"a state of violent and noisy disturbance, as of a multitude; turmoil."
Welcome families. Welcome business. Peru has found its slogan to replace Leader of the Valley.
Isn't Smack a slang word for Heroin?
Anon 12:15 a city employee doesn't represent the city on off hours. It is a job, nothing more, to insinuate more than that shows how delusional you are.
I would say any person in any supervisory position with any job would uphold a ethical manner of behavior when in public being as if a role model even when off the clock. Example(no reference to any particular person) would be, say for instance I'm a police officer, I'm involved in events for alcohol/drug awareness , I go to a festival on my day off and get drunk at the festival, get in my personal vehicle and drive away. Is this ethical behavior? Is this a role model? This would be the same senerio as if someone was a school teacher, worked in the juducial system, and many other fields of work. 2:43, I don't agree with you that the commentor was delusional at all. Freedom of speech and the press is great isn't it?
Look at all of you freaking out over this. I find it hilarious. It's different. Give it a chance. This entire area could use a little excitement. Stop being so uptight.
5:20 Why does it have to be so secretive then? Give what a chance? Continued malfeasance and possibly unplanned and un safe gatherings at a federally funded asset?
Thats like saying wait til somebody dies, give it a chance first. Nobody much cares that these concerts go on, its the totally unprofessional, taxpayer abuse and fake charity approach that gets people upset, not the music.
Anon 4:34, I was talking about your basic laborer working stiff who could care less about politics, but is just trying to to get through life towards retirement like 99 percent of us try to do, on his off time he or she could care less what joe public thinks a out him, her or anybody else. They are not out to be role models for the city, and I don't blame them! Lighten up extremist!!!!!
What if they threw a concert and nobody came LOL.
This is without a doubt the quietest concert of any of them, no traffic, no noise driving by. What gives. It is a little early but ....
So many of the followers were turned off by the rules list, you should read the facebook posts.
6:36 " its the totally unprofessional, taxpayer abuse and fake charity approach that gets people upset, not the music."
What does the mosh pit video have to do with any of the above reasons that you stated? What was the point of posting the video?
All this fuss over an action plan :)
"Chief Bernabei has an Action Plan portfolio they put together. During Monday's Public Safety Meeting Chief went through it and pointed out changes they would make for next time, Things as simple as: staging, and directional placement of squad cars.
I'm certain Chief would be happy to share with anyone interested in seeing their action plan."
Quoted from Rodney Perez on this blog a couple years ago. Rodney, I can tell you that prior to the Kid Rock concert, there was no publicly available safety plan or action plan. The notes from the meeting you reference did not seem to reference any. And right now the AG is wondering why it was a problem for Kristy to get one for this concert. Even one with all the secret laser gun placements redacted.
I will bet if anything happens tonight, there will be a nice fresh one with fresh ink all printed up, specifically addressing whatever it needs to, in hind sight of course.
I cant wait to hear your report on this festival. But this time there just might be some video to counter.
Just left the concert. Not my kind of music but went with a friend who really wanted to go. Don't think I am sold on heavy metal but have to say all the predictions of how bad it would be were 100% wrong. That will probably disappoint some. Asked 3 different cops how this concert compared to the others.they all said without a doubt that this was the easiest one yet for the police. Only one minor issue. Wow I bet you people will just say peru just got lucky. Average age were 40 or more. No open drug use.
What a great concert. Very fun very safe very organized. Well done lous well done peru and well done ppd pfd and all the other security.
What a great concert. Very fun very safe very organized. Well done lous well done peru and well done ppd pfd and all the other security.
I guess we really don't need to be concerned with safety and security when nobody shows up.
From the NT:
"As of gate time on Saturday, though, Noonan was a little nervous about attendance. Only 2,200 advance tickets had been sold. That was about the same as the previous concert, a country show, but Noonan said bringing the festival to Peru cost three times as much."
There were no "predictions", at least from sane people . There was concern. There is no shame in saying they got lucky. No rain is luck, Low attendance is both lack of luck and likely due to restrictions that were forced by the concerns. There was strong police presence at the truck stops where drug dealing was suspected, which is good. From reports at the concert there was minimal drug use, less than Kid Rock. I do not believe there was any moshing either.
The concern remains as to why the secrecy about simple FOIA requests. The concerns are legitimate, but the city and promoter are not transparent, and always extremely defensive.
I am always amazed at how the ticket sales end in such nice round numbers lol.
Must be easier to use the cash abacus then.
734 really? You just can't admit this city can handle things. That says a lot. If you noticed lois fir example has questioned the venue not the boots on the ground so to speak. Btw over 1500 more than last concert and no problems.
I heard that the concert was actually a bust. It mainly attracted the 40 plus crowd which is in line with our local demographics. Alcohol sales where lower than average and the costs where any other concert so far. I'm predicting that the school will get nothing and the city will only get the meager revenues generated from the parking.
I we are lucky, the free market will force these concerts to end. The effort should now turn to a affair accounting of the money. The city needs to get reimbursed before anything else!
8:55 The city handles things. They just do it secretly and questionably. Stalin was able to handle things lol.
No one has said the Safety and Security plan is not totally awesome. There is just no way to know since it is not transparent. Its very existence has been questioned.
Thats legitimate.
From La Salle so no horse in the race but I agree. The concert would not be my choice but kudos to the organizers and law enforcement. My adult son who has made almost every concert at the airport was there and said there was a huge police presence and security presence. He goes to concerts all over and told me the parking, the venue you name it is as good as it gets. I asked him why heavy metal though. His response to me and his mom "why did you go to Woodstock." Enough said new topic please!
I looked back at the summer events in the Illinois Valley. In Peru we have had many cars shows, downtown concerts, concerts at the airports, fly in breakfast and free plane rides, central states baseball,CSO picnics, too many to mention runs and walks throughout town and at at Baker Lake...the list goes on. I would say we are doing our share. Peru is not alone. All the other local towns are trying to make a nice place to live , work and play.
The amazing thing is that some consumers actually BELIEVE the purpose of these concerts is to fundraise. They state it on Facebook, attacking any negative comments.
There has barely been any donation for a couple years now and consumers STILL believe the primary purpose of these concerts is charity and fund raising.
How could anyone get the impression these are primarily charity events put on for causes.
Oh yes. The name. Nevermind.
11:27, it is sad to say, but many people in the Illinois Valley are not the sharpest tools in the shed, so to speak. If they ever pay attention to any news, it is provided to them by one source - the Miller Media Group. I was talking to a man just this morning that had now idea what was going on in the St. Louis area. With the only news source painting a lovely picture of these events, it stands to reason that most people think they are actually for charity. We call these people the low information group- they don't want to know. All they want is beer, pull tabs, and slot machines. I think I'm going to open a bar and call it Brewskis for a Cause. I'll pick a charity every month and give them 10% of the bar take every Tuesday night.
1:03 - they are the same group that voted in Blaggo twice and will overwhelmingly vote for Quinn. Yup, another 4 years of Quinn, Madiagan, and crew brought to you by the low information voter.
well it looks like we are another step closer to Boss Harl's goal of shutting down the airport and turning it into the "Peru Fairgrounds."
I like pizza! I like beer! I pay taxes!
I love the Miller Medier Group. An 'ner lite beer too!
Geeterdone! Go one fity!
9:28 God you are a pizza plant lol. No dog in the race huh?. No kid would say this venue is 'as good as it gets". Forget the paranoid cops and the secret plans for a sec, the venue itself gets lots of complaints from hard core concert goers. No chairs, no way to get close with flat line of sight, concrete, list of no nos as long as my arm, cash no credit , high prices for concessions, long walks slow exit lousy acoustics, little shelter, crowded, short sets.
Its centrally located in Illinois and gets decent talent, moderate tix prices. But you can stop the fake kudos that are magically coming from the super concert goer kid lol. Kids always comment on the great parking. You grotto groupies just kill me.
Heres why people think that events generating 200,000 to 700,000 in gross receipts and use 50 plus unpaid volunteers cant afford to donate more than a 15,000 average check to a charity ARE primarily fundraisers.
Amy Flannery, crack invesigative reporter says so(from News Trib)
"Merry Noonan, co-owner of Lou’s LaGrotto restaurant in Peru and local Concert for a Cause promoter, brought the 10-band, two-stage festival to Peru with the intention of providing funding for technology upgrades at Centennial Elementary School in Streator."
See, it IS charity cause Miller Media SAYS so.
I think it is a good idea to shut down the airport and make it a fair ground. WE don't need an airport at all - what good is it? We DO NEED a fairground to hold festivals and stuff.
The voters have very little say in how things are done in Illinois. From the City of Peru, to the County of LaSalle, to the State of Illinois - it is rigged against the average person. We pay for people to live the plush life and they just keep on keeping on.
Anon 6:44, just a little tidbit to help your disfunctional thought process, without the airport there would be no Eakas, Unytite, James Hardie, Meticore, etc etc, any type of industry that looks at a site, one of the first thing they ask about is an airport. Like him or not Baker had a great understanding of this.
7:06 to be fair, please describe how our city leaders are living a "plush life". Also, please explain how they are not "average people".
Believe that if you want 8:02. But the fact is we would be better off having a permanent place to hold concerts and other events. If the corporations really need an airport, they will make their own.
To 5:21 PM Aug 8, That 9:28 post is hilarious. 9:28 must be Ward Cleaver telling us all about a report from The Beaver's experiences at GODSMACK.
"Golly gee Pops, the GODSMACK show was really keen". "Larry Mundello and me ate some popcorn and pizza and had a really neat time".
Too bad it took six years of the Beaver's allowance and all his confirmation money to buy his ticket to the show. OH, and by the way, as he often does, the Beaver did not tell Ward and June that his best pal Larry Mundello got wasted and "blew chunks" of overpriced pizza all over the back seat of the Studebaker.
9:28, you and your report are just as phony as Concerts for a Cause.
518,you should get GODSMACK to smack the heads of the power brokers in Dalzell and you would have a permanent venue.
11:21 PM an extra $16K per year for attending a meeting once a week and doing little if anything else is the "plush life" in the Illinois Valley. This is on top of their normal "day job" or retirement income. Lets be nice and say the average alderman works 8 hours per week. That amounts to $38.46 per hour.
Now lets look at our State Rep For Life Frankie - He made just about $85,000 plus full benefits. Since he has been in the legislature since the beginning of time, he will get most of this for the rest of his life. Yup, these guys have it figured out. BTW, Members of the Illinois General Assembly are among the highest-paid state legislators in the country.
Anon 5:18, please use a little bit of intellectual common sense, number 1, I didn't say anything about holding concerts there, I personally feel it is a waste of the cities workforce time. Factories do not put there own airports in cities, that is why State and Federal governments finance up to 90 percent of the funding knowing that any industry looking at an area, one of their first concerns is an airport, which intern produces jobs and cuts down on unemployment, plus produces goer mention revenue. I remember when Harl thought the airport was a waste, after his election and talking to industry leaders he figured out how important the airport is.
8:34 Power brokers in Dalzell. Thats funny.
That will never be a concert venue. It is to close to many homes. And this aint pickleball. But she could sell the land to a farmer of home developer and take the proceeds and find a nice spot. Thats true.
Plush life. Lol. They do little else. Lol. They spend hours in the phone and listening to complaints and whatever else.
8:54 then if it is so easy why don't people like you line up to do it? You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about.
Please don't compare it to Frank Mautino. I am talking about locally elected officials. Ridiculous.
8:54 aldermen make about $6,000 per year not $16,000.
Harl did think the airport was a waste when he was running for mayor. He quickly changed his mind not only by talking to industry leaders, but also because he got to fly places and it made him feel uber important.
To 8:54 am, I think you are mistaken at least about the aldermen's salary in Peru. They are paid about $5,000 per year and my observation of their actual contribution indicates that they don't even do enough to earn that amount. All they do is exactly what Chamlin and TEST tells them to do. For what they actually bring to the table in terms of leadership and vision they should have to pay the taxpayers back. sort of like having to buy " Renewable Integrity and Ethics Credits" for the way our aldermen pollute the city of Peru with their incompetent and phony antics just like the electric utilities have to buy renewable energy credits for polluting the environment. Harl can afford to buy us a lot of those credits for phony behavior.
Anon 8:54 Please explain your statement that a alder-person is paid $16K/year. I understand it is a fixed salary of $5,000/year, along with a few sweetheart benefits.
Presently there should be much more concern with the lack of qualifications managing this city than the pay.
Possible a decrease in numbers with a increase in pay or simply a decrease in participation and time and a reaching out to a more professional environment.
9:39 - that is what they tell you. More often than not, they just attend meetings. And I will compare Frankie if I want to - simply because that was the context of the original post.
If you recall, I said:
"The voters have very little say in how things are done in Illinois. From the City of Peru, to the County of LaSalle, to the State of Illinois - it is rigged against the average person. We pay for people to live the plush life and they just keep on keeping on."
And I stand by this post. For the most part, elected officials are in it for their own personal gain. Their gain can be anything from the ego trip associated with the office to monetary. Very few of them represent the people. It is quite the contrary - they represent the government, meaning they would rather expand the reach of government.
What is the reason the local yokels use for all these "entertainment" events? They say "it will bring in additional taxes." Well I say, if the government did not get involved in such shenanigans, it would not need the additional taxes. That goes for everything from pools, to central state tournaments, to car shows, to pickle ball, to concerts, to fire works. Government sponsorship should be discontinued for all of these events!
To paraphrase Pat Brady: Illinois is under the thumb of a controlling, vindictive, ethically challenged, self-serving leprechaun, House Speaker Michel Madigan. And I mean no disrespect to leprechauns.
Anon 11:21, when did alderman start making 16K?, it's not even close to that otherwise there would be a lot of people running for office
11:48 They don't make anything close to that $16,000, unless they are elected Mayor or Township Clerk, assessor or supervisor. If you review the salaries you will find Peru to be the lowest paid of all cities.
Concert went well. I heard on the radio today that Alderman Rodney Perez reported that it went well and no problems. He was with security and was he paid?
ok, I stand corrected on the alderman pay. But the point is that they only talk about representing the people at election time. After the election, they represent the government status quo. That is why nothing every improves or even changes. It's always the same story... the electric department needs a new truck, all in favor say aye. We need to waste thousands of dollars on fireworks, all in favor say aye. All the employees need a 5% raise, all in favor say aye. We need Cadillac heal insurance, all in favor say aye. We need another TIF, all in favor say aye. and on and on and on.
Only one of them has ever said - "hey, hold on a minute, why are we doing this?" Until we get a majority of Aldermen that simply say "hey, hold on a minute" every once in a while, the City of Peru government will be nothing more than a way to provide jobs and spend money - all without regard to the public interests.
I remember reading an article a while back. The LaSalle County Board approved the purchase of two "unmanned aerial vehicles."
hmmmmm... LaSalle County has a Mounted Sheriff’s Posse and Robot Airplanes. This is the epitome of Illinois government - add new requirements but never cut loose the old ones.
The concert is over and went without incident. The airport is intact. No conspiracy with the FAA, CIA or the FBI. What's the next pretend conspiracy?
12:54 A of DS here.
One of those at least was for our deer spotting. I can say we are most anxious and excited.
I was slightly disappointed when I learned that the vehicles could NEVER be manned, but the mayor assured me those rules could be bent if not broken, because of home rule.
A of DS - you must realize that the County is in cahoots with the automobile insurance companies to cull the herd, right?
4:03 When did anyone claim there was a conspiracy? When does a concert happening without incident become something that is unusual?
Answer why the Emergency Response Plans have never been released to the taxpayer. Just try and answer that, correctly and logically, without using the word conspiracy or political or agenda or any other irrelevant comment.
Why? Simple question. Do not use the phrase , because I dont want them to. That is not allowed because it is not legal for you to decide that. Do not use the phrase, because no city does. That is incorrect. Do not use the phrase Get a life , since I already have one and could care less about your judgement of it. Do not use the phrase you people are ridiculous or old. It is irrelevant. Do not use the phrase people get hurt walking the dog. In debate , that is called using single incident/result as statistical rule, and is considered the sign of a very weak argument. Do not use the phrase, it would have sensitive information. Very little in such plans would be considered sensitive information. And that could be easily redacted.
Then answer why anytime someone asks a question or raises an issue it is called conspiracy theory? If there is nothing to hide, people are generally more forthcoming.
According to the article in this evening's paper the CSO is credited with providing the fireworks in Peru. I'm pretty sure that's not true. In fact, I believe it's the Park and Rec Board that sponsors this event. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
Isn't drinking at these concerts when one is over the limit considered public intoxication? Isn't it against the law to be publicly intoxicated? Were any tickets given for public intoxication.
9:24, it is not against the law to be publically intoxicated in Illinois.
"In Illinois, public intoxication is viewed as a medical or social ill, but not a crime. In fact, Illinois prohibits any county or municipality from adopting or enforcing any law that includes being intoxicated as the sole basis of the offense."
This became the law in Illinois sometime in 2013. Prior to that, Public Intoxication was subjective and often abused by the Police as a form of harassment.
No 924. It was deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court that you can't be standing outside, intoxicated, but doing nothing wrong and be charged with public intoxication. You'd actually have to commit a crime (public indecency for example) to be charged with anything
In response to 8:10 yes indeed, the Park and Rec Board pays for the fireworks and the bouncy toys at the family area. The CSO, I believe, runs the beer tent, hires a band, and provides the porta-potties.
Park Board pays for the fireworks thru taxpayer monies given to them. The CSO sells the beer and provides entertainment.
7:58 You answered your own question. Details of security plans are in the hands of those who need to know. Why would a bank tell you where security cameras are? Why would the police tell you when a police car is driving by your street? Does the bank tell you when the car is picking up the money?
Your request to get a detailed plan is understandable if you were in charge of the security team. Otherwise it serves no purpose. Your ability to criticize any plan would only be helpful if you were employed as the person in charge of security.
Please jump on the next topic. Maybe the Maud Powell festival needs someone of your great talents to review the security plan for that event.
You all forgot to mention that the CSO collects and keeps the proceeds from the beer garden that uses city labor for set-up, take-down, clean-up, etc. But they do put up some Christmas decorations. so, we got that going for us.
Again, everything boils down to some sort of scam.
10:18 Again, your reply is borderline draconian. You have a militaristic and 1950s view of safety, FOIA and right to know laws. Public citizens have the right and responsibility to know all kinds of things regarding emergency preparedness and response. It is the LAW. It has been the LAW. For a very long time now.
The ability to personally DO anything about it is somewhat irrelevant. You need not be in charge of security to have interest in it. Sensitive information is readily redacted.
If all there is would be sensitive information, then the last thing it would be is an emergency preparedness plan. You would have done well in the SS or present day China.
We should be willing to sacrifice a few freedoms in exchange for safety. Ha ha - if you believe that I got a bridge to sell ya.
Yes, 1:52 we should sacrifice public safety because you want to know how many police and their whereabouts? I think everybody agrees that freedom of information shouldn't trump yours' and my safety. Go back to your Wiki leaks trolling. People like you have no idea what it takes to run a safe event like a concert, and it appears they have had very few problems.
4:05 You have zero, I mean zero , idea of what a large event emergency response and contingency plan is. I do.
The police placements could be redacted and the Plan would be huge. Please reference the Ravinia community plan and then get back to me about what it takes to prepare an ERP. You have zero idea who you are talking to, or maybe you do and dont care, but my intent was never to get into a argument with an idiot.
I was trying to see if anyone had ever done a safety plan, and who knows, I might have been blown away by it just like Rodney was two years ago.
But its all hush hush secret, like the concert profit formula. You like it that way. I don't.
Do not assume that interest in government and safety means conspiracy and revolution. Methinks the police force doth protest too much, and I think the AG will agree, for what little that may be worth.
5:50
Do you have that there Ravinia plan in your hands? I bet you don't. Your blown away by not getting your expertise involved with the safety plan? Rodney, was part of the plan and paid to sit at the concert. Do you want the safety plan for Furguson, Missouri? Won't get that plan either. The reason police don't share plans is simple math--its to protect the innocent.
No secrets and whatever is your reason for sharing the plan with everybody?
9:00 A.M.
As I have read through the comments on safety, one thought keeps running through my mind. Is the safety plan people want to see the same as what any manager of any movie theater, sports venue etc. has to make available to the public. Simple things like EXIT signs, maps showing the layout of the facility so you don't find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Location of restrooms, First Aid stations etc. I would expect to see all of those things available to any spectator at any event and I would think would be required by law.
9:41 Those are simple plans that every spectator should know. Go to a movie or ballpark and you will find the exit, restroom, first aid. Einstein is looking for details, how many officers, locations, cameras, etc. They will get the foia request and utilize the request to negatively impact those providing the security. There is no public purpose to publish a security plan. Lets not disguise this with a safety plan that would include first aid, ambulance support that is provided in full view for everybody to see!
What amount of time has this administration and city council spent on concerts which should have been focused on city government business? What amount of time has the PPD, the PFD, and all city employees spent on concerts instead of their specified occupations?
With the downward trend in attendance at every concert don't the city officials realize that it is a poor investment of hotel and motel tax money? It may be a winner for the promoter in her concessions and from corporate donations but as for the city it is a loser. Word is that there where less than 3,000 ticket sales for Uproar with high expenses.
1:09 your banking on hearsay. I have reviewed city council minutes, tapes and have not found more than 5 minutes of any concert discussion. This is more of a naysayer topic that most of the residents don't care about.
3:01 PM
Discussions do not take place in council mtgs., never ever. Some discussion takes place in committee mtgs and the rest might be done via email. You need to remember that the current mayor does not allow questions at council meetings and depending upon the chair of the 2 remaining committees, you might get an answer there. At least Finance has informed us that our questions will be answered.
Just remembered I asked a question at Public Service and it was answered even though oftentimes they will not.
Concerts have been discussed at many committee mtgs through the years but often it might not be in the minutes.
9:00 The Police do not prepare full Emergency Response Plans for private venues anywhere but here. They usually request them from the business for review and along with Fire are pretty serious about making sure the private business has done a great job with them. They are generally hired to provide traffic control and to handle escalated incidents , arrests, and call in assistance for riot control and to help evacuate if necessary.
They usually have to just be a small part of such a plan, the last resort muscle. You are all mixed up. You think of everything like its a criminal investigation.
They are not sharing for one reason. because they, like you, dont think people have any right to review, or criticize, anything they decide to do.
Taxpayers do have a right to see how prepared we are, how much the city is spending in time and dollars ( the market cost for a plan for an event this size in 10 to 15 k, not counting meeting time), what we get for it, if the ordinance is followed, if our asset is at risk, if it is safe to attend, and what insurance liability is if the crap hits the fan. We have a right to know how max attendance was calculated, what the evacuation protocols are, as well as time to evacuate and local vs off site shelter. We have a right to know what is being done to constantly improve protection of this high pubic fund and safety risk for a private business profit.
You dont want to know. You sound like most promoters. They dont want to know either, they just want the money. If I wanted it to simply use as toilet paper and was willing to pay the copy cost, you should just be quiet and sit down.
If you want to repeal the FOIA , more power to you.
Boss Harl just does things and "informs" the council IF and only IF somebody brings it up. THIS MAN SHOULD BE IMPEACHED! He is a tin pot dictator!
One time Mayor Harl gets criticized for inquiring or speculating to obtain information. The next time he is being described as not being a leader. People you have to make up your minds.
It seems that people want to criticize the Dailey Administrations of Chicago but they were the outstanding big city leaders of their era.
The Mayor 's position is to lead the council. If he cannot make a inquiry how can he lead them?
10:05, evidently those of us who are unable to get to council meetings, on numerous occasions haven't been able to watch the videos of them. Why is this? 10:05, what's your opinion on all of the closed sessions since Harls administration?
Sorry to jump into your question but my feeling is that this administration just doesn't care about your concerns. They know there are problems and evidently they are such good friends with the server who evidently is not very technilogically savvy, even tho they run a computer business. I am so tired of their excuses and inability to correct the problem that I can only reach that conclusion.
Anon 3:18 Do you really think that the sever is at fault? If you based your reputation on service and had a constant technical malfunction wouldn't you bring in a corporate technician to rectify the problem? This administration cares about certain knowledge leaving the council chambers and is protecting itself by not having recordings when it could raise political doubts.
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