This blog is maintained for the sole purpose of allowing the people of Peru and those interested in the cities of the Illinois Valley to express their views.
“It doesn’t take a majority to win, just a tireless minority that will keep starting brush fires in the mind and hearts of their fellow men.” Samuel Adams
I think Peru concentrates more on generating tax revenue from visitors than developing the city and the region as a good place to live. Otherwise, our Mayor and Council would be working on developing incentives for employers that provide full time jobs with higher compensation than is offered by retail, entertainment, travel, and leisure.
I think that Hotel Motel Tax should go to the region, not the municipality. Maybe the County should get it all and pass it out to tourism activities inside the county. The only thing Peru did to get this money is give money to a developer to open a motel.
Here we go again, turning the airport into a party pavilion. Just heard on the radio that the fireworks will be at the airport next year AND the farm field will be turned into a parking lot.
The "Daily Disappointment" aka News Tribune has been providing an unusual amount of print recently to the Peru propoganda machine. The Public Relations article about Hotel/Motel Taxes last night was another example of a recent up-tick in "canned self-promotion" arranged by the Harl administration. The "Daily Fishwrapper" is shamelessly whoring itself out to to the political whims of a corrupt administration by printing propoganda blurbs designed to create the impression that Peru's elected officials are on the ball. Last night's trickery was another ploy to plant the idea that Peru is swimming in cash and "council" can be trusted to make sound financial decisions despite the fact that Home Rule allows them to waste it any way they choose. The subliminal message here is, "Just trust us folks. We will not waste these millions". There have been other recent PR blurb stories lately allowing Peru's elected officials to offer rehearsed statements designed to suggest to the unsuspecting reader that Peru government is "hard at it". For those of us who know the shortcomings of Peru's elected officials, this makes for some comical reading. Recent planted articles from rehearsed public services committee meetings have even allowed TEST to join in the self-promotion. I gagged the other day when I read that Waldorf got in on the performance with a phony quote promoting TEST. Waldorf wouldn't know the difference between a wastewater plant and a house plant. Although I do believe the combined intelligence of both of Peru's 3rd ward aldermen is comaparable to that of a common house plant. If these situations weren't so obviously self-serving and dishonest it would be funny. Sadly, many Peru residents don't realize the misuse of the media and the government manipulation. On the bright side, there are plenty of folks who do see right through the shameful propoganda being put forth by Peru's corrupt politicians.
7:56 - good observations. I believe part of this is due to the possibility of the Boss being appointed to the legislature. Greasing the skids so to speak.
Another strange observation is the recent uptick in crime reporting and coverage of local trials. Our paper generally tries not to report on anything bad. All of a sudden, the coverage of crime has increased. I don't think the occurrence of crime has changes. Just the coverage in the news. This tends to get Mr. Towne's name in the paper quite a bit lately. Coincidence?
7:56 AM, I too have recently noticed an increase in the amount of "fluff journalism" in the Daily Dish Rag promoting Peru government. I cringe in embarrassment each time I read one of Harl's poorly stated quotes in the newspaper. Harl is obviously counting on a majority of Peru residents never becoming aware of his incompetence. Trusting Harl and "council" as he put it is like trusting the fat kids with the keys to the candy store. Home Rule has these boobs drunk with power looking for ways to direct the wealth to their friends and connected supporters.
7:28 AM it is not a done deal yet. There is alot of red tape to go thru to be able to have fireworks at the airport. I think the Rec Board needs to rethink this location. Baker Lake would make an excellent location. Plenty of parking and people could be bussed from the K-Mart lot or the bank and Social Security office lots.
7:56 Your distain for the Peru elected is obvious. I find it hard to be critical of a city who by all regards is fiscally sound. Those two house plants must have something on the ball. Have you been to those well rehearsed public services meetings? If you have you will see that the plants have a very well organized agenda. And if you talk to the 3rd ward alderman you will find them to be well informed. Thank god for the 3rd ward alderman they have proved to be reliable and effective in their duties. I can't say that for the other members of the council but I can for the Waldorf and Sapienza.
I have observed and talked to the "House Plants" on numerous occasions and I would be much more inclined to agree with 7:56 am. Do you include purchasing the gold plated Christmas Tree with Peru tax dollars as EFFECTIVE leadership by Sappy? Also, do you believe Waldorf taking a "date" to the Chicago Chop House and running up a $250 tab on the taxpayers of Peru as a RELIABLE act in his capacity as Peru alderman? Because I would answer NO to both of those questions.
You must be talking about the rush of criminals getting out of jail due to the lack of evidence. Also a lot of plea bargaining to a lesser conviction. If you read the articles you will find that we have incompetence looking at us from Ottawa. How many more cartel runners will get a handshake and a good meal at the expense of LaSalle County?
Baker Lake is the worst of all the choices. No parking and homes close by. Anything else? This needs not explaining. I don't care if a pretend Peru official knocks on my door and say's everybody wants it. It's a bad spot. You would be better off to lights the money wasters on 4th street behind city hall.
Why do the fireworks need to be 100% on City of Peru property? Why can't there be a public private partnership with our uptown retail establishments? They can be launched from the area of the power plant toward the Peru Mall. Spectators can assemble in the west parking lot. Parking can be on the east side.
They would still need to coordinate the airport shutting down for a couple of hours - but that could be done much faster than if a thousand spectators where on the property.
I think there are many plusses to setting it up that way. Why won't Peru ask the owners of the property if they are willing to help out by allowing people to view the fireworks from their parking lot?
11:04 I couldn't agree with you more. Baker Lake is the perfect location for a 4th of July celebration. It would be like being back at Washington Park only roomier, prettier, and a good use of an underutilized park. It is definitely much safer than Water Street for the children. Plenty of room for a family fun area away from the adult area. People could be bused in from Aldi's or CVS's parking lot. People could bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on.
Mr. Towne appears to be an ineffective and bumbling prosecutor based on the "evidence", pun intended. He is however a capable politician with a campaign fund. Towne's refusal to prosecute Harl for payroll fraud means political favors will be called in from Harl and LaSalle County Democrats. The honest citizens of Peru should rally behind the Republican challenger (whoever she is) in order to help right the injustice that Harl and Brian Towne perpetrated on the people of Peru.
Oh yes, our council hired another "selected candidate" to be an apprentice lineman. When are we going to hire someone with a real name? We're always hiring "selected candidates".
Baker Lake is good, but not ideal in my mind. The proximity to houses just bothers me. I think observing from the Mall parking lot and launching over the corn field is safer. Parking is also no issue.
I was wondering if one needs a permit to drop a big, ugly, shipping container on a property like someone did at the garage door shop on Shooting Park Road. It doesn't add to the neighborhood. I'd hate to see these things appearing all over the community.
12:41 Why don't you take this idea to the rec. board and answer all the questions that have been asked and answered before. Lighting parking food entertainment. Let us know how that works out for you..
1:19 Lighting - rent portable lights as they did for the concerts. Parking - Aldi's, CVS,etc. and bus in. Food and entertainment - I believe the CSO would cooperate 100%. As far as the homes in that neighborhood - they are no where near the lake or the shooting sight (that has been approved for safety by not just 1 but 2 pyrotech technicians). There are pluses and minuses no matter where you choose to have the fireworks. You work around them and solve them just as they did for the concerts that took a lot more planning and execution than the fireworks would. We bent over backwards for a promoter to make money (and that's ok)so, why can't we do it for the people of Peru and the 4th of July celebration? If it's that big a problem (which I don't think it is) let's just drop it entirely and save the money.
12:20 When did a pretend official come knocking on your door saying everyone wants it at Baker Lake? And since when do they need your approval to do as they please with a city park?
Will you provide a fire hose for each homeowner around Baker Lake?
Will you replace my sod and lawn ornaments from damage caused by Baker Lake fireworks?
Will everyone have flashlights for the event?
Will you be able to get through crowds for a emergency at Baker Lake fireworks?
Did you know that anybody who shoots fireworks is a pyrotech technician? I bet they would tell you they can shoot off fireworks in a phonebooth without damage.
You know that park was never intended to be used by everyday people, right? The just didn't have enough money to make a golf course for that subdivision.
2:38 Did you forget that for many, many years the fireworks were held at Washington Park? Those homes are across the street and yet the city found it ok to hold the fireworks there and I don't believe there was ever a major problem. Your homes are no where near the 600' radius that is needed for safe shooting of fireworks. Is there any guarantee that a spark would never reach your home - of course not. However, the possibility is miniscule and no true pyrotech technician would approve of shooting them off in a phone booth. You are being ridiculous.
3:30 - during that time period it was also acceptable to:
1. Let your newborn baby sleep on the dashboard of a moving car. 2. Drink beer while driving with the newborn baby - as long as you kept it under 12 cans. 3. Let kids walk to the mall - in Joliet. 4. Smoke everywhere - including the gas station.
Nope... you can't convince me that launching explosives in the middle of a residential area is a good idea. Even the airport is a better place. But not ideal.
Come to think of it... Why not have a laser light show at Baker Lake? Why do we have to blow things up? A laser show is much less costly.
Baker Lake is definitely a big enough area to safely shoot off the fireworks. No houses would be damaged. You are being ridiculous 2:38 pm. That park is huge. I can be done there and it should be done there.
Fire Works are so hillbilly. Give a few bucks to LaSalle and let them shoot them off. We don't need them. The CSO can set up their beer tent in LaSalle. Seriously - this Red Neck activity is not something we should have in Peru.
Why is it every time something you don't like or agree with gets published in the local newspaper or is mentioned on the radio or at a council/committee meeting, its a lie or a conspiracy? Why is it every time some one mentions TEST, you go overboard with hard critics and accusations of those running the company. First, if you don't like the local newspaper, don't read it. You have that right as a citizens of democracy. It's like that little knob on the radio labeled "power". If you don't like "Rod in the morning" turn him off. I for one think TEST is just trying to do a job its been hired to do. Apparently they have been doing it quite well since the waste water industry thinks they are deserving of the best operated award in the state. Oh wait, that group also is coerced into given TEST the award because of all the dinners and golf outings and freebies the company gives away to the nominating committee. You sound so silly and really don't lend any credibility to this blog when you say such foolish things.
@6:32 pm, if the FAA says we can't shoot fireworks from the airport because Baker Lake is a good alternative (and to be able to have them at the airport, it has to be the only available location, which it is not) and residents won't allow the fireworks to happen at Baker Lake, and Water Street is flooded, I guess we can just do without fireworks forever.
8:37 PM, 7:56 has an opinion, just as you have an opinion. 7:56 sounds no more silly criticizing TEST and the city as you do defending TEST and the city. What is your problem? Personally, I find it refreshing when a city, a company, or a newspaper is called out for manipulating the facts in order to influence the public. I did a little research and guess what? For your information, the water industry has not awarded TEST anything. Nor do they think TEST is deserving of anything. I found out that water service companies or cities submit their own nominations for these awards each year and I learned that fewer than 10% of the all Illinois cities even bother to nominate themselves. I also learned that TEST company officials have been nominating themselves every year for the past 25 plus years and this is actually the first time they have made the cut into the top ten persent of the few cities that nominate themselves each year. Now, if you read the article again knowing the truth about how this "water industry" nomination process works you have to ask yourself this question. Who sounds silly praising and promoting TEST? The company official and the alderman or 7:56 AM? It's really no contest, just like the phony water industry award itself. It's just another scam by the city and the newspaper. Sorry.
10:42. The only stipulation from the Federal Government is that any proceeds benefit aviation and prior notice is given. They do not care if there are "other available locations."
Personally - I'm against having them at all. We don't have enough money to put on a first class event so why bother.
We are having too much fun with this fireworks show. Is the issue worth the amount of time that the city is spending to insure Peruvians have a happy July ? To those who spend time and money for 20 minutes of booms----what for? Why is this of such importance? Do we need more beer drinking events?
11:31 am you should check your facts. One of the stipulations for having the concerts at the airport was there was no other viable location. If they FAA looks around, they will find Baker Lake is a suitable location, and may say the fireworks can be held there and should not be at the airport.
Sorry to pop your bubble. But I know for a fact, that the company does not nominate themselves. This award is nominated by industry officials and also the Illinois EPA.
It is common in many industry to essentially purchase awards from trade organizations.
11:31, that may be our stipulation, but it is not the FAA's. I read their rules and procedures regarding airport closures for pyrotechnic events. It is downloadable from the FAA web page.
"FAA supports the limited non-aeronautical use of airport facilities as long as there is not total closure of the airport. Safeguards must be in place to protect the aeronautical use of the airport. However, should the FAA decide to allow this activity on the airport, any revenue derived from this purpose must revert to the airport fund itself. Existing federal law prohibits the diversion of any airport revenue to a city or county general fund."
"(1). Nonaeronautical Events. An airport developed or improved with federal funds may not be closed to use the airport facilities for special outdoor events, such as sports car races, county fairs, parades, car testing, model airplane events, etc., without FAA approval. This has been the FAA policy since 1961 as outlined in Compliance Requirements Part 6.00 (July 1961). In certain circumstances where promoting aviation awareness through such nonaeronautical activities as model airplane flying, etc., the FAA does support the limited use of airport facilities so long as there is not total closure of the airport. In these cases, safeguards need to be established to protect the aeronautical use of the airport while the nonaeronautical activities are in progress and to ensure that safety is not compromised."
I searched Illinois Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics website and found the following items that need to be met in order to have a non-aeronautical event at an Illinois airport:
1. The need to conduct the event at the airport is justified. 2. Details of the event are provided on FAA Form 7460-1 (attached) for an operational safety and airspace review. 3. The event is widely supported by the airport tenants and the community at large. 4. The event will not adversely affect aviation activity at the facility. 5. There is a quantifiable, documented financial benefit to the airport. 6. Adequate insurance policies will be in force during the event. 7. Any damage resulting from the event will be repaired to previous condition. 8. Appropriate NOTAMS will be issued (as applicable).
Please note #1, the most important item, states:
The need to conduct the event at the airport is justified. It is not justified to have it at the Peru airport because Baker Lake is another location where the fireworks would work.
9:38. That is not justification. I don't want it at the Airport and I don't want it at Baker Lake. Both areas are a stupid place to conduct this event.
The only choices I will support are: 1. Cancelling the event all together - forever. 2. Working with our retail businesses near I-80 and using their parking lots to view and lunch the explosives. 3. Giving LaSalle money to have it at the new Rotary Park.
42 comments:
I think Peru concentrates more on generating tax revenue from visitors than developing the city and the region as a good place to live. Otherwise, our Mayor and Council would be working on developing incentives for employers that provide full time jobs with higher compensation than is offered by retail, entertainment, travel, and leisure.
I think that Hotel Motel Tax should go to the region, not the municipality. Maybe the County should get it all and pass it out to tourism activities inside the county.
The only thing Peru did to get this money is give money to a developer to open a motel.
Here we go again, turning the airport into a party pavilion. Just heard on the radio that the fireworks will be at the airport next year AND the farm field will be turned into a parking lot.
The "Daily Disappointment" aka News Tribune has been providing an unusual amount of print recently to the Peru propoganda machine. The Public Relations article about Hotel/Motel Taxes last night was another example of a recent up-tick in "canned self-promotion" arranged by the Harl administration. The "Daily Fishwrapper" is shamelessly whoring itself out to to the political whims of a corrupt administration by printing propoganda blurbs designed to create the impression that Peru's elected officials are on the ball. Last night's trickery was another ploy to plant the idea that Peru is swimming in cash and "council" can be trusted to make sound financial decisions despite the fact that Home Rule allows them to waste it any way they choose. The subliminal message here is, "Just trust us folks. We will not waste these millions". There have been other recent PR blurb stories lately allowing Peru's elected officials to offer rehearsed statements designed to suggest to the unsuspecting reader that Peru government is "hard at it". For those of us who know the shortcomings of Peru's elected officials, this makes for some comical reading. Recent planted articles from rehearsed public services committee meetings have even allowed TEST to join in the self-promotion. I gagged the other day when I read that Waldorf got in on the performance with a phony quote promoting TEST. Waldorf wouldn't know the difference between a wastewater plant and a house plant. Although I do believe the combined intelligence of both of Peru's 3rd ward aldermen is comaparable to that of a common house plant. If these situations weren't so obviously self-serving and dishonest it would be funny. Sadly, many Peru residents don't realize the misuse of the media and the government manipulation. On the bright side, there are plenty of folks who do see right through the shameful propoganda being put forth by Peru's corrupt politicians.
7:56, if only you had a clue of what your talking about, stay in your little world of cynicism and be happy.
7:56 - good observations. I believe part of this is due to the possibility of the Boss being appointed to the legislature. Greasing the skids so to speak.
Another strange observation is the recent uptick in crime reporting and coverage of local trials. Our paper generally tries not to report on anything bad. All of a sudden, the coverage of crime has increased. I don't think the occurrence of crime has changes. Just the coverage in the news. This tends to get Mr. Towne's name in the paper quite a bit lately. Coincidence?
7:56 AM, I too have recently noticed an increase in the amount of "fluff journalism" in the Daily Dish Rag promoting Peru government. I cringe in embarrassment each time I read one of Harl's poorly stated quotes in the newspaper. Harl is obviously counting on a majority of Peru residents never becoming aware of his incompetence. Trusting Harl and "council" as he put it is like trusting the fat kids with the keys to the candy store. Home Rule has these boobs drunk with power looking for ways to direct the wealth to their friends and connected supporters.
7:28 AM it is not a done deal yet. There is alot of red tape to go thru to be able to have fireworks at the airport. I think the Rec Board needs to rethink this location. Baker Lake would make an excellent location. Plenty of parking and people could be bussed from the K-Mart lot or the bank and Social Security office lots.
7:56 Your distain for the Peru elected is obvious. I find it hard to be critical of a city who by all regards is fiscally sound. Those two house plants must have something on the ball. Have you been to those well rehearsed public services meetings? If you have you will see that the plants have a very well organized agenda. And if you talk to the 3rd ward alderman you will find them to be well informed. Thank god for the 3rd ward alderman they have proved to be reliable and effective in their duties. I can't say that for the other members of the council but I can for the Waldorf and Sapienza.
11:23 am,
I have observed and talked to the "House Plants" on numerous occasions and I would be much more inclined to agree with 7:56 am. Do you include purchasing the gold plated Christmas Tree with Peru tax dollars as EFFECTIVE leadership by Sappy? Also, do you believe Waldorf taking a "date" to the Chicago Chop House and running up a $250 tab on the taxpayers of Peru as a RELIABLE act in his capacity as Peru alderman? Because I would answer NO to both of those questions.
10:45
You must be talking about the rush of criminals getting out of jail due to the lack of evidence. Also a lot of plea bargaining to a lesser conviction. If you read the articles you will find that we have incompetence looking at us from Ottawa. How many more cartel runners will get a handshake and a good meal at the expense of LaSalle County?
11:04
Baker Lake is the worst of all the choices. No parking and homes close by. Anything else? This needs not explaining. I don't care if a pretend Peru official knocks on my door and say's everybody wants it. It's a bad spot. You would be better off to lights the money wasters on 4th street behind city hall.
Why do the fireworks need to be 100% on City of Peru property? Why can't there be a public private partnership with our uptown retail establishments? They can be launched from the area of the power plant toward the Peru Mall. Spectators can assemble in the west parking lot. Parking can be on the east side.
They would still need to coordinate the airport shutting down for a couple of hours - but that could be done much faster than if a thousand spectators where on the property.
I think there are many plusses to setting it up that way. Why won't Peru ask the owners of the property if they are willing to help out by allowing people to view the fireworks from their parking lot?
11:04 I couldn't agree with you more. Baker Lake is the perfect location for a 4th of July celebration. It would be like being back at Washington Park only roomier, prettier, and a good use of an underutilized park. It is definitely much safer than Water Street for the children. Plenty of room for a family fun area away from the adult area. People could be bused in from Aldi's or CVS's parking lot. People could bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on.
Mr. Towne appears to be an ineffective and bumbling prosecutor based on the "evidence", pun intended. He is however a capable politician with a campaign fund. Towne's refusal to prosecute Harl for payroll fraud means political favors will be called in from Harl and LaSalle County Democrats. The honest citizens of Peru should rally behind the Republican challenger (whoever she is) in order to help right the injustice that Harl and Brian Towne perpetrated on the people of Peru.
Oh yes, our council hired another "selected candidate" to be an apprentice lineman. When are we going to hire someone with a real name? We're always hiring "selected candidates".
Baker Lake is good, but not ideal in my mind. The proximity to houses just bothers me. I think observing from the Mall parking lot and launching over the corn field is safer. Parking is also no issue.
I was wondering if one needs a permit to drop a big, ugly, shipping container on a property like someone did at the garage door shop on Shooting Park Road. It doesn't add to the neighborhood. I'd hate to see these things appearing all over the community.
12:41
Why don't you take this idea to the rec. board and answer all the questions that have been asked and answered before. Lighting parking food entertainment.
Let us know how that works out for you..
Been there done that
1:19 Lighting - rent portable lights as they did for the concerts. Parking - Aldi's, CVS,etc. and bus in. Food and entertainment - I believe the CSO would cooperate 100%. As far as the homes in that neighborhood - they are no where near the lake or the shooting sight (that has been approved for safety by not just 1 but 2 pyrotech technicians). There are pluses and minuses no matter where you choose to have the fireworks. You work around them and solve them just as they did for the concerts that took a lot more planning and execution than the fireworks would. We bent over backwards for a promoter to make money (and that's ok)so, why can't we do it for the people of Peru and the 4th of July celebration? If it's that big a problem (which I don't think it is) let's just drop it entirely and save the money.
12:20 When did a pretend official come knocking on your door saying everyone wants it at Baker Lake? And since when do they need your approval to do as they please with a city park?
2:16
Will you provide a fire hose for each homeowner around Baker Lake?
Will you replace my sod and lawn ornaments from damage caused by Baker Lake fireworks?
Will everyone have flashlights for the event?
Will you be able to get through crowds for a emergency at Baker Lake fireworks?
Did you know that anybody who shoots fireworks is a pyrotech technician? I bet they would tell you they can shoot off fireworks in a phonebooth without damage.
You know that park was never intended to be used by everyday people, right? The just didn't have enough money to make a golf course for that subdivision.
2:38 Did you forget that for many, many years the fireworks were held at Washington Park? Those homes are across the street and yet the city found it ok to hold the fireworks there and I don't believe there was ever a major problem. Your homes are no where near the 600' radius that is needed for safe shooting of fireworks. Is there any guarantee that a spark would never reach your home - of course not. However, the possibility is miniscule and no true pyrotech technician would approve of shooting them off in a phone booth. You are being ridiculous.
3:30 - during that time period it was also acceptable to:
1. Let your newborn baby sleep on the dashboard of a moving car.
2. Drink beer while driving with the newborn baby - as long as you kept it under 12 cans.
3. Let kids walk to the mall - in Joliet.
4. Smoke everywhere - including the gas station.
Nope... you can't convince me that launching explosives in the middle of a residential area is a good idea. Even the airport is a better place. But not ideal.
Come to think of it... Why not have a laser light show at Baker Lake? Why do we have to blow things up? A laser show is much less costly.
Baker Lake is definitely a big enough area to safely shoot off the fireworks. No houses would be damaged. You are being ridiculous 2:38 pm. That park is huge. I can be done there and it should be done there.
4:10, it is a non starter. The people that live there will not let it happen.
Fire Works are so hillbilly. Give a few bucks to LaSalle and let them shoot them off. We don't need them. The CSO can set up their beer tent in LaSalle. Seriously - this Red Neck activity is not something we should have in Peru.
7:56
Why is it every time something you don't like or agree with gets published in the local newspaper or is mentioned on the radio or at a council/committee meeting, its a lie or a conspiracy? Why is it every time some one mentions TEST, you go overboard with hard critics and accusations of those running the company. First, if you don't like the local newspaper, don't read it. You have that right as a citizens of democracy. It's like that little knob on the radio labeled "power". If you don't like "Rod in the morning" turn him off. I for one think TEST is just trying to do a job its been hired to do. Apparently they have been doing it quite well since the waste water industry thinks they are deserving of the best operated award in the state. Oh wait, that group also is coerced into given TEST the award because of all the dinners and golf outings and freebies the company gives away to the nominating committee. You sound so silly and really don't lend any credibility to this blog when you say such foolish things.
@6:32 pm, if the FAA says we can't shoot fireworks from the airport because Baker Lake is a good alternative (and to be able to have them at the airport, it has to be the only available location, which it is not) and residents won't allow the fireworks to happen at Baker Lake, and Water Street is flooded, I guess we can just do without fireworks forever.
8:37 PM, 7:56 has an opinion, just as you have an opinion. 7:56 sounds no more silly criticizing TEST and the city as you do defending TEST and the city. What is your problem? Personally, I find it refreshing when a city, a company, or a newspaper is called out for manipulating the facts in order to influence the public. I did a little research and guess what? For your information, the water industry has not awarded TEST anything. Nor do they think TEST is deserving of anything. I found out that water service companies or cities submit their own nominations for these awards each year and I learned that fewer than 10% of the all Illinois cities even bother to nominate themselves. I also learned that TEST company officials have been nominating themselves every year for the past 25 plus years and this is actually the first time they have made the cut into the top ten persent of the few cities that nominate themselves each year. Now, if you read the article again knowing the truth about how this "water industry" nomination process works you have to ask yourself this question. Who sounds silly praising and promoting TEST? The company official and the alderman or 7:56 AM? It's really no contest, just like the phony water industry award itself. It's just another scam by the city and the newspaper. Sorry.
10:42. The only stipulation from the Federal Government is that any proceeds benefit aviation and prior notice is given. They do not care if there are "other available locations."
Personally - I'm against having them at all. We don't have enough money to put on a first class event so why bother.
We can't consider Baker Lake for fireworks for the same reason we can't consider it for Concerts for a Cause.
We are having too much fun with this fireworks show. Is the issue worth the amount of time that the city is spending to insure Peruvians have a happy July ? To those who spend time and money for 20 minutes of booms----what for? Why is this of such importance? Do we need more beer drinking events?
11:31 am you should check your facts. One of the stipulations for having the concerts at the airport was there was no other viable location. If they FAA looks around, they will find Baker Lake is a suitable location, and may say the fireworks can be held there and should not be at the airport.
11.14
Sorry to pop your bubble. But I know for a fact, that the company does not nominate themselves. This award is nominated by industry officials and also the Illinois EPA.
Have you read the new article in the newspaper about the task force recommendation and how well the city is running?
It is common in many industry to essentially purchase awards from trade organizations.
11:31, that may be our stipulation, but it is not the FAA's. I read their rules and procedures regarding airport closures for pyrotechnic events. It is downloadable from the FAA web page.
"FAA supports the limited non-aeronautical use of airport facilities as long as there is not total closure of the airport. Safeguards must be in place to protect the aeronautical use of the airport. However, should the FAA decide to allow this activity on the airport, any revenue derived from this purpose must revert to the airport fund itself. Existing federal law prohibits the diversion of any airport revenue to a city or county general fund."
"(1). Nonaeronautical Events. An airport developed or improved with federal funds may not be closed to use the airport facilities for special outdoor events, such as sports car races, county fairs, parades, car testing, model airplane events, etc., without FAA approval. This has been the FAA policy since 1961 as outlined in Compliance Requirements Part 6.00 (July 1961). In certain circumstances where promoting aviation awareness through such nonaeronautical activities as model airplane flying, etc., the FAA does support the limited use of airport facilities so long as there is not total closure of the airport. In these cases, safeguards need to be established to protect the aeronautical use of the airport while the nonaeronautical activities are in progress and to ensure that safety is not compromised."
I searched Illinois Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics website and found the following items that need to be met in order to have a non-aeronautical event at an Illinois airport:
1. The need to conduct the event at the airport is justified.
2. Details of the event are provided on FAA Form 7460-1 (attached) for an operational safety and airspace review.
3. The event is widely supported by the airport tenants and the community at large.
4. The event will not adversely affect aviation activity at the facility.
5. There is a quantifiable, documented financial benefit to the airport.
6. Adequate insurance policies will be in force during the event.
7. Any damage resulting from the event will be repaired to previous condition.
8. Appropriate NOTAMS will be issued (as applicable).
Please note #1, the most important item, states:
The need to conduct the event at the airport is justified. It is not justified to have it at the Peru airport because Baker Lake is another location where the fireworks would work.
9:38. That is not justification. I don't want it at the Airport and I don't want it at Baker Lake. Both areas are a stupid place to conduct this event.
The only choices I will support are:
1. Cancelling the event all together - forever.
2. Working with our retail businesses near I-80 and using their parking lots to view and lunch the explosives.
3. Giving LaSalle money to have it at the new Rotary Park.
I like the last idea 11:38. If Peru joined with LaSalle, it could turn out to be a very positive event for all.
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