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
the blog is funny. awhile back people were complaining about the lack of focus on the downtown in Peru. now the city gets a nice new store downtown and you complain about it.
I don't blame the Peru City Council for the high cost of this building. The city would probably save half a million if there was no prevailing wage law imposed by the state legislature.
7:14, prevailing wage is controlled locally. The state law only requires local governments to set one.
I don't think anyone is complaining that the development is happening. People are complaining that our Government operates in secret. I think that if last year "they" said that they would be actively seeking someone to purchase the property and that if they could find somebody they would need to build a new public works building - everyone would be OK.
4:30 I believe the City thinks it can send demolition and fill debris to local farmlands without testing and paying for disposal. What they forget is that contaminants remain and show up in groundwater and streams. If you dont do it right the first time, you end up paying hundreds of times more to do it the hard way.
7:14, meanwhile, the Dollar General People will bring their own crew of non union workers. I'm betting even the demolition will be handled by out of area contractors. Maybe if we are lucky they guys will stay in the Holiday Inn Express and generate Hotel Motel taxes and additional revenue for the TIF Sucker.
5:53 PM, Actually, you are funnier. You already have the "nice new store" built and the "old environmental hazard building" a distant memory. Just like Peru's phony city officials, you reveal your ignorance by putting the cart before the horse. This whole thing is basically just a scam to provide a phony sense of urgency to justify the rush rush rush to break ground on a new overpriced, over the top, oversized, "Public Services Building". This is not a "Public Works Building" as they want us to believe. It will all be revised, re-designed, and re-evaluated numerous times before it's all over to include fancy offices, a Cop Shop with all the bells and whistles, a Firehouse with all the bells and whistles and extra space for more offices for more overcompensated appointed officials and their assistants and the assistants to the assistants assistants. If I am wrong about this building be the "All In One" building then rest assured there will be another over-ambitious building announcement coming soon. Harl has promised Bernabei a new Cop Shop and King a new Firehouse in return for their continued political allegiance and campaign contributions. In fact, I will not be surprised if Bernie doesn't attempt to immortalize himself by having Harl and the aldermen put his name on the new building. In Peru it just gets more and more ridiculous with how arrogant and power hungry these people are.
8:37 What are drinking,smoking or did you hit your head. Where did you read that the new P/W building is going to be a cop Fire shop???. all you want to do is stir up rumors and spread misinformation.
You must be one of the people who have nothing better to with their day.
I am done reading this blog. Never have I read such _____. When will you run for office?
Did anyone ask the neighbors if they wanted a Dollar General Store located there?
What time will the store close at night? How will traffic and other issues be monitored? It is a discount store, so a different clientele will be attracted to the area. Will the store sell liquor and tobacco?
Is our Planning Commission active and does this fall in line with the oval City of Peru Development Plan? What will the building look like? What kind of "shrubbery" will be required? The parking lot entrance / exit does not appear adequate in the drawing published in the paper. The parking lot does not seem sufficient for that type of a store - how to they plan on keeping people from parking on the street? Is the electric service large enough for a retail operation that has multiple refrigerators and freezers? When will deliveries be allowed? Will semi trucks block the residential street during deliveries?
10:42. Absolutely not. Why would it be a crime? In fact, I believe that is the preferred method around here because the local unions make things so difficult. The only jobs local construction workers get are on government jobs.
Also, many of these retail stores have a fixed design for new buildings. They can get is put up in a very short period of time. Much of it is prefabricated and they just bot everything together. It would cost way to much - both in time and money - to use local labor.
TO: The Ardent Supporters of the Peru City Council and Mayor Harl Administration.
To understand some of the assumptions and leaps that are made on this blog, you need to realize that most of the commenters have a degree of interest in government. With this interest, comes a great deal of reading. The first thing one notices, even as a casual follower of government affairs in Illinoi, is that we have more than our fair share of criminals involved in the various local governments. Just following the laws of probability, one quickly comes to the concluding that it is a safe bet that if a public official tells you something it is false - to some degree. Because, when they do tell you something, they are trying to get something. So their words are carefully crafted to leave out important details. They only want you to know just enough to get whatever it is they are trying to do approved. That is why Mayor Harl refuses to answer questions at a City Council Meeting. A reasonably intelligent person can detect a lie by simply asking "why" five times. You never get to the true reason that anyone does anything until the fifth why. The other reason that Mayor Harl does not allow questions is because he does not want any record of the question being answered.
That brings up the another point. For those of you that say - "ask your alderman", I respond that I will only do this in a written form in which their response can be traced back to them (such as a city email address or letter). Why? you ask? Simple - the written word is law in our culture. Truths can be stretched and misinterpreted on conversation. Conversation is not to be trusted.
Anyway. I hope that clears some things up. We in Illinois are safe to assume that our public officials are corrupt. We can assume that anything local government does is to benefit one individual or another it is most often not directly tied to the decision makers. And finally, in Illinois if a politician tells you something - some part of it is a lie.
Our local labor is excellent. Why would we not want to use local labor? Vissering construction and companies like that (to name just one) provide a lot of jobs and are well known far outside of our area for their work. Besides, why would you NOT want a private company to use local labor? This costs you nothing and only helps our local economy.
For the fool who thinks the local municipality sets the prevailing wage, you are 100 percent dead wrong. It is by county, it is based on an index and all local units of governments have to follow it. But it has nothing to do with a private development project.
While some of you like to feel special by acting like our city is run by a bunch of amateurs and criticize their professionals, apparently you missed the fact that locally elected people are supposed to be just that. Regular people. Our city council is most definitely made up of normal average people. They do what other cities do, which is hire professional people to do the technical pieces of running it. That is how it is done. Everywhere.
The funniest part is reading about how every time something good happens, the same shallow minded people say the same things. It is a scam. This is it for the city! It's only a matter of time. Council members are somehow getting greased under the table. The idiot "butter" guy will make his comments.
In the end, you people will continue to live in apparent misery while most of us citizens keep looking forward. That is, those of us that understand a free market system and basic economics. Peru has its struggles, and yet we continue to develop. Do we need better paying jobs? Yes! The city council and mayor would take EVERY single one they can get, but it is not that easy. They don't get to decide.
Having said all of this and as 9:56 also stated, why don't you run for office? STOP saying it is unfair. It IS fair. You run on your platform and knock on every door and tell people shy they should vote for you.
Losers make excuses. Winners make things happen. Which one are you? All I see here are whining and excuses.
Our town is as typical as they come in many ways, and yet we have what so many others desire. A decent tax base. Excellent schools. We are actually building some new homes in Peru. We are getting a little development here and there. Where the heck else is that happening around here.
We are far from perfect. Not even close. I don't agree with everything our city leaders do. But for the life of me, I cannot understand the crying and whining. Run for office. Campaign for someone you like. If you get beat, dust off and try again. BUT STOP THE CRYING. No one will ever listen to a whiner and no whiner has ever made anything better.
Losers make excuses. Winner make things happen. Which one are you?
Well written article. If you are a person that relies on blogs for the answers, you truly have been misguided. Most of the comments are not ideas or answers. Most of the comments are to discredit each and every individual who holds office, many are to create conspiracy of a personal nature. How many times has name calling come up? Hey, I agree they ran for office and may deserve those. Its just that you shouldn't rely on this forum for answers.
Sounds like you hit the Kool-Aid a little early 1:32. You are right about one thing. We do have good labor in the Illinois Valley. It is sad that they are held back by our local Labor Unions.
Prevailing wage is a joke. Every year, the City of Peru passes an ordinance setting the "prevailing wage." Why? Do the construction workers get paid differently when the work on a non government project? Oh yah, that is right. I haven't seen any local companies working on non government projects. Those projects are always brought in from other areas.
bread and butter, bread and butter. Give your friends some work, get a little bit in the war chest.
Nobody ever knows that corruption is happening until the politician is caught. Everyone thought Rita was the greatest thing since sliced bread - until they noticed she buttered her own.
Then there are the little things like an extra discontent on a new car when the government buys a car. Free pizza on Friday night. A couple of beers after a committee meeting. Dinners in Chicago. Trip to Florida to look at a fire truck. Hunting trips in the fall with all the boys. A round of golf in the summer. Lunches. Free IPhones. Travel reimbursement at 3X the Federal Government rate. Free office space. on and on and on.........
To 1:32 pm, You are right about one thing. Peru and its elected and appointed officials are "very" far form perfect. Part of the problem is the arrogance they possess leads them to believe they are perfect or very close to it. Your ramblings touting Peru as exceptional are incorrect. Peru leaders and its citizens like you need to learn a little humility. We are not better than others. BTW, you should not accuse others of not understanding a "free market system and basic economics". If you were better informed and more aware of the operating principles practiced by Peru's elected officials you would know that Peru's leaders totally disregard the "free market system" by awarding multi-million dollar No-Bid contracts to politically connected companies, aka TEST. Furthermore, legitimate "basic economics" in municipal government never includes excessive salaries for politically appointed officials and a bloated payrolls like Peru currently has. Be advised, I'm not whining or crying. I'm not even upset. I'm just trying to inform a very uninformed blogger. I actually see myself as a "winner" who makes things happen. For instance, I just set you straight and made you very angry in the process. I win!
I think the overarching point is that our local government officials need to explain in detail and justify EVERY action they take.
If they come to me asking to buy a new car, I want to see all the maintenance records and the current value of the old car. I want to see everything that car was used for since the city purchased it. I want to see what they plan on using the new car for in the future. That is the only way that I can say, "yes, they did their due diligence and the new car is justified."
What do we get now? We get, "Can we afford it" "Yes, we can write a check." Unsatisfactory!
2:37 This would make a great story and book. Can you prove any of it and is any of it true. 3X mileage rates? Free pizza? Florida? Is any of this done on the taxpayer dime? Lets get to the bottom of this story. Cars? Women? We all love a good political drama.
The crime rate for members of Chicago City Council is higher than rates in the city’s most violent neighborhoods, with 33 aldermen convicted and sent to jail since 1973
The Florida Trip and mileage are documented in the monthly financial reports.
The rest is just talk but probably true based on the character of the individuals involved. We will never know until the "big one" happens and they start digging. I'm willing to bet that a good accountant and investigator could find many things. But we will need to wait until a significant event mandates a closer look.
In the summer of 2013, The Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, Treasurer, and City Clerk all went to Florida for a week to tour the fire truck factory.
This is the type of thing the "Public Officials" do as a perk for their "hard work."
The first rule of thumb when dealing with our "local yokels" - Assume they have some sort of scam running.
Second rule of thumb when dealing with our "local yokels" - assume anything they tell you is partially false. Either through omission or deception - you will never get the whole truth from any of them.
Now then.... about that "Gourmet Burger Joint" and the power plant "scrappers".....
To 1:32 PP, Peru's elected officials regularly ignore "Free Market Principles" by awarding millions of dollars in contracts to connected companies like TEST, Chamlin, Illinois Valley Excavating, and many other insider companies. Here is the most recent example right off the pages of the local Fish-Wrapper. Eric Carls reported at Monday's council meeting that he will be negotiating with a construction manager (aka Vissering) who will oversee building construction. Now pay attention 1:32 PM, Carls also stated he espects the nfoundation stated the foundation to be completed before the end of the month. So, the knuckleheads are going to start construction, yet there was no bid process for any foundation work and there was no vote by the council to approve and proceed with any foundation work. So, I'm going to take an educated guess on which local concrete contractor, who by the way donates to Harl's campaign fund, might already be laying forms for the new Taj Majol PW Building. Answer: Ladzinski Concrete or Illinois Valley Excavating. Even if this work has not yet begun it will be "arranged" by Peru's elected officials to "steer" that work to Ladzinski or another connected contractor. If they are pressed to explain this corrupt move on their part they will claim that they must move "fast" for cold weather is upon us. This is just one typical example of Peru corruption. Also, Chamlin will of course be given a healthy taste of the engineering as well. When Vissering assumes the management duties they will already have been instructed by Peru's ethically challenged mayor and aldermen to "steer as much work to the connected Peru companies as possible via No-Bid contracts". They are sooooo predictable.
7:49 you are exactly right. There is no need to pour that cement foundation this month. They can wait til the spring. There are not even plans drawn for this building (at least none made available to the public). The city is moving way too fast on this project, and it's all so they can give the work to who they want because there is no time to go out for bids. The Dollar General store deal is not signed, so their urgency to move with this project is unfounded.
Educated guess? Uneducated bias opinion is more like it. The construction manager concept has been around for a long time. You may not have been involved in construction. Each aspect of the construction is a bid process. Because this is a government job the bidders must be insured and bonded. With it being a public job, I would imagine that the bids will be open for public inspection. Like every job there are timetables and standards to meet, its only responsible that those who bid can meet those directions. If you and Uncle Tom want to pour a foundation you may want to review the specifications prior to giving a bid. I don't know anything about the Mayor Harl campaign coffers and its a new concept that small town politicians raise money to run for office, I guess that was a big deal to get Harl in the Mayor chair. The only point is that the construction process is very open and transparent with a construction manager and city engineer, provided that they are competent.
That is not true 9:34. They each submitted a travel claim. I will agree that the Fire Truck Company did pay part of it - but isn't that considered a bribe? You know... "spend your tax dollars on us and we will give you a trip to Florida."
The Federal Government ethics laws make it illegal for government officials to accept anything from a vendor. If they absolutely need to inspect a production facility, the government pays for it.
how do they know the size of the foundation if they don't have a building plans made yet. Why are Aldermen talking about the style of bricks if a budget is not set.
I know why - because it has all been decided already in secret. The entire deal is done, just need to have a few pesky meetings to rubber stamp it all.
If it is simply a steel building on a concrete slab, why the construction manger? Morton Building, General Steel, and all the others provide a turnkey solution. Unless of course, we are going with something a little more complex that will require multiple construction companies... and fancy bricks .... and butter.
Who was the sales rep. for the fire truck. Been told from a reliable source that the fire chief know a sales rep. /family long time friend for the company. Does this make one wonder whether other reputable companies were sought-after. Did he get $$$ under the table for purchase from company or a kickback? Still makes one wonder why donation money from Liberty Fire Company was given to offset. I st to us taxpayers. Also, is Liberty stashing $$ for a new fire facility. Are we getting screwed so to speak???
of course there was something under the table. the trip to florida was only one of them . that is how Harl has it set up to work. A free lunch here, maybe a shoe box over there or an envelope over here...
11:06 Get off the Kool-Aid! The fire truck purchase was recommended by the group of firefighters. Donation money should be in the millions for the new station, from Liberty annual fundraising? Kool-Aid! One wonders too much? You need help to get off the conspiracy fire truck.
11:51 It doesn't matter. I have heard rumblings of both fire departments combining and LaSalle will take over calls and won't need Peru (paid) volunteers anymore. Too much controversy with Peru and high call outs?
There is no controversy with Peru and high call outs (Peru has more money or means of obtaining it than Warren Buffet)! Also how many votes do you think would be lost and someone else will gain if a paid volunteer would have his job eliminated. These are not only CEO votes but also all elected officials votes and their appointments plus vendors. Rumblings such as this are only for the sake of those who want to light the fire to keep the pot hot. Who could stand the heat of recently investing over 1/2 million in a fire truck and than shutting the fire department down, besides Chief Bernabei enjoys having more under his wing rather than less for certain incentives. How many of the Peru Ambulance personnel are Peru residents and how many are non Peru residents because it appears that Peru is directed towards a updated fire department encompassing all services available. This also means many more full time jobs. As the job market tightened up it has become harder for volunteers of all fields to leave work during work hours to fight fires. In conclusion Peru and LaSalle governments do not think alike. Very similar to the Yanks and Rebels of the civil war.
I'm really getting sick and tired of this city's representatives. I mean seriously... They take a decrepit public works building that has served as the fueling and storage facility for City trucks and equipment since before any of us were born, and is likely contaminated, and looks like it might collapse any second, and would likely cost over $100,000 to demolish and remediate, and is located in an area of the City absolutely starved of non-gambling parlor retail development, and WHAT DO THEY DO? They "sell" this City's treasured liability to Dollar General for $1 so they can construct a beautiful new store designed to specifications dictated by the City engineer and design-review committee. Yep, as you probably guessed, this will be the Taj Mahal of Dollar General stores. "El Chapo" and his closest faithful wouldn't dare allow them to build a cheap tin-can store like the one in Spring Valley ruin the aesthetic appeal they continue to strive for with all new City construction. Can anyone tell me why we be more like Streator????
11:31, nice try at sarcasm. The point is not what they are doing. It is how they are getting it accomplished. They plan in secret and when it comes time to execute, everything is pushed through in a hurry. Nobody is saying that it is not good that the old HJ Tobler Transfer Warehouse is being sold and demolished and developed into retail space. I think everyone thinks that is wonderful. But.... at the same time, the city is going to construct another building and it appears that this is going to be a very expensive building. If all they wanted was a utilitarian Public Works Garage with workshops and office space - a prefabricated steel building on a concrete slab would serve wonderfully for many decades. But no..... that is not good enough for Peru. They are not saying much about the building - but there are quotes from aldermen about what type of brick will be used and that it needs to look good - in the same style as our city hall building on fourth street. They are hiring a construction manager, which implies multiple contractors will be employed to build this new public works center. Since they refuse to publically discuss this - and by discuss I mean put a plan in writing for all to see - we as citizens are forced to assume the worse. They are going to build a monument for the ages and spend many millions of dollars to do so. Someone said they will use the profits from the sale of electricity to fund it. That is so moronic - that money needs to be used to upgrade our electric grid. But no - that is not sexy and it will not provide Local 150 jobs and connected contractors with huge profits.
I'm so sick of the people of the City of Peru allowing their government to operate behind closed doors.
I find it rather disturbing and ironic that the aldermen are concerned with rather or not the new public works building will aesthetically pleasing and even go so far as wanting it to somewhat mimic city hall. Yet, just several feet down the road green porta potties decorate the road side. Aesthetically pleasing? Think not!!
Years ago petrol was pumped on the grounds of Tobler transfer. What is the history of the gas tanks - are they still there or removed? Does the public works dept. pump its own gas at site at a much lower rate and if so why doesn't the police dept utilize this facility? What prevention's does this facility have to prevent siphoning gas illegally besides keeping the lights on all night?
Does anyone remember when Mayor Harl did away with the Peru Downtown Redevelopment Committee and then established the Design and Review Committee with his chosen people? This is how the Public Works bldg will be designed and approved and was how evidently the mayor wanted control over any building put up in Peru, as he wants it done. All this was planned since he found out he could manipulate how things were done in Peru behind the scenes.
Peru does not have a fuel farm. It was recommended several years ago that the city purchase one of the gas stations that closed down and use it. Doing so would allow the city to purchase in bulk and save tens of thousands of dollars a year. However, a group of local business men complained and the project never go off the ground.
Any fueling done at the Tobler warehouse was limited. I remember seeing above ground tanks back in the 70's.
Mayor Harl disbanded the Downtown and created a new one because of some vocal opposition.
Our Design and Review committee is not active. They have not had a meeting since June and only get involved if a variance is needed.
The new public works building will be up north by the electric department. The word on the street is the police and fire departments will move up there also. The current PD / FD will be demolished and the land sold to the hospital for a dollar so they can build another medical clinic.
All of the retailers up north have pretty much demanded that Peru put a police station with dedicated policemen and a fire department with full time fire fighters up north. They are being hit pretty hard on insurance.
10:33 Now that you've mentioned those porta-potties won't they be the first thing visitors to the airport xmas light display will see when they exit the airport onto Plank Road? Also not aesthetically pleasing aldermen!
All the Christmas light wathers will be funneled to the Fresh Tomatoes Guy's place to buy $5.00 hot coco and $10.00 hot dogs as part of a "winter fun fest for a profit."
58 comments:
OK - then how do we maintain the electric grid? Unbelievable!
We should just sell off the electric department.
rumblings coming from Ottawa, new building will morph in to a complex, OSF eyeing People's - Harl Said Waldorf Said dot com.
The ordinance in the packet does not mention who is responsible for environmental cleanup.
I know for a fact that the place is contaminated.
4:30 I believe that is another aspect of finalizing this deal (i.e. that DG be responsible for the clean up).
the blog is funny. awhile back people were complaining about the lack of focus on the downtown in Peru. now the city gets a nice new store downtown and you complain about it.
I don't blame the Peru City Council for the high cost of this building. The city would probably save half a million if there was no prevailing wage law imposed by the state legislature.
7:14, prevailing wage is controlled locally. The state law only requires local governments to set one.
I don't think anyone is complaining that the development is happening. People are complaining that our Government operates in secret. I think that if last year "they" said that they would be actively seeking someone to purchase the property and that if they could find somebody they would need to build a new public works building - everyone would be OK.
4:30 I believe the City thinks it can send demolition and fill debris to local farmlands without testing and paying for disposal. What they forget is that contaminants remain and show up in groundwater and streams. If you dont do it right the first time, you end up paying hundreds of times more to do it the hard way.
7:14, meanwhile, the Dollar General People will bring their own crew of non union workers. I'm betting even the demolition will be handled by out of area contractors. Maybe if we are lucky they guys will stay in the Holiday Inn Express and generate Hotel Motel taxes and additional revenue for the TIF Sucker.
5:53 PM, Actually, you are funnier. You already have the "nice new store" built and the "old environmental hazard building" a distant memory. Just like Peru's phony city officials, you reveal your ignorance by putting the cart before the horse. This whole thing is basically just a scam to provide a phony sense of urgency to justify the rush rush rush to break ground on a new overpriced, over the top, oversized, "Public Services Building". This is not a "Public Works Building" as they want us to believe. It will all be revised, re-designed, and re-evaluated numerous times before it's all over to include fancy offices, a Cop Shop with all the bells and whistles, a Firehouse with all the bells and whistles and extra space for more offices for more overcompensated appointed officials and their assistants and the assistants to the assistants assistants. If I am wrong about this building be the "All In One" building then rest assured there will be another over-ambitious building announcement coming soon. Harl has promised Bernabei a new Cop Shop and King a new Firehouse in return for their continued political allegiance and campaign contributions. In fact, I will not be surprised if Bernie doesn't attempt to immortalize himself by having Harl and the aldermen put his name on the new building. In Peru it just gets more and more ridiculous with how arrogant and power hungry these people are.
8:37 What are drinking,smoking or did you hit your head. Where did you read that the new P/W building is going to be a cop Fire shop???. all you want to do is stir up rumors and spread misinformation.
You must be one of the people who have nothing better to with their day.
I am done reading this blog. Never have I read such _____. When will you run for office?
A Union Truck Driver vs. a Union Crane Operator for State Representative. This should be a lively election.
9:56 he has run for office.......need we say more.
Did anyone ask the neighbors if they wanted a Dollar General Store located there?
What time will the store close at night? How will traffic and other issues be monitored? It is a discount store, so a different clientele will be attracted to the area. Will the store sell liquor and tobacco?
Is our Planning Commission active and does this fall in line with the oval City of Peru Development Plan? What will the building look like? What kind of "shrubbery" will be required? The parking lot entrance / exit does not appear adequate in the drawing published in the paper. The parking lot does not seem sufficient for that type of a store - how to they plan on keeping people from parking on the street? Is the electric service large enough for a retail operation that has multiple refrigerators and freezers? When will deliveries be allowed? Will semi trucks block the residential street during deliveries?
7:19 is it a crime to bring in your own construction crew?
10:42. Absolutely not. Why would it be a crime? In fact, I believe that is the preferred method around here because the local unions make things so difficult. The only jobs local construction workers get are on government jobs.
10:42 - nope. Just ask Marquis Energy.
Also, many of these retail stores have a fixed design for new buildings. They can get is put up in a very short period of time. Much of it is prefabricated and they just bot everything together. It would cost way to much - both in time and money - to use local labor.
TO: The Ardent Supporters of the Peru City Council and Mayor Harl Administration.
To understand some of the assumptions and leaps that are made on this blog, you need to realize that most of the commenters have a degree of interest in government. With this interest, comes a great deal of reading. The first thing one notices, even as a casual follower of government affairs in Illinoi, is that we have more than our fair share of criminals involved in the various local governments. Just following the laws of probability, one quickly comes to the concluding that it is a safe bet that if a public official tells you something it is false - to some degree. Because, when they do tell you something, they are trying to get something. So their words are carefully crafted to leave out important details. They only want you to know just enough to get whatever it is they are trying to do approved. That is why Mayor Harl refuses to answer questions at a City Council Meeting. A reasonably intelligent person can detect a lie by simply asking "why" five times. You never get to the true reason that anyone does anything until the fifth why. The other reason that Mayor Harl does not allow questions is because he does not want any record of the question being answered.
That brings up the another point. For those of you that say - "ask your alderman", I respond that I will only do this in a written form in which their response can be traced back to them (such as a city email address or letter). Why? you ask? Simple - the written word is law in our culture. Truths can be stretched and misinterpreted on conversation. Conversation is not to be trusted.
Anyway. I hope that clears some things up. We in Illinois are safe to assume that our public officials are corrupt. We can assume that anything local government does is to benefit one individual or another it is most often not directly tied to the decision makers. And finally, in Illinois if a politician tells you something - some part of it is a lie.
Our local labor is excellent. Why would we not want to use local labor? Vissering construction and companies like that (to name just one) provide a lot of jobs and are well known far outside of our area for their work. Besides, why would you NOT want a private company to use local labor? This costs you nothing and only helps our local economy.
For the fool who thinks the local municipality sets the prevailing wage, you are 100 percent dead wrong. It is by county, it is based on an index and all local units of governments have to follow it. But it has nothing to do with a private development project.
While some of you like to feel special by acting like our city is run by a bunch of amateurs and criticize their professionals, apparently you missed the fact that locally elected people are supposed to be just that. Regular people. Our city council is most definitely made up of normal average people. They do what other cities do, which is hire professional people to do the technical pieces of running it. That is how it is done. Everywhere.
The funniest part is reading about how every time something good happens, the same shallow minded people say the same things. It is a scam. This is it for the city! It's only a matter of time. Council members are somehow getting greased under the table. The idiot "butter" guy will make his comments.
In the end, you people will continue to live in apparent misery while most of us citizens keep looking forward. That is, those of us that understand a free market system and basic economics. Peru has its struggles, and yet we continue to develop. Do we need better paying jobs? Yes! The city council and mayor would take EVERY single one they can get, but it is not that easy. They don't get to decide.
Having said all of this and as 9:56 also stated, why don't you run for office? STOP saying it is unfair. It IS fair. You run on your platform and knock on every door and tell people shy they should vote for you.
Losers make excuses. Winners make things happen. Which one are you? All I see here are whining and excuses.
Our town is as typical as they come in many ways, and yet we have what so many others desire. A decent tax base. Excellent schools. We are actually building some new homes in Peru. We are getting a little development here and there. Where the heck else is that happening around here.
We are far from perfect. Not even close. I don't agree with everything our city leaders do. But for the life of me, I cannot understand the crying and whining. Run for office. Campaign for someone you like. If you get beat, dust off and try again. BUT STOP THE CRYING. No one will ever listen to a whiner and no whiner has ever made anything better.
Losers make excuses. Winner make things happen. Which one are you?
12:44
Well written article. If you are a person that relies on blogs for the answers, you truly have been misguided. Most of the comments are not ideas or answers. Most of the comments are to discredit each and every individual who holds office, many are to create conspiracy of a personal nature. How many times has name calling come up? Hey, I agree they ran for office and may deserve those. Its just that you shouldn't rely on this forum for answers.
Sounds like you hit the Kool-Aid a little early 1:32. You are right about one thing. We do have good labor in the Illinois Valley. It is sad that they are held back by our local Labor Unions.
Prevailing wage is a joke. Every year, the City of Peru passes an ordinance setting the "prevailing wage." Why? Do the construction workers get paid differently when the work on a non government project? Oh yah, that is right. I haven't seen any local companies working on non government projects. Those projects are always brought in from other areas.
bread and butter, bread and butter. Give your friends some work, get a little bit in the war chest.
Nobody ever knows that corruption is happening until the politician is caught. Everyone thought Rita was the greatest thing since sliced bread - until they noticed she buttered her own.
Then there are the little things like an extra discontent on a new car when the government buys a car. Free pizza on Friday night. A couple of beers after a committee meeting. Dinners in Chicago. Trip to Florida to look at a fire truck. Hunting trips in the fall with all the boys. A round of golf in the summer. Lunches. Free IPhones. Travel reimbursement at 3X the Federal Government rate. Free office space. on and on and on.........
To 1:32 pm, You are right about one thing. Peru and its elected and appointed officials are "very" far form perfect. Part of the problem is the arrogance they possess leads them to believe they are perfect or very close to it. Your ramblings touting Peru as exceptional are incorrect. Peru leaders and its citizens like you need to learn a little humility. We are not better than others. BTW, you should not accuse others of not understanding a "free market system and basic economics". If you were better informed and more aware of the operating principles practiced by Peru's elected officials you would know that Peru's leaders totally disregard the "free market system" by awarding multi-million dollar No-Bid contracts to politically connected companies, aka TEST. Furthermore, legitimate "basic economics" in municipal government never includes excessive salaries for politically appointed officials and a bloated payrolls like Peru currently has. Be advised, I'm not whining or crying. I'm not even upset. I'm just trying to inform a very uninformed blogger. I actually see myself as a "winner" who makes things happen. For instance, I just set you straight and made you very angry in the process. I win!
I think the overarching point is that our local government officials need to explain in detail and justify EVERY action they take.
If they come to me asking to buy a new car, I want to see all the maintenance records and the current value of the old car. I want to see everything that car was used for since the city purchased it. I want to see what they plan on using the new car for in the future. That is the only way that I can say, "yes, they did their due diligence and the new car is justified."
What do we get now? We get, "Can we afford it" "Yes, we can write a check." Unsatisfactory!
2:37 This would make a great story and book. Can you prove any of it and is any of it true. 3X mileage rates? Free pizza? Florida? Is any of this done on the taxpayer dime? Lets get to the bottom of this story. Cars? Women? We all love a good political drama.
The crime rate for members of Chicago City Council is higher than rates in the city’s most violent neighborhoods, with 33 aldermen convicted and sent to jail since 1973
The Florida Trip and mileage are documented in the monthly financial reports.
The rest is just talk but probably true based on the character of the individuals involved. We will never know until the "big one" happens and they start digging. I'm willing to bet that a good accountant and investigator could find many things. But we will need to wait until a significant event mandates a closer look.
When dealing with government officials, nothing is ever as it first appears. How many examples do we need?
In the summer of 2013, The Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, Treasurer, and City Clerk all went to Florida for a week to tour the fire truck factory.
This is the type of thing the "Public Officials" do as a perk for their "hard work."
The first rule of thumb when dealing with our "local yokels" - Assume they have some sort of scam running.
Second rule of thumb when dealing with our "local yokels" - assume anything they tell you is partially false. Either through omission or deception - you will never get the whole truth from any of them.
Now then.... about that "Gourmet Burger Joint" and the power plant "scrappers".....
To 1:32 PP, Peru's elected officials regularly ignore "Free Market Principles" by awarding millions of dollars in contracts to connected companies like TEST, Chamlin, Illinois Valley Excavating, and many other insider companies. Here is the most recent example right off the pages of the local Fish-Wrapper. Eric Carls reported at Monday's council meeting that he will be negotiating with a construction manager (aka Vissering) who will oversee building construction. Now pay attention 1:32 PM, Carls also stated he espects the nfoundation stated the foundation to be completed before the end of the month. So, the knuckleheads are going to start construction, yet there was no bid process for any foundation work and there was no vote by the council to approve and proceed with any foundation work. So, I'm going to take an educated guess on which local concrete contractor, who by the way donates to Harl's campaign fund, might already be laying forms for the new Taj Majol PW Building. Answer: Ladzinski Concrete or Illinois Valley Excavating. Even if this work has not yet begun it will be "arranged" by Peru's elected officials to "steer" that work to Ladzinski or another connected contractor. If they are pressed to explain this corrupt move on their part they will claim that they must move "fast" for cold weather is upon us. This is just one typical example of Peru corruption. Also, Chamlin will of course be given a healthy taste of the engineering as well. When Vissering assumes the management duties they will already have been instructed by Peru's ethically challenged mayor and aldermen to "steer as much work to the connected Peru companies as possible via No-Bid contracts". They are sooooo predictable.
6:46
No public money was spent with the trip. Do you have anything else?
7:49 you are exactly right. There is no need to pour that cement foundation this month. They can wait til the spring. There are not even plans drawn for this building (at least none made available to the public). The city is moving way too fast on this project, and it's all so they can give the work to who they want because there is no time to go out for bids. The Dollar General store deal is not signed, so their urgency to move with this project is unfounded.
7:49
Educated guess? Uneducated bias opinion is more like it. The construction manager concept has been around for a long time. You may not have been involved in construction. Each aspect of the construction is a bid process. Because this is a government job the bidders must be insured and bonded. With it being a public job, I would imagine that the bids will be open for public inspection. Like every job there are timetables and standards to meet, its only responsible that those who bid can meet those directions. If you and Uncle Tom want to pour a foundation you may want to review the specifications prior to giving a bid.
I don't know anything about the Mayor Harl campaign coffers and its a new concept that small town politicians raise money to run for office, I guess that was a big deal to get Harl in the Mayor chair. The only point is that the construction process is very open and transparent with a construction manager and city engineer, provided that they are competent.
That is not true 9:34. They each submitted a travel claim. I will agree that the Fire Truck Company did pay part of it - but isn't that considered a bribe? You know... "spend your tax dollars on us and we will give you a trip to Florida."
The Federal Government ethics laws make it illegal for government officials to accept anything from a vendor. If they absolutely need to inspect a production facility, the government pays for it.
how do they know the size of the foundation if they don't have a building plans made yet. Why are Aldermen talking about the style of bricks if a budget is not set.
I know why - because it has all been decided already in secret. The entire deal is done, just need to have a few pesky meetings to rubber stamp it all.
7:49 Point well taken. The cost for laying the foundation was not discussed and the company that will do the work was not mentioned. Good catch!!
If it is simply a steel building on a concrete slab, why the construction manger? Morton Building, General Steel, and all the others provide a turnkey solution. Unless of course, we are going with something a little more complex that will require multiple construction companies... and fancy bricks .... and butter.
Who was the sales rep. for the fire truck. Been told from a reliable source that the fire chief know a sales rep. /family long time friend for the company. Does this make one wonder whether other reputable companies were sought-after. Did he get $$$ under the table for purchase from company or a kickback? Still makes one wonder why donation money from Liberty Fire Company was given to offset. I st to us taxpayers. Also, is Liberty stashing $$ for a new fire facility. Are we getting screwed so to speak???
of course there was something under the table. the trip to florida was only one of them . that is how Harl has it set up to work. A free lunch here, maybe a shoe box over there or an envelope over here...
11:06 Get off the Kool-Aid! The fire truck purchase was recommended by the group of firefighters. Donation money should be in the millions for the new station, from Liberty annual fundraising? Kool-Aid! One wonders too much? You need help to get off the conspiracy fire truck.
11:51 It doesn't matter. I have heard rumblings of both fire departments combining and LaSalle will take over calls and won't need Peru (paid) volunteers anymore. Too much controversy with Peru and high call outs?
There is no controversy with Peru and high call outs (Peru has more money or means of obtaining it than Warren Buffet)! Also how many votes do you think would be lost and someone else will gain if a paid volunteer would have his job eliminated. These are not only CEO votes but also all elected officials votes and their appointments plus vendors. Rumblings such as this are only for the sake of those who want to light the fire to keep the pot hot. Who could stand the heat of recently investing over 1/2 million in a fire truck and than shutting the fire department down, besides Chief Bernabei enjoys having more under his wing rather than less for certain incentives.
How many of the Peru Ambulance personnel are Peru residents and how many are non Peru residents because it appears that Peru is directed towards a updated fire department encompassing all services available. This also means many more full time jobs. As the job market tightened up it has become harder for volunteers of all fields to leave work during work hours to fight fires.
In conclusion Peru and LaSalle governments do not think alike. Very similar to the Yanks and Rebels of the civil war.
no problem with buying a truck. I have a problem with the government officials taking a bribe from the seller of the truck though.
I'm really getting sick and tired of this city's representatives. I mean seriously... They take a decrepit public works building that has served as the fueling and storage facility for City trucks and equipment since before any of us were born, and is likely contaminated, and looks like it might collapse any second, and would likely cost over $100,000 to demolish and remediate, and is located in an area of the City absolutely starved of non-gambling parlor retail development, and WHAT DO THEY DO? They "sell" this City's treasured liability to Dollar General for $1 so they can construct a beautiful new store designed to specifications dictated by the City engineer and design-review committee. Yep, as you probably guessed, this will be the Taj Mahal of Dollar General stores. "El Chapo" and his closest faithful wouldn't dare allow them to build a cheap tin-can store like the one in Spring Valley ruin the aesthetic appeal they continue to strive for with all new City construction. Can anyone tell me why we be more like Streator????
11:31, nice try at sarcasm. The point is not what they are doing. It is how they are getting it accomplished. They plan in secret and when it comes time to execute, everything is pushed through in a hurry. Nobody is saying that it is not good that the old HJ Tobler Transfer Warehouse is being sold and demolished and developed into retail space. I think everyone thinks that is wonderful. But.... at the same time, the city is going to construct another building and it appears that this is going to be a very expensive building. If all they wanted was a utilitarian Public Works Garage with workshops and office space - a prefabricated steel building on a concrete slab would serve wonderfully for many decades. But no..... that is not good enough for Peru. They are not saying much about the building - but there are quotes from aldermen about what type of brick will be used and that it needs to look good - in the same style as our city hall building on fourth street. They are hiring a construction manager, which implies multiple contractors will be employed to build this new public works center. Since they refuse to publically discuss this - and by discuss I mean put a plan in writing for all to see - we as citizens are forced to assume the worse. They are going to build a monument for the ages and spend many millions of dollars to do so. Someone said they will use the profits from the sale of electricity to fund it. That is so moronic - that money needs to be used to upgrade our electric grid. But no - that is not sexy and it will not provide Local 150 jobs and connected contractors with huge profits.
I'm so sick of the people of the City of Peru allowing their government to operate behind closed doors.
Did they ever shut the lights off at the Public Works Building very few besides city employees know why they were mandatory to be lite 24/7?
11:14, they need to keep the lights on, otherwise the mice and other varmints run around the building at night. The place is infested with mice.
11:14 It's mandatory to keep the lights on 24/7???? Come on!!!! EXPLAIN PLEASE!!!!
It is not mandatory. The light that is always on does not have a switch. It is hard wired to the breaker box.
I find it rather disturbing and ironic that the aldermen are concerned with rather or not the new public works building will aesthetically pleasing and even go so far as wanting it to somewhat mimic city hall. Yet, just several feet down the road green porta potties decorate the road side. Aesthetically pleasing? Think not!!
Years ago petrol was pumped on the grounds of Tobler transfer. What is the history of the gas tanks - are they still there or removed? Does the public works dept. pump its own gas at site at a much lower rate and if so why doesn't the police dept utilize this facility? What prevention's does this facility have to prevent siphoning gas illegally besides keeping the lights on all night?
Does anyone remember when Mayor Harl did away with the Peru Downtown Redevelopment Committee and then established the Design and Review Committee with his chosen people? This is how the Public Works bldg will be designed and approved and was how evidently the mayor wanted control over any building put up in Peru, as he wants it done. All this was planned since he found out he could manipulate how things were done in Peru behind the scenes.
10:56, they don't have gas tanks on site, just diesel, Toblers didn't have gas tanks on site they always fueled up at Super Par at 4th& Rock St
Peru does not have a fuel farm. It was recommended several years ago that the city purchase one of the gas stations that closed down and use it. Doing so would allow the city to purchase in bulk and save tens of thousands of dollars a year. However, a group of local business men complained and the project never go off the ground.
Any fueling done at the Tobler warehouse was limited. I remember seeing above ground tanks back in the 70's.
Mayor Harl disbanded the Downtown and created a new one because of some vocal opposition.
Our Design and Review committee is not active. They have not had a meeting since June and only get involved if a variance is needed.
The new public works building will be up north by the electric department. The word on the street is the police and fire departments will move up there also. The current PD / FD will be demolished and the land sold to the hospital for a dollar so they can build another medical clinic.
All of the retailers up north have pretty much demanded that Peru put a police station with dedicated policemen and a fire department with full time fire fighters up north. They are being hit pretty hard on insurance.
10:33 Now that you've mentioned those porta-potties won't they be the first thing visitors to the airport xmas light display will see when they exit the airport onto Plank Road? Also not aesthetically pleasing aldermen!
All the Christmas light wathers will be funneled to the Fresh Tomatoes Guy's place to buy $5.00 hot coco and $10.00 hot dogs as part of a "winter fun fest for a profit."
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