Discuss new Public Services building complex-Doug Bernabei/Eric Carls
Currently there are 3 buildings in use for equipment, trucks, mowers etc. The original and oldest on Peoria St., one down on a road in the southwestern part of town Main or Market St., not sure which but it is a kind of isolated area and the one where the dump truck was stolen from last year. And then the Park Barn near Washington Park.
Doug Bernabei is our Police Chief and Administrative Director of Public Service and Eric Carls in the City Engineer.
51 comments:
The building at the end of Market Street is rented from a local business. Remember.... the one that said they wanted to lease the building to the City and they would donate the money back to the City to be used for street repair. Most cockamamie thing I ever heard of.
If the city decides to build an new multi-use complex - we need to be sure that the other sights are demolished. The Peoria Street building will be extremely problematic. It has gone through many uses and I imagine there are several environmental issues that will need to be taken care of - expensive environmental issues.
Does anyone know where this complex is supposed to be built? Is this the beginning of a plan for such a costly undertaking or is it already in the finishing stages? Where are we getting the money for all these major projects that are being put on the table? If we have so many vehicles and supposedly have cut our work force to the bare bones maybe we need to sell off our excess trucks instead of building a larger complex to house them? At least maybe we will be able to turn off the lights in a new complex because the lights in the building on Peoria street are on 24/7.
Only recently the Powers of Peru have proposed a road for sand transportation, a million dollar Santa Claus contribution to Carmike for a state of the art theater complex, now a new multi -use complex.
Add in a total of unpaid debts such as the hydro plant, sewer, water and road improvements, etc.
Consider that Peru has created a payroll that is the highest in the state for a town of 10,000 of less.
I am all for progress but is it progress when you have doubts as to where all this money is going to come from. Has Peru ever stopped taking the money from the electrical department to meet its payroll? Personally I don't appreciate a budget where I eat 2 steaks on payday and oatmeal & spam for the rest of the month.
9:25. It's not that we have an excess of vehicles such as dump trucks etc. there are enough to take care of snow plowing per driver, they need the room for blacktop machines , water pumps , street sweeper, future Vac truck, tree chipper and vehicle that is special for it, backhoes, end loaders, etc etc etc, they got rid of the junk this past fall, I know you don't understand that, to get a better feel stop by the garage.
8:03, the building on Market is not the cities, it's Maze Nails, but I think they have a buyer for it so the city will have to get out of there, but when you say demolish these buildings it sounds as if you don't know what your talking about.
@12:40PM Upon reading 8:03's comment it is evident that they do what they are talking about. Why don't you comment on your feelings about the subject rather than telling someone it sounds as if they don't know what they are talking about.
It sounds as if you are a elected or appointed "big wig" of the city who has no defence of your actions. Now hurry up and deny it,were all waiting.
anon 9:25 AM There are two stories of why the lights in the peoria St. building are on 24/7?
In no particular order:
The 1st story is that no can find how to turn the light off. This is very hard to swallow since Peru has its own electrical department.
The 2d story is that the lights are intentionally left on to prevent a certain individual from stealing gas from the city.
Does anyone have any other possible stories?
Front page of the News Trib says the governor wants to consolidate governments. First stop should be LaSalle-Peru. These two towns should combine police, fire and ambulance to start.
1:30 The answer I always heard was your first one "nobody knew how to turn the lights off". This came from a former city employee.
In the News Tribune Friday, Feb 3d edition on page A3, at the bottom of the page in Follow that Billis is House Bill 245 which states - Cities don't have to go out for bids for jobs valued at $50,000 and under.
(Currently, bids are required for jobs over $20,000) Filed Jan 22, 2015, by Rep. Mike Zalewski (D-Riverside)
No, Super Majority was not mentioned in this bill as I have copied it word for word as presented. (I have paid for the paper and I am only copying it as they have from the State Bills therefore the paper should have no complaint about infringement on copyright laws)
A bill such as this should have certain multiple restrictions such as so much money without a bid by set numbers of population. Wasn't home rule meant for cities above 10,000 but Peru voted it in although it had a population under 10,000. Is this the reason Peru is always just a few over 10,000 for every government census?
Peru, Lasalle, Oglesby, Spring Valley and Dalzell should all be combined. Doesn't Oglesby have a government that would allow a city manager, if so at the time of combination Oglesby's form of government should be adopted. Consolidate governments, resolve government financial problems created by unions etc. hang on folks were in for quite a ride in the next 8 years. Lets hope the new Gov. can straighten this mess out.
The reason I have heard the lights are never shut off in the Peoria Street Building is that the building was originally H.J. Toblers' Transfer Company and Herb being a practical joker himself and always saying he would never leave this building actually has struck fear in those who have continued to work in it and at times some claim to hear movement in the building such as someone walking or things being knocked over but when checked no one is there.
The switch was wired out of the circuit back in the 1970's when the building belonged to CIE. It can be turned off, but only at the fuse panel. They wanted the light on all the time for security.
I know because my dad worked there and did the wiring.
I'm 8:03; I do apologize for any misspellings and sometimes the grammar is a messed up - I was typing on my phone and it is hard to edit.
What I was trying to say is that:
1. The Market Street Building is not owned by the City and when the City decided to rent it, the owner said they intended to give the money back as a donation. Nobody at that meeting could figure out what the angle was - but they did not question it.
2. The Peoria Street building will be expensive to demolish - as with any of the old buildings in Peru. It has been used for many things over the years and is undoubtedly contaminated with asbestos, PCB's, and oils and other such things. IF the City leaves this building - it should not be sold. It needs to be destroyed.
4:04 Security during the day when all the workers are present and the sun is out? Doesn't make sense but costs the city wasted electricity.
4:11 or sold , that could be what is happening, a potential buyer.
Today I received on the mail political letter from Dave Waldorf with his city provided business card. Can you believe it...makes the appearance of being endorsed by city...I believe using taxpayer funds for campaign purposes is a violation of election law
I expect Chief Bernabei to be investigating this one...by the Mr. Waldorf things are as rosey as you paint them...more debt more taxes...5 votes in our house are not going your way!!
8:37 PM
I am glad to see that you are aware of the payment by the city of Peru for Ald. Waldorf's business cards.
I did email a request for the reason for this payment and never received an answer for the reason, just as I have not received a list of the actual payments made to Steve Michelini when there was a descrepancy between his figures and the cities fiqures. I guess I will need to go to the office and fill out paperwork with copies to prove my request to actually get them. Being trustworthy is not always work here in Peru.
First it was sledding gate...now it's business card gate
Waldorf knew exactly what he was doing he should be Censured by the city council as a 2nd Ward resident I expect both my alderman to motion and approve it. This kind of old school behavior needs to go!
8:37 and Lois @ 9:00
come on now. Sending a card with contact information to voters is not a violation. Not everyone is on the Internet - in fact, I'd be willing to guess that at least two thirds of Peru voters have never used a home PC.
Anyway - I wish people would not jump to conclusions regarding things like this. It is perfectly legal.
Oh... by the way, all those Adam Kinzinger mailings you get... the postage is paid by the Federal Government. It's called "Franking" and the incumbent has the right to communicate with his or her constituents.
So, lets concentrate on actual problems - like unions donations to Boss Harl's Campaign fund.
The abandoned buildings and house up by the electric plant that the fire department has been training in and tearing up is the new sight of the public works building . Good place for them all to hide at now .
No public funds shall be used to urge any elector to vote for or against any
candidate or proposition, or be appropriated for political or campaign purposes to
any candidate or political organization. This provision, however, shall not prohibit
the use of public funds for dissemination of factual information relative to any
proposition appearing on an election ballot, or for dissemination of information
and arguments published and distributed pursuant to law in connection with a
proposition to amend the Constitution of the State of Illinois. [10 ILCS 5/9-25.1]
Vista prints 200 cards for $10. This is where I purchased my cards and have been for years, 3 day delivery. HIGH QUALITY. Can use city logo, etc.... NOT RIGHT THAT THE CITY PAID FOR CARDS. HOW MUCH WAS SPENT? THESE CARDS SHOULD NOT BE PASSED OUT WHILE CAMPAIGNING, OR EVEN WHEN AN ALDERMAN IS TALKING TO TAXPAYERS. THIS NEED TO BE LOOK ED INTO, SEEMS WRONG TO ME.
8:37 That has to be absolutely illegal and definitely gutsy on alderman Waldorf's part. Using a business card that was paid for with our tax dollar to promote his campaign??? Spend, spend, spend. That seems to be our new motto for Peru.
speaking of demolition. I just read the article in the Ottawa paper about the Kaskaskia Hotel. That is one major rat trap that needs to be eliminated. What is us with that family? They never seem to want to risk their own money. 200 employees my foot - that building will never be restored - it needs to be taken down.
Question to Lois and the anonymous bloggers making allegations that Waldorf has committed a crime. Do you have proof? I imagine when you make such a serious allegation you have proof that the actual cards were paid for by the city. Please post your proof. I heard that Waldorf paid for these cards in the mailing with his own money and did not even order them through the city. If that is true then there is no issue and is totally legal. Again what proof do you have because when you make such allegations it would be slander and libel to say it and write it if not true and no proof. If Waldorf paid for these cards and there is proof he just got my family to vote for him. That is the type of person I want in government.
9:39 am LOL what don't you understand? The city disbursements show that $42 was paid for Waldorf's business cards. What more proof do you need? Better rethink who you're voting for!
Im sure Ald Dave Waldorf would agree its worth investigating.
As he was the one who jumped up first agains Ald Rodney Perez. If Rod would've put political signs and business cards up at his sled day he would've been guilty. So what's the difference here with Waldorf? Simple, Waldorf used business cards to influence voters with his campaign letters. What's the definition of Karma? The big question will be is if Mayor Scottie will bring this alleged violation up at the next meeting and have the chief investigate this scandled slope?
9:20, what does that have to do with the City of Peru, I for could care less what happens in LaSalle, if you are from LaSalle start your own blog and start questioning your council .
What would Scottie provide to the populace by a investigation? The good alderman would possibility come up with some lame brain excuse that not all of them were paid for by taxpayers funds as he intermixed a few cards that he payed for with those paid for by the city and he was not aware that it may possibly be illegal. Mayor Scottie and his select group of alderman would reply that since there was very little personal gain for "NO Bid" and therefore he is innocent of all accusations and there is no reason to proceed any further. This alderman will than carry on the rest of his life trying to determine whether he is "No Bid" or "No Gain". Why would you prosecute a Alderman when you left the Mayor off with ignorance of a wrongful act, no personal financial gain or the possibility that he did not do a illegal act intentionally.
Come on people it is time to realize that in Peru there is a group who can do anything they want and are always right. There are some who cannot do anything without a attempt made to prove they are wrong and than their is the common citizen who best not do anything because he will fall into second group, and above all do not become a unpaid volunteer or make a effort to perform some good on your own.
Have not seen the business cards. THESE CARDS SHOULD NOT BE PAID BY THE CITY, NOR SHOULD A PLACE OF A PERSONS/ALDERMAN PERSONAL BUSINESS PHONE NUMBER SHOULD BE ON THEM. Is Waldorf hair place phone number on them???? If so, city paying cost to run his personal business???????? Just asking questions, like I said, haven't seen the cards.
Are our taxes being used in regards to a business phone being put on these cards? Like to make an appointment for a hair cut? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
12:31 PM, February 15, 2015 -
You should be informed that they are trying to get tax money to pay for the renovation of he rat trap. Tax money that will be paid by all citizens of Illinois.
You should also be aware that there is an effort working in the background right now to merge LaSalle, Peru, and possibly Oglesby into one City. This effort is gaining traction and involves not only current and former elected officials at various government levels but some current and former non-elected employees at various government levels. That is why you and everyone needs to pay attention to what is going on in every community - because you will be paying in the future for any mistakes that are made now.
2:33, get over it. That is his contact number during the day. I think it is the same one that is listed on the city web page. There are bigger things to complain about regarding Floyd the Barber than this.
9:25, believe me there is no movement to get Lasalle and Oglesby joined together with Peru to make one city, it might be part of your group talking about this, it's something that has been talked about in the past by citizens, but I guarantee no political group is for it.
No political group or present elected and non elected city officials will be in favor of combining with any other town. Even if there are 1,000 advantages to combine there is going to be 1 reason that it wouldn't take place. They possibly would no longer be included in the great scheme of things. A politicians prime motive is to get re-elected not to vote themselves out of office.
OMG bernie would be out of a job then
It all depends on your definition of political group. The seeds are already planted. Combined 911 center... hmmmmm, with combined holding cells.... hmmmmm could this be the start of a combined public safety service?
How do you go from being in charge of a department or being a mayor or being an alderman in a town of 10,000 to becoming the one in a town of 25,000 or maybe more? A combined LaSalle, Peru, Oglesby would be the largest city in the county and would get more revenue distributions from state income tax, property tax, etc. Think about the budget and all the projects one could spend money on.
Believe me - there are people looking at this. All they need is a plan. Our new governor will be making mergers easier. The time is right.
No, "Bernie" as you call him, would likely be in charge of it.
People are looking into it? Big deal. This is ridiculous and the ten people who wold be interested have NO IDEA how business or government or politics works. It would require a vote of the people and it wouldn't have a prayer. The governor has ZERO say in this thank heaven. The blog has long gone off the deep end.
3:29, that is your opinion. I think it is a political reality. Younger people are not so narrow minded anymore - the LaSalle - Peru rivalries are a thin of the past.
Why are you so against the idea? It makes sense to leverage the quantities of scale, have a sufficient budget to hire qualified management, and increase the political stature of the region.
3:29, the Gov. made it a specific goal to remove the roadblocks and encourage consolidation of local governments.
Something must be done. Presently the taxpayer is feeding too many mouths for no results. City and county.
If the new governor has a specific goal to encourage consolidation of local governments, why are certain city officials of Peru making movement in the direct opposite.
Why build a Public Services Complex now if there is a possibility that the state will force consolidations in the brief future.
Young people question why LaSalle Peru are not one government and strongly feel they should be consolidated. Once this takes place Oglesby and Spring Valley will also become interested and consider possibilities of joining in.
Maximum efficiency will be a must in the future to lower COL and raise individual disposable income. This area with its low average income should be a role model of government maximum efficiency.
8:26 - because they have dollar signs in their eyes.
8:26 You don't understand the Governor's goal. The units he is referring to are those outdated townships, fire districts, water reclamation, etc. They all serve as taxing bodies with very little purpose. And other taxing bodies can serve those areas with equal purpose. Its about consolidation of services, not cities.
It does make sense to consolidate services in both cities and we may all see the day that 911 dispatch centers, police, fire, ambulance will work as one. Its a giant leap to believe that Peru and LaSalle will join together for one city, school, tax rate.
2:37
you really think you will be?
9:54 it will only be a few more years. Age is catching up with the old guard and the next generation does not view government the same way our current power brokers do.
Smart ones aren't staying in the area 4:28 beyond high school. If I were 40 years younger, I wouldn't stay here. What does this area offer to the 20+ year olds? Drinking, gambling,benefits and fundraisers, and whatever happens in the bars, stays in the bars. If you don't believe me, check it out. Yes, we have nice schools here in Peru and a nice YMCA.
What I believe people are trying to understand is why should alderman Perez's situation be investigated but not alderman Waldorf's? As Sherry said level the playing field. It is quite obvious to citizens the animosity that this council displays toward one alderman and how they protect others. That's one of the reasons why there is so much negativity on this blog. In this city it depends on who you are as to how you are treated.
I guess I put my comment under the wrong heading (I'm 8:54). It should obviously have been under the topic about alderman Waldorf's business cards used for campaign purposes.
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