I went to the city council mtg and stayed only long enough to hear the vote on the Lobbyist which was 4-3 the mayor got his vote and he can continue to make his trips to Springfield and rub shoulders with the bigwigs down there. Honestly all I can think of was"How in the world did Mayor Baker run this city for 40 years without having a lobbyist in Springfield?"
To me saying Lobbyist is like saying something not said in polite company.
Alderman Potthoff, Alderman Ferrari and Alderman Mueller stood for the people this evening in voting against this unnecessary expense and we thank you.
And one additional comment, I heard about how much money Peru has Ad Nauseum and wonder why we don't clean our streets, why we don't have recreational facilities updated and upgraded and......
Every city beside Peru has had either a Music Fest, a Fun Fest or something by another name that involvesthe people coming together to enjoy their city and in the meantime I guess the people who run this city are only concerned with other activities and going downstate or to the suburbs to be with people they prefer to the residents of this city.
We all still see people driving haphazardly thru Adventure Dr. and 38 th Street, how taking some of the money and straightening out that mess.
I would not like to have friends who constantly brag about how much money they have and in fact they would not be my friends. The same with the city why do you brag about how much money you have and you will have more before much longer and yet you could not fund a Splash Pad for the children of this city. Seems like the city is rather misguided in their attempts to appear like the Leader of the Valley.
80 comments:
To Alderman Payton:
I found your retort to Ald. Perez out of place because you are his elected representative and he deservies your consideration whether you like what he said or not. The chambers should not be the place for you to express your displeasure with him as this was a Public Comment time.
To Lois
From Rodney
In my e mails to Alderman Payton I've been very professional and respectful in my questions. I expect to be treated as one of his constituents. Each time I've asked him questions he either forwarded easily answers questions that he should have no problem answering onto the clerk to answer or basically told me to find the answers myself. This evening when he gave is little rant towards me, he stated he spoke with the lobbyist over this past weekend to ask him why he should vote for him?
When I received Alderman Payton's partial response last Thursday he made it clear then he was voting yes for the lobbyist. What did he expect to hear from the lobbyist over the weekend when he asked the question?
Did he expect anything other than BS? I mean come on this guys a lobbyist of course he's going to lobby him to keep his job. Lol
I'm thankful we had a few Aldermen thinking this evening and not voting yes to approve Mayor Harls personal assistant because that's all this lobbyist is.
Lois
I was at the meeting and Alderman Payton made his comments before he voted. He let Rodneyhave his say. Then he gave his little speech. I have to agree we need someone in Springfield. Is this the right person??
Not surprised to see the outcome from last night. Payton is in the bag as I have said from the beginning. Harl kept talking about needing a lobbyist in order to "get in front of people" and for "opening doors" to the offices of big-shot public officials. What a load of crap. Those public officials are accessible to anybody. If Harl wants to play big-shot he can get off his ass and arrange his own phony meetings and open his own damn doors. Shame on all the rubber-stamper aldermen who voted for wasting Peru taxpayer money on golf outings and political fundraisers.
Why does Alderman Lukosus ALWAYS vote how the mayor wants him to vote? Shame on him. He's nothing more than a Harl puppet and mayor's pet. It's obvious Harl enjoys meeting with the "bigwigs" in Springfield and needs the lobbyist to continue opening doors and political connections for him. Sappy please.......... I want Bob A back!
Maude Powell is a music fest!
The blog stance that an elected rep is no more than public fodder to accept whatever is addressed personally from any other person and that a city official should not be allowed to answer in council chambers because it is labeled "Public Comment" time is a denial to the elected city official's constitutional rights. How would the author of the blog accept an out of chambers expression of displeasure? Would it than be evaluated as a more business environment or would it enable the present alderman to be submitted to forever questionable qualifications as a city rep by the blog?
Alderman Perez is and was a very good rep of Peru but the progress of a city calls for the citizens to readjust after an election and unite. For anyone or a group to become involved in personal vendettas, no matter who, will only have a negative effect upon Peru.
i was hoping Tom Payton was going to prove everyone who was opposing him during the campaign wrong about him being in the mayors pocket. I'm becoming very disappointed for being duped. Typical politician like the others. He appears to be voting how Mike Radtke votes. Didn't Mike Radtke go door to door for Tom?
There was a good marketing opportunity for Peru on the agenda. It was post a $10,000 sign at the hydroplant to tell everyone at Starved Rock that Peru owns the plant. This would have brought unlimited exposure to Peru it was defeated 4-3.
This is funny, the state workers do not know if they are going to get a paycheck in the future, but the City of Peru can pay a man 24k a year to aid us in getting money (grants) from the state?
Where is that money coming from? Does our council forget that we live in Illinois?
There wasn't a doubt in my mind that Payton was going to be a puppet of Harl. That's why I planned to vote for him - when he ran against Radke. Without Rodney, we have no representation.
Was it not Harl himself that, while on personal vacation in Washington DC, got an appointment with the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, and successfully lobbied for moving the schedule up on the Route 6 resurfacing project? This particular magic trick being accomplished by simply showing up at his office - not going to parties.
But, more importantly. What specific marching orders does the lobbyist have? Is he just randomly showing up at events and talking about Peru? Are we trying to get something specific accomplished? If we are - why can't we put a list together stating these priorities. I have a feeling I know the answer to that question. Any such list would be called a strategic plan - something that Peru is politically opposed to.
10:57 listen to WLPO read the blog and Facebook. It appears Alderman Rodney Perez hasn't gone anywhere. He made headline radio news today. Now what can Scottie do to get rid of him? Call the lobbyist to see if he can convince Rodney to stay away??
Very funny to see Harl squirm when he lost the vote to approve $10,000plus to place a massive sign on top of the Hydro Plant at Starved Rock, Can you imagine how stupid that would look to the millions of park visitors who come to Starved Rock to escape the commercialism and blatant advertising schemes platered all over the countryside. This is the mindset of Harl and most of Peru's nit-wit elected officials. Harl intended to have his name plastered on this illuminated eyesore for millions of people to look at in disgust. This sign probably would have caused people to deliberately avoid Peru for business or pleasure. I know I would be offended by this type of self-serving stunt by a narcissistic mayor if I walked to the top of Starved Rock and was assaulted by such a monstrosity. My god, what kind of selfish and despicable people do we have running this city? It was so funny to see Harl pout when that proposal went down 4 to 3. One of Harl's minions didn't show up last night to cast his rubber-stamp vote for the $10,000 sign. If Waldork had been there it would have been 4 to 4 and Harl would have savored the chance to break the tie in favor of visually assaulting millions of unsuspecting state park visitors each and every year. It was just priceless how Harl had nothing to say about the sign vote. What a disgrace to the city of Peru.
9:46 am With a renewed lobbyist contract, Vickery, Harl, Rezin, Mautino, MCS, and IVAC, I think Peru has unlimited exposure already and didn't need to spend another $10,000 for a sign at the hydro. Glad this was voted down. It was worded vaguely on the agenda "motion to approve signage purchase for the hydro electric plant for approximately $10,600". When I first saw the agenda, I thought it might be signage for safety. When I heard it was for advertising, I immediately thought we don't need it, we got enough advertising!
My turn for a question.
We recently hired the Oval Wacker Consulting Firm headed by Bob Vickery for 24,000 per year. Now as a HIRED consulting firm is he still entitled to office space at City Hall or is the firm paying rent?
Is Mr Vickery still our volunteer economic director as I see his picture is still on the city we site as such? If he is still our economic director along with being paid for consulting, is he still entitled to his previous paid for privileges as mileage, phone, magazines and event sponsorship?
If he is still a volunteer with privileges, how much is the total pkg for him to volunteer and consult for us? Is this an oxymoron?
What exactly was supposed to be accomplished by the sign on the Hydro-Electric plant. Where the people at Starved Rock supposed to suddenly get the urge to go shopping for socks and underwear at "Peru Place Market." Or perhaps, they would suddenly stand in unison and make the 15 mile trek to play the slots and kick back with a cold one. Or perhaps they would have a sudden urge for Vapors.
NO - I'll tell you what it was. It was an attempt to butter some bread. Does anyone know which sign company would have got the magic $10,000 contract - I say magic because that is the magic number that does not need a bid or a super majority.
To 11:55 AM Lois, It's not an oxymoron, it's just a regular "moron".
Lois: I do know, according to the disbursements, that Mr. Vickrey is receiving quite a large reimbursement monthly for mileage. I cannot comprehend where he is going to accumulate this much mileage on a regular basis. On one disbursement he received compensation for certain items as did his consulting firm Oval Wacker. I do know that he has an office at city hall but am not sure if it's for his consulting firm, his economic development status, or both. Does anyone know if his helper has been hired as of yet and if we, the taxpayers are paying his or her salary?
Lois: Also, have you heard any more with regards to the Task Force's recommendation and where the minutes from their July 22nd meeting are? That was to be their last meeting and all closed session minutes were to be approved and released and all recommendations and conclusions were to be finalized.
Did anyone catch the word approximately before the $10,600 for the sign at the rock?
Good questions Lois. As Vickery has now got a gig as economic development with his company, he should no longer receive any paid expenses. When you run a business, you pay the expenses, and you make the money. Taxpayers should not pay any more expenses for Mr. Vickery.
12:40, yes; interesting number. Who gave it to them? I mean, Harl didn't wake up one morning and say to himself - "Boss, I think there should be a "Shop Peru" sign on top of that old Hydro-Plant. I bet something like that costs about ten grand. I'll stick that on the agenda for a vote."
No - I think not. Somebody researched that, said they could do it for a number that does not require a bid or a super majority vote. Yup, I heard it said myself when we got the "Welcome to historic Peru" signs made - his honor said "Treat each sign as a separate line item so we don't have to bid it out."
I think the Economic Director is a "friend with benefits" We are the ones being screwed.
1:30 - One hundred percent Land O' Lakes
What was the vote on the sign on the rock? Who voted for what and how much?
Anon 2;20 pm
Please send your personal comment to the intended recipient, this is not suitable for public discussion. You probably r on FB, so use that venue.
To: Lois Carroll, Your 11:55 AM comment is excellent and worthy of all to spend some time to explore why the sly old fox is being permitted to run on his own in the unguarded hen's house?
Everyone has had the experience of forgetting to consider compensations already granted in job condition changes except those who are on the considerable winning edge.
If the standard to be followed is of a traditional business procedure yourself plus all other fellow bloggers know that the Economic Directors position as a officer of the newly created Oval Wacker Consulting Firm indicates that the city is now a employer of OWCF and not Robert Vickrey and that all compensations should be reevaluated and allowed on such a reevaluation. It must be remembered that OWCF is not being created as a sole representative of Peru and wants and willingly will attempt to represent other clients and cities. Mr. Vickrey should be mandated to proportion all expenses on a equal basis in his bid for employment from his various employers. This employment could not only mean that he pays for a office in the Peru City Hall but that depending upon the city representation that he has or does not have the privilege of the use of city hall. This should hold true for all private business expenses such as travel, phone, mileage, event sponsorship, literature and advertising. Truthfully doesn't Vickrey's changeover to OWCF appear as a exit from previous business agreements with Peru without inflicting embarrassment upon himself? How long do you believe he will be comfortable answering to city officials or anyone else in regards to OWCF?
Lois may I ask a question of Mr. Vickrey? Mr. Vickrey why would Peru hire OWCF when they have already employed the Chamber of Commerce, a national organization with a long history of experience at a much lower expense?
Charging $261 in mileage to go to Oak Park, IL is - pardon me - highway robbery. According to the IRS, the millage reimbursement rate is 57.5 cents per mile for business miles driven, up from 56 cents in 2014. Oak Park, IL is 99.2 miles from Peru, IL. So the millage charge should be $57.04.
There are many questionable "expenses" in the Bobby V. file. For instance, he is not simply reimbursed for use of a cell phone. The City of Peru provides one - with email and a data plan. Now that this Oval Wacker thing has been created, should he not turn in his iPhone?
3:14 keep a close eye on the city disburements
Does anyone know if Shearer was the low bid for the removal and treatment of the elm trees in Peru?
Mr.Vickery works for one employer and that is Peru. He has no other representations.
Mayor Harl didn't want the sign to be purchased. A few from the public works committee were pushing for it and Harl didn't want to tell them no they couldn't vote on it so he let it play its course. Mayor Harl thought the sign was a waste also.
4:15 you must not have been at the meeting last night. Harl said he thought the sign was a good idea. Watch the video when it goes online.
4:15 P.M.
For something to come to council, it must gone through several leverls of approval. If the idea came from the Waldorf-Lukosus-Sapienza, Mueller Public Service Committee, the meeting minutes should confirm that but still what about the approval of the DSM and ASM and the Mayor and doesn't it have to go to Finance all before it is brought up for a vote at the council mtg.
Who is administering this city for something think like this to take place?
I can't imagine Finance giving this approval.
Did they check and see if this could be put up with the approval of the Army Corp of Engineers? The Dam is not our property. Anyone tell me how this would work and what approval we would need.
4:11, there will be no bid on the "tree project." Each tree will be considered an individual project which will come in at a level that does not require a bid. ha ha - That's the "Peru Way!"
4:11 The emerald ash bore treatment did not go out for bid.
The tree project will not go out for bid. It will just be paid. My opinion - why try to save the trees? Why not just go to the big box store, buy a few chain saws, and use city employees to cut down all the trees infested with the bug. Burn the wood at the old dump. Much more cost effective than trying to "save the trees". Cut them, burn them, problem solved. Then buy a different kind of tree and plant it if it is in a good location. Otherwise - who cares, we got to many trees around here anyway.
Wasnt Mr. V asked to leave the board of UofI? How can our council approve such caracter? Oh yes, we appointed Mr King, and now this? What about the artical in the the paper last week indicating that Oglesby has 2.7 million in building permits and LaSalle has cut almost 700k in the city budget!
Peru has become a personal gain playground for our officials at our expense!!
I feel that the surronding towns have done a better job for thier voters then our officials have done for us! Come to think of it, anyone want to buy a house?
Sad days lie ahead for Peru
5:57 how sure are you? I thought Peru had an ordinance that anything over 20,000 had to be bid out?
the city did go out for bids for the trees. That is a fact. Go to web site and search and you will find the bid documents.
6:50 100%
I believe a bid is different than a proposal
if they went out for bids or not is irrelevant. Whey are we spending $80,000 trying to save some sick trees. Use City Employees to cut them down and burn them. Period, end of story.
7:30 July 28th Please direct us to the location of these bid documents you say exist. I have been unable to locate them. If you can tell us where to find this information we can put the topic to rest and have the true answer. I do not believe this project went out for bid. Please prove me wrong as it, according to ordinance, should have.
is is legally the same thing. Notice in papers, sealed proposals and opened aloud lowest responsible bidded sorry if the facts dont fit your conspiracy theory
7:30 go to the city web site and look at the minutes from the July 6 public service meeting. Under buildings and grounds the chief states that the Shearer Tree Service submitted the only proposal of every tree that needed treatment or removal. With that being said, please tell us where you found the bid packets? I cannot even find the RFP.Also note that the minutes state RFP's(which means more than one)yet the chief states that Shearer was the ONLY proposal. Bids usually come sealed and are all opened at committee meetings and are entered into the minutes as such. I see nothing in the minutes reflecting that this happened.
Back to the lobbyist topic: why are we paying expenses for Vickery's new consulting firm in additional to the $2,000 per month fee? Seems to me like this contract should be set up the same as the lobbyist contract with no additional expenses paid by the city. It was unanimously approved by all 8 aldermen. Did they not read the entire ordinance? That could add thousands of extra dollars in mileage, food, hotels, etc. Who is watching our money?
To 10:28
From Rodney Perez
Oval Wacker Firm is also a lobbying firm. Therefore we now have two lobbyists recently hired for a total of $48,000.00 per year plus expenses.
Rodney Perez - that is wasteful. If McAnarny is not doing his job, he should have been fired. He's had 2 years to show results and has not. Then the council could have hired Vickrey and given him 2 years to prove himself. Why have 2, so wasteful.
Mr Perez
Are you sure, that Mr. Vickery is working as a lobbyist? Have you called and spoke to Mr. Vickery? It is my understanding that all he does is the economic director for the city of Peru.
It seems you are trying to build a platform for next failed attempt at running for an office.
Does anyone know where the Oval Wacker Firm is located?
1:30 PM According to the ordinance between the city and Oval Wacker Firm, it states "The City understands and agrees that Consultant does provide consulting services and lobbying efforts to other public and private persons and entities but Consultant warrants that no such other activities by Consultant shall be a conflict of interest with Consultant's duties hereunder". So Vickery can work for other public and private entities and provide lobbying efforts along with consulting services. Did you read the ordinance? Because it's pretty clear.
Perez at 11:57 Vickery has a exclusive contract with the city, he does and performs no other job but the city of Peru. FOIA the contract and stop making untruthful accusations. He probably set up the name Oval whatever for his own employment purpose. If you believe Vickery is not doing his job then state that. The city hired a lobbyist and his job is to lobby for the city of Peru interest, as well as other corporations, cities he is hired for. Those interest are in Springfield and Washington. It appears that Vickery is hired to promote economic development in Peru, that is working to expand the Peru business base. Both have very different jobs. You can decide if the pay is too much or too little or if the jobs are needed. But, please don't tell us they are one in the same.
While there may be some overlap, the economic development director and the lobbyist serve two different functions. As for the people who think Mautino or Rezin serve either of these purpose, there is absolutely zero hope for you understanding the concept of elected representation, versus lobbying, versus economic development.
While job performance can always be debated, the amounts we are paying are minuscule for the potential benefit.
Wasn't Rodney at the splash pad presentation in Oak Brook? And din't Rodney thank the lobbyist for his help??? read the fish wrapper.
so, 2:58,what is mr. vickrey? an economic developer? a consultant? or both?
2:58 pM please read the contract for Vickery. He is absolutely NOT exclusive to Peru.
To 3:29
From Rodney Perez
Sorry but I didn't see the Lobbyist there and I sure didn't shake his hand thanking him. I don't even know what the guy looks like the only time I seen him was when he lobbied the council back in 2013 if he was there I never saw him.
To answer your question the answer is No. Besides he had nothing to do with getting the alleged grant. The only hands I shook were FFPP because it was their work along with NCICG who worked it. :-)
To 1:30
From Rodney Perez
2:51 answered your question:-)
Thank you 2:51
To: 3:29
From Rodney Perez
I just asked members of FFPP if they met the lobbyist in Oak Park and they said they don't even know what he looks like.lol
I guess he knew he had no part of the pad as i figured. Unless he was guarding the fish wrapper. Lol
3:29 pm - Just because Perez thanked the lobbyist (if indeed he did) doesn't mean he believes the lobbyist is worth another $24,000. Perhaps he was just being polite??
Why do we care what Perez thinks or who he thanked? I think the lobbyist is questionable. I think the economic development position is essential.
The "Grant" was actually a "vote purchase" by ex-Gov. Quinn and Michael Madigan's Man Mautino. I was happy to see it yanked back before any money was actually spent. Imagine - $500K for a bocce ball field, horseshoe pit, and concrete slab with a lawn sprinkler. If we want this stuff - how about "lobbying" Operating Engineers Local 150, Western Sand and Gravel, and the Laborer's Local 393 to donate men and material to build it? We could probably get the entire thing done in a few weekends and it would only cost beer and hamburger. Heck - maybe Hy-Vee would donate the burgers and our favorite vote buyer would donate the beer.
Bob Vickrey is sticking it in the back of Peru taxpayers and twisting it clockwise. Free city owned office space and a city payed assistant to use as he please while he works for other public bodies or individuals. Sweeeet! Very sweet!
Bob Vickrey is sticking it in the back of Peru taxpayers and twisting it clockwise. Free city owned office space and a city payed assistant to use as he please while he works for other public bodies or individuals. Sweeeet! Very sweet!
what a coincidence - bobby v is getting back what he lost when stevie took his job at the township! also was the free job as economic director that great that we had to actually hire him? how many businesses did we gain because of him vs how many cheap properties did he add to his personal stash?
8:13 Has his assistant been put on our payroll yet? If so, who is he or she?
It was a slime way to put Bob V on city payroll without going public and having to advertise for the position or let the public know they added yet one more to city payroll which will end up being two more with his helper the city is looking to hire. The reason Bob has all his assets under his wife's name is because when shit hits the fan later down the road they can't take all Bobs assets because IL is not a community property state. This is a very smart move that shady characters take.
He better hope she doesn't divorce him!
Steve was given the job. Bobby saw an opportunity to become the Circuit Clerk - much higher pay and better benefits - so he put everything into running for that. Funny though, Skoogs beat him soundly - mostly because people in Pure got tired of the Vickery Mobile (Cadillac painted up with Vote for Vickery all over it) cruising the streets. People around here don't like that sort of thing. That did in Rodney to.
11:07 everything you said is wrong. Just so you know.
Also Bob does not need this job and could easily be taking it easy in retirement. He actually has a load of experience and we get a pretty good deal with his experience. He also dedicates a lot more time for what he gets paid. I am not here to defend him, I just get tired of reading things that are completely false.
Would you rather have LaSalle's full time director? Just curious.
Bob V could be the best thing since sliced bread, but I think the job opening should have been advertised too.
Who ever said sliced bread is that good?
Anon 3:53PM YES, I would rather have LaSalle's full time director. For example LaSalle did another great promotion this week-end. Vickrey with all the so called experience hasn't promoted Peru like Alesky does LaSalle or Ottawa's director does Ottawa.
Believe me I have heard the owner of this blog question Peru city officials about having family activities several times. She is direct and sincere and would be a front running active leader herself if volunteers would be accepted. She has several friends who also would join in. But Vickrey does not acknowledge volunteers.
Anyone, please anyone who has a clue please tell me why Peru has agreed to pay Vickrey. He was too costly when he wasn't getting paid.What I am communicating is not false and I do wish he would sit back and enjoy his retirement helping out Mendota.
@3:53, you commented about experience of v. Why are we paying such high salaries to Harls appointed employees with no experience in some fields they were appointed to? What's your opinion on that. By reading your comment you portray yourself as having knowledge of our government.
4:49 I saw 2 elected and 1 appointed Peru city officials at the LaSalle event Friday night. I hope they were taking notes on how a nice event can attract people to downtown, and I hope they step up and organize something.
4:49
Why is it the responsibility of the elected officials to do Art and wine fairs?
The LaSalle event was not put on by their economic director it was solely done by their downtown business assoc. The I was their and I only saw one LaSalle Alderman and that is because he owns a business downtown. It is not the job of your alderman to arrange a Wine tasting for you. I would think that no matter what Peru did you would not be happy.
I believe the Linda D is on the Park and Rec, Board why has no one asked her about putting something together???? Is that not her role????
11:16 Because she is one of the low men on the totem pole and does not have the influence that the other board members have. Why are you singling her out? Why not mention the other 6, especially the 2 senior members or the president? I've heard she has made suggestions that have fallen on deaf ears. If you have any positive suggestions or ideas bring them to a rec meeting.
I single her out because she is a large contributor to this blog. If she brought any ideas why didn't she share them here. And I have asked the others..
8:53 Yes, I have contributed to this blog but I do not consider myself a large contributor as you suggest. I pick and chose very carefully the topics that I comment on as I have attended many of the meetings where these topics may have been discussed or initiated. i.e. I attended all Task Force meetings, many Finance meetings, numerous city council meetings, etc. because I feel these help me gain a perspective on things that are going on in Peru. It also provides me with some insight and knowledge of things that may come up in our rec board meetings. At this time I am not concerned with wine tasting or beer tents. My main concern as a member of this rec board is to update and maintain our parks and equipment therein. In answer to your question it is not solely my role it is a committee role. If you have any suggestions or ideas call me with them and I will gladly present them to the board or you may attend any meeting and bring your ideas. We meet on the 2nd tues. of every month at 6:30.
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