“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

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Raccuglia all aboard to fix up La Salle depot - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Raccuglia all aboard to fix up La Salle depot - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL


Preserving a great part of the RR history of the Illinois Valley and thanks to a former resident for the purchase and  future restoration of this treasure. I personally have great memories of family coming and going from the train depot.

103 comments:

Anonymous said...

I see the city is getting sued over a flooded basement.
How much water was in the basement? Where was the sewer actually plugged? In her yard? In the Street? How much rainfall was there on that night? Could that much rainfall from her gutters fill the basement to what the level was at. Could I get some more facts on the situation. Simple mathematics could figure who's responsible. Also, was there any video footage from the City or Contractors where the sewer was plugged? Did water flow into the basement windows?

Anonymous said...

3:04. Why are you asking here? I someone supposed to look it up for you?

Anonymous said...

I think this blog post is about the old railroad building. Stick to the topic

Anonymous said...

If you know the name of person with lawsuit, I believe it's public information to go on Lasalle county website and get court records as far as when there is a court hearing. You put names in, search and it shows the next court date. You can search by name or dockett number. The first two numbers would be year suit was filed when searching by docket. For instance 10 (2010), 06 (2006)- numbers would go after. I've been told Anybody can go to clerks office downtown and get copies of court hearings and court orders for 1 dollar per page. This could be an avenue to get information.

Anonymous said...

From what I gather, the mainline sewer (not the homeowner's service) had collapsed (but not fully), which caused a sinkhole. The City dug up the sinkhole and found nothing, because they didn't dig deep enough. They then backfilled the hole with gravel. Heavy rains and stormwater infiltration into the sanitary (from all over upstream - not this particular resident's gutters)caused a backup into this basement. The partially collapsed sewer acted as a restriction point. After the basement flooded, the City dug it up again and found that the sanitary sewer had collapsed. This is all in the "Public Service" or "Public Works" minutes, but I can't remember which months. I believe they even state that Carls and/or Bartley conceded that the City was at fault, but my memory may be wrong.

Anonymous said...

Bartley said it was the city's fault and that the homeowners should pay to have their basement cleaned and the city would cover their expenses. So that is what they did. Then they come to find out from the city attorney that the city is not responsible. So they argued and the city attorney told the residents to sue the city, so they are and they will win. Waste of taxpayer money paying the city atty for this case because it was the city's fault.

Anonymous said...

5:02 I think your memory is spot on.

Anonymous said...

IT seems the Big Winner will be the City Attorney. And the looser is the home owner and the city taxpayers. AND the fools are the aldermen and Mayor!

Anonymous said...

Guess they should have listened to Alderman Perez again instead of Waldorf and Lukosus. Just went to tribune and pulled it from archives and open forum. Same people!
They said Perez was the only one listening to them. Then an article says Perez asked questions during a recent council meeting about settling with them.
City Bully's are at it again. More intimidation tactics from city hall. When will they ever learn.

Anonymous said...

I know Pam and she's an honest up front person. I can't believe what the city has done to her. If you read the paper it says she's claims retaliation because the city hasn't repaired her curb. The real story behind that is the city had contractors doing work on the street and curbs on both sides of her street and the contractors were advised to only replace the curb on the opposit side of the street and leave her side alone. The city promised her before all that went to a fight that her curb and yard would be repaired before winter. Well the city replaced everything but hers. If that's not retaliation then I don't know what is.

Anonymous said...

When there is a lawsuit or any case in most instances the attorneys' s know which side is going to win the case from the onset of the case. The attorney who is representing the side who will more then likely not win will continue milking their client in billable hours on the case persuading them they have a possibility of winning. If the amount of the lawsuit is $50,000 like I read on this forum, the city has insurance to pay it. Might be a smart thing to do. It could be quite possible if this lawsuit would get drug out in court and the homeowner wins, the city could possibly be responsible for any and all attorney's fees and court cost for the homeowners Which could well exceed the original amount the homeowner is suing for. These types of lawsuits open up cans of worms. I predict this will settle out of court. Attorney's know from the get go who wins in most instances.

Anonymous said...

When there is a lawsuit or any case in most instances the attorneys' s know which side is going to win the case from the onset of the case. The attorney who is representing the side who will more then likely not win will continue milking their client in billable hours on the case persuading them they have a possibility of winning. If the amount of the lawsuit is $50,000 like I read on this forum, the city has insurance to pay it. Might be a smart thing to do. It could be quite possible if this lawsuit would get drug out in court and the homeowner wins, the city could possibly be responsible for any and all attorney's fees and court cost for the homeowners Which could well exceed the original amount the homeowner is suing for. These types of lawsuits open up cans of worms. I predict this will settle out of court. Attorney's know from the get go who wins in most instances.

Anonymous said...

Doesn't our city attorney get paid a contracted salary per year? What does he charge hourly after the salary amount for hours on a lawsuit for the city?

Anonymous said...

Since the subject of this particular blog has gone off the rails - How about our new Gov. stirring up the pot with the unions! It's about time.
I think Peru should pass a "resolution" in support of Gov. Rauner's "Employee Empowerment Zones" and send this resolution to Sen. Rezin and Rep. Mautino.

I also like the proposed law to ban public employee unions from donating to political campaigns. That needs to be fast tracked!

Right-to-Work in Illinois in 2015!

Anonymous said...

9:25 and that's why most people on the blog post as anon - retaliation is alive and well in Peru.

Anonymous said...

@9:54 PM Didn't the insurance company already state that it, the damages are not their responsibility to pay. When will everyone catch on that for some reason the city has become liberal with health care and pension benefits but severly lacks in long term citizen interest.

Anonymous said...

Sometimes it's better to just pay the piper, then to fight peter. Rob peter (city taxpayers to an attorney), to pay paul (homeowner.) We might pay less in the long run to settle out of court. Use your heads people. Wasn't there a lawsuit a couple years back regarding the railroad/city and they lost? Is my memory correct?

Anonymous said...

Wouldn't it be interesting to see witnesses on the stand testifying on what was said and what wasn't and trying to turn what was originally said to homeowner? Oh what tangle webs some weave. Just a little insightful thoughts.

Anonymous said...

I believe the homeowners had originally requested a $12,000 reimbursement for damages. According to the article in the tribune that $12,000 seems to be a bargain compared to the current request for not more than $50,000 in damages for each count. And let's not forget court costs and legal fees. Once again the tax payers lose.

Anonymous said...

Anon 10:44 just imagine if there needed to be mold restoration due to city's lack of care. It doesn't take long for mold spurs to become present in an environment like a basement. If I were those people I would get a mold test done. That restoration could be 20-30,000.00 for a med size area. Had mold in one of our units three years ago. 22x14 area was 28,000.00 shoulda just took a wrecking ball to it.

Anonymous said...

There are always two sides to every suit. Was the price reasonable for reimbursement and was it the fault of who? Letting a alderman settle a suit is not in the best interest of the residents.

Anonymous said...

12:09 Minutes of previous meetings seem to implicate that the city was indeed at fault and that a repair that they finally made failed causing the basement to fill with water.

Anonymous said...

To many lawyers. Sometimes stuff happens - deal with it.

Anonymous said...

Isn't there an old saying, "you can't beat city hall?" Well, yes one can.

Anonymous said...

This is Public Works Department. Who was supervising the work? Who is superintendent of this department? Who fault for this to have happened?

Anonymous said...

bartley had no business telling them that it would be covered. they are partially at fault having their storm water go into the sanitary sewer. if you look back at june 2013 minutes she went to the city council to see if they would not charge her to refill her swimming pool when she had to have her liner replaced!

Anonymous said...

Public works chairman waldorf could have settled this at one time, it came before his committee and he decided to stick it to them after she chewed him out in the parking lot for not handling it.

His ego again is costing us money...their is a pattern here and we need it broke or we will be broke!

Anonymous said...

I hope Obama and Mautino get us a train service to run to Chicago from this station again. Maybe all the way to Peoria. We could pay for it with a new tax on gas. Gas is so cheep now, people MUST kick in extra to get a train to Chicago and Peoria. People are used to paying more for gas and this extra money is being wasted now that gas prices are so LOW. We are missing an opportunity to collect more.
I also heard the Illinois Congress is going to make fireworks legal like in Missouri. We are missing out on so much tax money by not having fireworks for sale.
Speaking on mission out, when are they going to start selling pot? Every day that they delay is money that the state could be collecting for better things, like a train to Chicago.

Anonymous said...

Anon 8:48 AM in the preceding topic Alonso has made a comment on the same date as you have. Must be a indication about something lacking in the community or a bad mix of chance.
Lois where do you get these people? Oh Mamamea, Mamamea!

Anonymous said...

@1:52 It's the city at fault in the entirety. Lack of supervision experience within the city. If the city did the work and screwed it up and caused a flooded basement it's no different if you had a a leaky sink and the contractor broke a line and created a bigger problem. Once that plumber takes on the job hes responsible.
Seems to me the city supervisor should've been a bit smarter. My nephew lives in Princeton and his neighbors down the street just had the city settle a similar situation with them. Peru shoulda done the same. Another reason why the city should outscource public works.

Anonymous said...

I'd like to buy some of these tickets on the football game that pay back so much money. Where can I get them?

Anonymous said...

11:44, legal gambling made those very hard to find.
The State is running the action now.

Anonymous said...

7:38, seriously? I could walk every block,side street, mile from naplate through peru and buy one ticket somewhere and have 25+ tickets. Illegal gambling is STILL ALIVE AND GOING STRONG. Some places with governed state video machines have tickets. Is it snowing outside? Yes it is.

Anonymous said...

"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." - John Adams.

Anonymous said...

How can anyone truly believe that the state is running the gambling action now when 98% to 99% of gambling done today in LaSalle County will be illegal. It has once again become so loose that some local establishments have both legal and illegal going on at the same time. Profits of illegal are so large that the business can pay a $500 or $5,000 fine, laugh about it and keep right on going.

Anonymous said...

A of DS here

Since the snow has prvented our annual Deer Spotting and Rugby tournament, I thought I would comment on the situation. Given my insider position and knowledge as one of Perus ambassadors, I do want to assure the residents that this tax was only a last resort. Given the state of the economy and lawsuits piling up, the only other option to new revenue sources would be belt tightening.

That is considered a tactic used by non leaders of valleys and communists. We also are considering stopping the practice of encouraging people to sue us, although that is a break from our city's proud past. You should all be more grateful, as several of the alderpersons originally had floated the idea of banning the concept of fun in its entirety in the town, unless it involved historical traditional like gambling drinking, tax evasion, fundraising and no bid contracts.

You can be assured that there was a great deal of debate on the matter , a task made more difficult because Rodney kept finding our meeting spots. It was our good Mayor who stood firm and said there was no reason to outright BAN fun if it could be properly taxed and crushed in a more traditional manner. It was actually a stirring speech. I tear up remembering it. The man really can talk. Sometimes it is a shame it must be in closed and double secret probation session.

So citizens of Peru, do not be so quick to judge, or vote, or complain. You are under the care of a wise king. Be glad that the town will soon be nice and level and covered in sand. There is a vision to become the next Silicon Valley.

Slap your Sticks!

Anonymous said...

Did anyone else get the Code Red call about not parking on the street yesterday on their LANDLINE but not their Cell Phone?

Anonymous said...

11:44 PM If you would like to partake in some illegal extra ciricular activites involing the championship game today go along Rt 6 on the North side of the block by where the Westclox fire took place 3 years ago. This is the block where normally all the cars are parked on both sides of the street. To make a purchase go to the 2 shabbiest buildings on the block. BINGO!
Don't worry about any problems from any law enforcement or politicians they have known whats going on for longer than you have been born and have never enforced the law. This includes city, county and state. In fact they for some reason couldn't appear to be any happier with the legal gambling machines as they can't keep up printing licenses fast enough.

Anonymous said...

Believe it or not, illegal gambling is becoming less normal in the valley.
Taverns are also shutting down at a faster pace - I think because they can't make as much money with the state slot machines as they could with pull tabs and amusement machines. Other factors include DUI enforcement and the general "oldness" of the population. At one time most of the Illinois Valley could be found in a pub on Saturday at 6:00PM - now they are at home watching Jeopardy going out for the senior special at IHOP at 4:30PM.

Anonymous said...

Please, I beg of you do not be cruel to those who are conducting illegal gambling in Peru. It has gone on for so long that they do not know it is against the law or like Robin Hood they would have donated all profits to the needy.

Anonymous said...

Illegal gambling is as great if not greater than it ever has been in Peru. The gross and net are tremendous in comparison to years ago. As the number of nights football is played it has increased, years ago it was less/day but in a longer baseball season. As football and basketball have increased in popularity so has gambling.
Gambling such as this has always been illegal but never stopped by those in charge of enforcing the law.Police and politicians have always been disrespected on account of their inefficient enforcement of this law. You can go to other locations and they do not know what a gambling ticket is. In Peru it has not been uncommon to see one if not more of the aldermen or police sitting where it is taking place and possibly purchasing.

Anonymous said...

1:48 PM - please face some realities. Based on the numbers released by the state, it is obvious that they have gained a significant market share in the gambling business. There is only so much disposable cash in the area - meaning the pie is not getting any bigger. However, the state's piece of the pie is growing by leaps and bounds.
I predict that this is the last season in which "football tickets" are readily available in the Illinois Valley. As far as the unmarked, unnamed establishment near the old clock factory - it is old. They are old. there is no one to take over.

Anonymous said...

Anon 11:44 AM The Westclox area is not the only major player in wink wink locations. Traditionally If a business has openly conducted illegalities and it moves locations it normally will continue to host it same money making habits. Downtown Peru was well known for B&C's card playing in the back room and illegal activites at its $.05 coffee counter, two owners ago the business took a move to the other side of the block with the same old business habits and same well known reputation.

Anonymous said...

I received the code red on land line and cellphone. Still noticed quite a few cars that obviously didn't get the message. Not sure why they are not towed away as stated in the call. It's all hot air I guess.

Anonymous said...

Why does everyone still go after the gambling argument? Tax avoidance? Immoral behavior? We have the lotto, riverboats, machines, scratch off tickets, vegas, etc. Just keep in mind that many of these establishments you are condemning are the same ones that hand over money to every charity event that walks in the door. And we have quite a few of those in this town! Who sponsors your children's sports teams? Who buys your advertisement in your brochures and sponsors signs on the wall at every arena or gym? What is the difference of that business owner not reporting a small amount of income vs the business owners that mingle all of their personal expenses into their business? Have seen it for years!! Don't be a hypocrit.

Anonymous said...

I was on the way to BP tonight and noticed the Peru fire truck plowing the debos parking lot? Is this city parking lot and why is michelini crew there also...who's responsibility is that lot? Are we paying fire department wages to the driver ?

Anonymous said...

Let me give it to u straight up. I don't really think most people would give a donkey's butt regarding a little illegal gambling. But to be a city of supposedly TRANSPARENCY and this is happening is really a laughable sport. Ignore, ignore ignore. I do believe I personally witnessed an appointment recently made of Harl' s for a person to get full-time city employment with numerous titles, with benefits , on too many times to count at these establishments. And yes, dirty dancing at one. And yes, a table video (black jack) game that paid, Nice! You could probably get 40 witnesses too. Call it what it is. People are sick of all the secrecy and the boys club..., stop all the closed session council meetings Harl. Remember, not everybody is in the club. Remember: for every single rat you see and hear, there are 50 more you don't. Re: for one lie you hear from a person, there are 50 more you don't know about.

Anonymous said...

Never know who is watching I guess seven/forty/six.. @7:41: somebody needs to address your ?. OUR TAXES ARE BEING USE BY A FIRE DEPARTMENT VEHICLE TO PLOW A BUSINESS PARKING LOT BY USING A CITY VEHICLE AND GAS AND WEAR AND TEAR ON A CITY VEHICLE? IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL OF EMPLOYMENT OF WHOMEVER APPROVED THIS OR/AND WHOMEVER USE A CITY VEHICLE FOR NON-CITY BUSINESS. 7:41, YOU SHOULD HAVE VIDEOTAPPED IT.

Anonymous said...

What peru fire truck? Was there a logo on side of vehicle?

Anonymous said...

7:40PM & 7:46PM Getting into this gambling topic to late to really partake as I would like.
When leaving the subject stand on its own,_ _ no matter what is donated from it which hasn't been much if you would admit to the truth and WHAT childrens teams are sponsored by establisments which have illegal gambling or how many people care,_ _ it is illegal and should as any other law be enforced. Treating illegal gambling in any other manner is a is a weaking of the entire judicial system.
The role model of a weakened judicial system created by any non enforcements of the law is this area. As someone has already mentioned there is a vast amount of disresect towards political representation and those directly assigned to enforce all laws.
This leads to the question which only those involved can answer. Why have they allowed themselves to cast such a dishonest shadow and for what reason?
Appointments made last week by Govenor Rauner undoubtably will be a crucial 1st step in the answer to this question. A question which he will be given more than enough information for proof that the last investigation in Peru did not want.

Anonymous said...

Is this one of the fire trucks which has been declared off limits of Fun Days at McKinley Park or is it one of the overloaded pick ups made to fit for personal use around the clock? Have you ever seen the city pick up truck which was used by the retired electical foreman for all around purposes even grocery shopping? Sweet!

Anonymous said...

Damm logos! Logos, legos, hogholes whats the difference. All Peru city owned vehicles should be painted one color - convict orange with flurescent lime logos so they can be easily identified if lost at the marshlands of Hennepin. Zephyr Teachouts description of corruption is worth the time it takes to read more than once.

Anonymous said...

The parking lot belongs to the City.

Anonymous said...

Anon 5:21 AM Are you a city official or someone that is a private owner of segments of a private parking lot that has been maintained by the city. It had been asked during the time that the city had the Mirror Building up for sale why the parking lot behind the building was not included to make the building more salable and the answer was that the city parking was behind the original Sears Building. This information was given by the present administration.
There are certain parking spots in this lot that are designated for individual parties by signs and certain spots which are not designated but owned by private sources.
Many practices that have gone on incorrectly for so long that those in charge presently don't truthfully know that they are wrong.

Anonymous said...

If the city owns the parking lot behind Debo's why wasn't it converted to a motor pool area for city vehicles rather than renting from private sources to park in. This area is only 1 block from the city garage. The city also owns the parking lot across the street from mentioned lot which city vehicles could be parked in.

Anonymous said...

Does anyone have a update of the Fun Days at McKinley Park and when the the next one will be held and who is the host? Last anyone heard the President of the Rec Commission was reserving the park on his own without a commission meeting or vote for the particular days.
I don't know why this is taking place or if it is even legal but I do know that previous fun days have been a huge success.
Best action of the President would be to do something completely different and leave the present fun days alone! Has he ever thought of starting a 16 inch softball league for Grandmas?

Anonymous said...

you people are crazy. The lot is there for customers to park in. Would it make you feel better if they put parking meters in and paid somebody to write tickets?

Anonymous said...

10:35 - Why don't the Grandmas think about starting the league? Just do it. You will need to compete for resources though. There are only so many ball diamonds in town.
Instead of 16 inch softball - I think the City should look into some alternative sports for the older generation. I was in Florida over Christmas and I saw the neatest thing. It is a low impact sport that is perfect for older people. It is called Pickle Ball. It is like a giant ping pong game that you play on a converted tennis ball court.
LP made a bazillion dollar sports complex, so they won't be using the city tennis ball courts anymore. This is a perfect opportunity to start up a Pickle Ball league in Peru.

Anonymous said...

This Saturday would be the perfect day, because the forecast is for snow Tuesday and Wednesday and 36 by Saturday. In fact the president of the rec board should be able to use all the dates he requested at the city council meeting. Time will tell whether he holds up his end of the bargain.

Anonymous said...

10:35 The original fun days can't be left alone because council refused to give the alderman running it the permission he asked for. The president of the rec better follow thru with his request because you have to grab the opportunity to have these events when the weather conditions are ideal, as they will be this coming Saturday.

Anonymous said...

10:35 Peru rec is in charge of fun days and they will be having several this month. The President has the authority to reserve the park. It will be fun and have many more participants than the past friends and family fun days.

Anonymous said...

10:35

Are you talking about who is hosting a game show or inviting kids to sled in a park? The Peru Recreation Board will be hosting the next family fun days event.
How can the Peru Recreation host a fun day and it not be legal? Your question must be rated as one of top in the many crazy topics.

Go to the park today and you can describe the event as a huge success! There is no pending patent on a sled ride in a park.

Not sure if we have enough Grandmas to play 16 inch softball. And I don't think the President Ray Zbrowski will be wearing a firemans suit and putting up campaign posters in the park.

Anonymous said...

Why would he put up signs 12:15? He's not running for any office. And, where did you get your information that campaign posters were put up in the park? You were misinformed by someone who obviously wanted to cause trouble. What's wrong with people in this town? Why are they criticizing someone who planned some innocent entertainment for children? It's all a vendetta against an alderman that refuses to follow the leader and it's a sad, sad situation.

Anonymous said...

Anon 12:15 PM Do you have any knowledge of protocol? Doesn't Zbrowski need a rec board meeting with a quorum in attendance to vote on a action before it is approved or is this another committee in which the leader does as he wants and the sheep are there to only follow?

Anonymous said...

To 12:15 pm, What Ray and the Rec Board will be doing at the newly revised events at McKinley Park can best be described as "the dirty work on behalf of a spiteful and childish mayor and aldermen who are working harder against Alderman Perez than they have ever worked to improve the city of Peru". That 12:15 pm is what they are doing.

Anonymous said...

So what if I decide to take my kids to the park and sled down the hill without having "Big Brother" watching? What if I decided to "invite" others to take their kids on the same day and I bring a big jug of hot coco and somebody else brings a crock pot full of hot dogs? You know, most SUV's have a power inverter in the back so you can power AC appliances.... don't need the keys to the concession stand.

Will I be arrested if about 50 or 60 of my closest friends bring their kids to the park and ride a sled down the hill?

My gosh... I remember a time when all I had to do as a kid was walk down to Centennial Park and have fun. No Parents Allowed! Now we need City Council proclamations and Recreation Commission reservations.

Here is my idea of fun. From now until the snow melts - if you see a lawyer, pummel him with snowballs.

Anonymous said...

11:22 a.m. puleeze do not stir the Pickle Ball pot!

11:58 a.m. the president may have the right to reserve the park, but he does not have the authority to just do things in the name of the Rec Board without having those things approved by the majority of the board first. Another pickle ball fiasco in the making. Don't put it on the agenda with a motion to vote, just do it and hope nobody gives a damn. Rec Board needs to learn Roberts Rules of Order. But with our current mayor, the rec board can do as they please with any repercussions.

Anonymous said...

1:49 Good idea. You don't want to promote yourself? You just want to have fun? You won't need to publicize the event? You don't want to wear your fireman outfit in the park and take photos? You don't want to park your car in the park with campaign signs on it? Why would you need approval?
1:52 Robert's rule of law for the recreation board to sponsor a park event? Need a majority vote to have a park event? What in the world are you talking about? Please use some common sense. The park board is the group that sponsors events in the park!!!!!! Help us all.

Anonymous said...

Well, as long a Pickle Ball is on the table, it is time to start thinking about the fireworks and beer festival. Did they get bids yet?

Anonymous said...

Anon 11:22 AM The pickle ball issue in Peru is one of the poorest managed problems ever handled by a city administration. The issue started improperly, continued to become a neighborhood distraction and I am sure a sore spot yet to many good citizens. Presently it should be put to rest and not revisited in any foreseen future. If the owner of the blog believes it is her obligation to state a final comment about pickle ball so be it and please do. Otherwise leave this be the final comment and the owner should not accept any further comments on pickle ball for a time she sees proper.

Anonymous said...

I will be very interested to see how this shakes out with the rec board. You are right 1:52 that is exactly how this rec board rolls, a certain few calling all the shots, probably decided either before or after the regular meeting. Obviously they have not taken their test on the OMA rules or they just choose to ignore what they learned.

Anonymous said...

I think we are missing a revenue opportunity here. There has to be a way to use these parks to generate money for the General Fund.

Anonymous said...

3:08 this is 1:52, you obviously don't know how committees within the city of Peru work. Educate yourself before commenting.

Anonymous said...

We should rent the parks out for private parties.

Anonymous said...

I saw yesteray that Alderman Perez planned another sled day at the park. He did mention the park board was helping. I noticed today on Facebook 815 Life News Trib website that Perez organized next Saturdays event. It looks to me Perez again to the bull by the horns and scheduled fun in the park. Great Job Alderman Perez on Pushing the park board to help. Regardless if the park board puts one on its still always known as Alderman Perez's Fun Day.

Anonymous said...

Anon 1;52 Why would someone educate themselves to learn how committees within the city of Peru work before commenting?
Most committees within the city of Peru place the horse behind the cart to pull it. I can assure you that I have already read most of the usual "band aid theories" such as these people are beyond question because they are unpaid, or tenure is unlimited because it is so difficult to get someone to replace them.
In conclusion is it considered a education when the workings are wrong? A much better education would be to read Roberts Rules of Order than Peru Committee Chaos.

Anonymous said...

Just spoke with a board member (not Linda) and he wasn't aware of the dates for a fun day that was submitted to the city. He said it was news to him and wasn't available to help on Those days. Sure seems to me someone from the board took it upon theirselves to do those fun days. What's the purpose of a board if only a couple are making the decisions?

Peru Town Forum said...

8:57 PM

Quite possibly from the Council and mayor, just maybe something to consider putting quiet pressure on some members of the Recreation Board.

This is queitly being done behind the scenes if you look closely. No more floral baskets on Rte 6, don't need them or the volunteers or Ald. Perez. Reduction in number of committees by the mayor thus putting Perez at a disadvantage in the powerful finance committee chaired by Ald. Potthoff.
And in my estimation the real reason Mayor Harl wants to be in all committee meetings which is now only 2. Slowly putting the squeeze on the way this city has been managed for many years. Give it some thought. Am I wrong?

Anonymous said...

You are correct Lois. Harl is incapable of leading this city with ideas, honesty, inclusiveness, and transparency, so he leads from behind with divisiveness, secrecy, arrogance, and ignorance. Harl and the other aldermen are so inept at simple democratice governing they have decided instead to "eliminate" any voice of dissent or opposition. A technique quite common in totalitarian governments where oppression is frowned upon like it is in Peru. This is shameful.

Anonymous said...

Peru is seeking to hire A Public Service Technician? I urge everyone to look this position up and see what qualification/responsibilities are required for applicants. I'm confused. Don't we already have appointees being paid for this?

Anonymous said...

Correction to the 7:52 am comment. Should read, where "opposition" is frowned upon. "Oppression" in Peru is actually a governing technique used by Harl and most aldermen. My bad.

Anonymous said...

Lois,

Why would Harl put Perez on a finance committee? That is not his strength.

Anonymous said...

9:32 Isn't Public Health and Safety in with Finance? Maybe that's why Harl put him there. I don't see Pothoff and Radtke much into public safety so it's a good balance. Perez voted no on the no bid Test contract and the lobbyist, so in my opinion he has more to offer finance than the chairman does. Speaking of lobbyist ? Is he still employed by Peru?

Anonymous said...

Anon 10:12 AM Is the lobbyist still employed by the city of Peru?
Wherever I look the word work is always mentioned when reading of employment. When one mentions someone from the water, electrical, street departments I think of work and that being the reason they are employed - they fulfill the characteristics of both work and being payed.
In conclusion I cannot claim that the lobbyist is employed by Peru since past history only associates him with pay and never any work or accomplishments. Although I have heard he plays a hell of a game of golf!

Anonymous said...

The ad for Public Service Technician that the city is seeking applicants I did find very interesting. That ad alone on this forum would receive alot of comments and should be addressed by taxpayers opinions. I do have more comments referring to ad, but bloggers wouldn't understand my comments if they are unaware of the advertisement that Peru is seeking this position.

Anonymous said...

Ferrari has the experience in Public Safety. Perez can't vote on anything because he is a firefighter. Is there a parade committee?

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to Bernie and his leadership and expertise. The roads in the country are better than the side streets in Peru. Is he saving the taxpayers money and waiting for spring to get here!

Anonymous said...

I was out and about on shooting park road at 10:30 this morning. I'd would like to give the benefit of the doubt due to the snowstorm in which we didn't get any accumulation yesterday (Mon). Absolutely terrible, all the bumps of snow. I saw a city truck making a turn off of shooting park road into a north subdivision, continued down that road. The plow of the city truck was up in the air on shooting park road and on the road leading into a subdivision for a distance. This truck was not going to get salt or back to headquarters. How stupid, all the area in which truck was traveling needed plowed or a cleanup. What the heck is going on???????

Anonymous said...

11:59 The lobbyist is still employed. The council voted to keep him by a 4-4 vote. You would have to contact the city to see if his time has paid off for your city. Maybe he is setting up some political background support for someone looking for another elected position in Illinois.

Anonymous said...

Since many rec board members are active commenters of this blog I will ask here. Does the board still receive annually $75K from the city? What does the board determine to be the salary for the Recreational Director and what are the directors duties? How many are to be hired for summer help this year, and what decrease in numbers has the city taken with no pool and the outsourcing of grass cutting and flower planting since the pool has been shut down. Will the C,PPD be in charge of summer help?

Anonymous said...

@3:34 PM the council voted 4-4 which means 4 for and 4 against and the Mayor had to cast the tie breaking vote. The tie breaker had to be for keeping the lobbyist. Are any of the aldermen who voted for keeping him in the April election?When does the lobbyist appear and address the public?

Anonymous said...

2:38 Just out of curiosity, how long have you lived in the part of the country that gets snow? Do you honestly expect the roads to be perfectly clean 24 hours a day, 365 days a year? By all means, please take a day and drive through every city within 30 minutes of town and let me know what you find. Not sure if you knew this or not, but blizzards sometimes cause little snow patches on roads. Been on rt 6 lately? Did you call the county/state and complain too? You might want to consider moving south if a little snow bothers you.

Anonymous said...

First: I'm a critic of the way Peru does things.

However, I don't see anything wrong with the way the snow removal has been handled. The roads are passable. They do not NEED to be plowed down to a clean dry surface. The NEED to be passable. Passable, in my mind, means - snow drifts removed and no significant snow pack - 2 inches or less.

Learn how to drive folks! Slow down!

Anonymous said...

4:19

The following alderpersons voted no for the lobbyist

Ferrari
Mueller
Potthoff
Perez

Anonymous said...

and three of them are on the ballot,9:11

Anonymous said...

The following voted AYE for the lobbyist:
Alderman David Waldorf - Chairman of the Public Works Committee, strong backer of no bid contracts, has led committee which has spent more than any other in the history of the city.
Has strong opponent in upcoming alderman's election, Travis Nelson who is the direct opposite of the "good old boys" network.
Alderman Jim Lukosis - Member of Public works Committee who also prefers to spend rather than save. Presently alderman of very controversial 4th ward election who has a perfect record when the chips are down and headquarters needs his vote. Ending 2d year of a 4 year term.
Alderman Michael Radke - appears to be his own man, although he has often swayed to the liking of headquarters with some opinions.
Alderman Michael Sapienza - NO COMMENT (Anyone who would like to make a comment for the reasons this individual is a alderman and about him, please do).

Mayor Scott Harl - voted because of a 4-4 tiebreaker. Knows that as long as he has 4 aldermen and their votes in his pocket he has the power of the tie breaking vote. Main mission is to obtain 4 guaranteed alderman who will vote his liking. Reelected 2 years ago for 2d 4 year term. When his term comes near a end much more will be discussed if he decides to run again. Only he and his flock will make this decision.

Anonymous said...

11:40 I disagree with your statement that alderman Radke appears to be his own man. Attend meetings and you will see that the mayor appears to have him in his back pocket. Alderman Radke rolls his eyes every time alderman Perez questions something or voices his concerns.

Anonymous said...

Anon 12:58 Admit-tingly I do not attend council meetings but do watch the videos.
The video is never of quality that would enable to see anyone rolling his eyes.
The Mayor only needs 4 aldermen in his back pocket and he has the power in participating in the vote as a tiebreaker to achieve his specific goals. How the other 4 vote doesn't mean a thing to him.
This is why upcoming aldermen elections are so important.

Anonymous said...

11:40. Lesser of two evils. Seems to be the trend.

Anonymous said...

Anon 12:58 I agree wholeheartedly with you about Radke. He always rolls his eyes and makes faces whenever Perez speaks. He needs to stop that childish behavior.

Anonymous said...

Has anyone ever thought that he is making facial expressions and rolling his eyes at Becky who sits on the other side of him? You don't think Mike is giving signals by rolling his eyes and making faces do you? I know a lady who did this all the time when playing cards.She has won a lot of money in Peru. Loves to play pool in fact she hung out in the pool hall for years. Those were the days my friend back when you went to the drug store to get your drugs and the pool hall to get your tickets. Well things have changed. At least one of those things have changed.

Anonymous said...

2:16 on 2-3
more he can put in his own pocket when the fools that be give him some more money. is anyone keeping track of how much the city forks over to him every year?

Anonymous said...

No! but it is given out by a pitch fork rather than a table fork.