"Greetings from Chicago. We're so glad you're not here"!

I recieved a small token of "appreciation" from the Peru aldermen who attended the IML Convention last week. It arrived in my mailbox on Saturday afternoon in the form of a ticket to the Annual Banquet of the IML on Saturday night at the Hilton Chicago featuring "The Ultimate EAGLES Experience. Face value $100.00. I have to admit, I am somewhat impressed that one of them actually may have come up with the idea to "jab" me a little bit because of my criticism of their attendance at the convention. I would not be surprised if it was one of the aldermanic spouses or someone else who actually suggested the prank. They got my address right but then mis-spelled my name. So to whoever it was I say, well done! I appreciate anyone with a similar sense of humor. If I had recieved it a few hours earlier I would have had the last laugh because I would have showed up and sat down at their table and had dinner with them. Now that's funny. I can only hope they pooled their money in order to purchase the ticket for me. Surely they would not attempt to pass the cost of a practical joke on to the taxpayers of Peru. Or have they already done just that?

MARK KIESLING: Pabey's not the exception, he's the rule

MARK KIESLING: Pabey's not the exception, he's the rule This is one of the articles Steve is referring to and I thought it was a very good commentary that might make some people in our own community squirm a bit.

East Chicago Mayor and city engineer convicted

Several months ago I reported on a story in the Northwest Indiana Times regarding the indictment of East Chicago Mayor George Pabey and his city engineer for unlawful use of city funds, manpower and resources in a scheme to renovate a home owned by the mayor located in Gary, Indiana. Both men were convicted yesterday on federal charges which could result in sentences of ten to fifiteen years in prison. As many readers of this blog are aware, I have pointed out instances of similar activities which have taken place in residential and industrial settings in Peru during the past thirty years. In reading the associated articles in the NWI Times it is apparent that political corruption is alive and well in Northwest Indiana. I encourage readers of this blog to go to www.nwitimes.com and read "Pabey Convicted" and the other associated articles related to this story. It is certainly worth trying to understand how some elected officials and others eventually arrive at a point that allows them to make a concious decision to steal from the citizens they have been elected to protect. I think it reflects the inherent danger of allowing an elected official "unchecked and unchallenged" authority, as was the case during the tenure of former Peru mayor Don Baker. This is a story worth remembering.

Nice Work on 38th Street Thank You Peru

Thanks to the City for getting a much needed piece of street work done and that is the corner of 38th and Venture Drive. Very nice and a definite improvement. UC Paving did the work for $5,855.


I couldn't help but think that this was well spent money by the City in contrast to the $2,000 recently awarded to NCIC to apply for a grant for the swimming pool. Consider this: The cost of a new pool to Peru is approximately 4 million and maybe more. The Grant would cover 75% of 2.5 million and we would have to pay 25% of that amount if the grant were given to the city.  But the caveat is that we have to pay the all of the 2.5 million and than be reimbursed for the 75%. 2.5 million would give us about half of the money and definitely not enough  for the pool.

It makes more sense to use money that we have available and fix the roads even if it is only small areas as the 38th street project. We drive on these roads all year long, we only would use the pool for 70 days of the year.

Why do the aldermen continue to spend money on "dream" projects when we have "necessary" work that needs to be taken care?

Shopper Bus is in the News Again as LaSalle May Drop It

At the LaSalle City Council meeting last night , they discussed the Peru shopper bus which LaSalle shares with Peru.  According to Mayor Grove their expenses are too much for the number of riders that get on the bus and they are considering dropping it. Please read the article in the News Trib for details.

We discussed this earlier in the year (February) on The Peru Town Forum and questioned whether the bus should be discontinued because of the expense to the city for only a few riders, average number about 8. The bus is leased and there is a monthly expense plus the driver. Perhaps it is time for both cities to take a look at the shopper bus and determine whether it is economically feasible to continue. And if LaSalle discontinues their use and their share of cost, will Peru finally say it is too much of an expense for just a few riders?

Should elected officials be attending the IML Convention on our dime?

We have six aldermen registered to attend the IML Covention this week. They are Mikyska, Ferrari, Mertel, Waldorf, Pothoff, and Wren. The aldermen approved expenses for themselves for the convention quite some time ago without any discussion before the vote passed unanimously. In the past they would all be given $500.00 up front and anything above and beyond the $500.00 was supposed to be submitted in the form of reciepts for approval afterward. Last year Mikyska was the only one to attend and his expenses totaled almost $1,000.00. With six of them going this year it is going to add up to a significant expense to the taxpayers of Peru. My opinion is that no elected official should be attending this years convention unless they intend to travel up and back the same day. If they want to stay overnight they should pay their own lodging for themselves and their spouses. I can see the city paying the fee for the seminars plus expenses for mileage and a meal. Nothing more. This was an opportunity for these guys to show some restraint. Especailly after they were informed again at last weeks council meeting how they must "Cut Costs" because expenditures continue to exceed revenue. Hello! Instead they just use the opportunity to show those of us they know are watching that they will do what they want and we can't do anything to stop them. I think that depends on what they mean by "stopping them". We will see about that soon enough. The unnecessary expenses of lodging and the Saturday Night Banquet at $100.00 per ticket with this years entertainment, an "Eagles" tribute band is not going to benefit Peru. How exciting is that? The Eagles! I understand we have some regular Eagles "groupies" among our aldermen and their spouses. I really hope they intend to use the entire occasion to learn something for the benefit of the city. Not just to take their wives to dinner and a concert. At least the taxpayers of Peru "might" be getting a break on the cost of meals for city officials and guests on Friday evening. That's the night that Chamlin & Associates will be "wining and dining" our elected officials and spouses at Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant in Chicago. In years past when some of them would stay three or four nights, TEST, Inc. would also take their turn "entertaining" our elected officials at another downtown Chicago eatery. Cocktails included of course. That way the booze never shows up on a reciept submitted to the city for reimbursement that someone might file a FOIA request for. Get it? I will never understand why these guys continue to allow themselves to be exploited and so easily influenced. And so cheaply, too. But when all is said and done. Who do you think is really stuck with the check?

Scarecrow entries deadline Sept. 23 - My Web Times

Scarecrow entries deadline Sept. 23 - My Web Times

When they are done and up, this might be fun to check out. I remember being in Eugene Oregon when they did a similar project with their famous ducks. (as in the University of Oregon). Only wish I had done photos, it was great and the ducks were then auctioned off.

I believe Princeton did a dog and cat theme last year in their downtown. Great community efforts.

If we are doing anything locally let me know and we will put it online.

This is just a post on the light side and hoping some of our downtown merchants might take a clue or perhaps some interested local organization.

Aldermen avoid critical vote on the financial fate of Peru. Or did they?

There was no support for any sales tax increase at last nights council meeting. Only those in opposition gave their respective thoughts on why they would not support a sales tax. Dave Potthoff stated an increase in sales tax would "discourage people from shopping locally and encourage them to do their shopping on-line". Bob Ankiewicz said "it will not matter if proceeds from a sales tax increase are ear-marked for street improvements because if an increase was approved the citizens could not afford to own cars and they would have to walk anyway". I'm not making this up. It will be in the minutes. Mikyska and O'Beirne are in favor of an increase, but only because they think they could use it to fund a pool. Good luck with that fellas. Mertel was rather perplexed after Treasurer Hylla detailed once again for them the extent of the deficits in the General Fund, the Water and Sewer Fund, and the enormous amount of debt service we are paying on. Mertel apparently still cannot quite rationalize that we are essentially "broke". Ferrari said nothing. No motion was made or seconded for a vote on the matter. Mayor Harl reminded the council that they had recently approved purchase of new diesel generators (I think about 2.5 million) and the Electric Light Fund reserves are going to be running thin and may not be able to support the rest of the funds as well as the day to day operations of the city. Hylla told them they have only two choices. #1 - Raise revenue or #2 - Cut spending. Makes sense to me. But, none of the alderman responded. I am quite sure that most of the aldermen think they did well last night and the city will go on just fine without any additional revenue. I'm also pretty sure they think they have no other responsibility or accountability in working to correct the financial mess they helped create. That's where they are dead wrong. Now more than ever before they are going to have to not only cut future costs and eliminate future improvements on streets, curb and sidewalk, sewer and now even electric system programs and improvements. They will also have to make huge cuts in existing programs and departments that will certainly include lay-offs in every office and department and that means there will also be a reduction in many if not all city services. These cuts need to add up to more than $1,000,000 according to Treasurer Hylla. Yes, that's six zeros. I think this could end up being the best thing to happen to this city in a long time. Or possibly the worst if the aldermen do not respond properly. It's kind of like a "Tough Love" program. These aldermen, specifically the committee chairmen, will now be required to make the toughest choices of their political careers. Because, if they fail to make massive cuts in existing costs and expenditures and the Electric Light Fund eventually becomes unable to subsidize the rest of the funds, this city will be financially bankrupt within one year. It's that serious folks. So if any of the aldermen are thinking they might have dodged another bullet last night, and they can go back to sitting on their hands again while somebody else cleans up the mess. Oh no! They are in for a very rude awakening. If they fail to do their duty to make drastic spending cuts very, very soon. Well, we all know the story about the state called "Illinois".

Why Are We Spending Almost 11,000 on the City Parking Lots

It is on the agenda for Monday night to award UC 10,855 to  to seal and stripe the city parking lots:
Opposite Debos, From Peoria to Fulton between 4th and 5th street and the parking behind the City Hall. Today I drove through all the above mentioned lots and see that all are in good condition with adequate striping. Then I went around the block and back up Fulton and find that 4th St. Fulton corner to be in deplorable condition. What is the point of having "perfect" parking lots and deplorable rutted broken down roads. Would that amount of money that is going to the lots at least make the Fulton St. corner better than it is now. Any prospective business would wonder what kind of priorities the city of Peru has.

Peru City Council Scheduled to Discuss Impending Sales Tax Increase

The News Tribune article on the impending increase in sales tax suggested by City Treasurer Gary Hylla has brought more than the usual number of comments. The actual discussion is expected to take place on Monday Sept. 13 at 7:30PM in the council chambers.

Do you agree that this is the way to pay off our debt and pay for city services and employee wages?

 Will it drive people to shop online and pay only the base rate of 6.25%?  How about eating out? How about the city pool, would you pay more sales tax to help fund a new swimming pool? 

Violations show lack of attention to public access

Violations show lack of attention to public access

Help public 'follow money' via websites

Help public 'follow money' via websites

News Tribune - Business - Business Daily - IVCH to open FastCare Clinic at Peru Wal-Mart

News Tribune - Business - Business Daily - IVCH to open FastCare Clinic at Peru Wal-Mart

How do you feel about opening a clinic in WalMart? Will it be putting the average shopper in more contact with sick people? I noted how they will give you a silent pager if they are busy and then you can get out and walk around among all the non ill shoppers until they are ready for you.
We are always told to avoid crowds during the flu season so will this make things worse? Will it help or hurt the Walmart business.
I have seen eye glass clinics in Wal Mart but do not remember coming across a health clinic. Are you pro or con and would you use it?

P.S. This is for the person who did not comprehend the article or did not bother to read it and I deleted his post.. In case some of you don't know, I do have some medical background and by sick people I don't mean those with chronic or debilitating  diseases and most of the illnesses mentioned can be transmitted to others in an airborne manner.

Bicycle Path Committee Meeting 6:30 PM Sept. 7

This meeting time has been bounced around so if you are planning on going and just happen to double check here, I wanted to make it seen right up front. It is at 6:30 NOT 7:30 PM TONIGHT 9/7/10

City of Peru Treasuers Report July 2010

Has Peru actually become an equal opportunity employer? Are patronage and clout on the way out?

It was mentioned at a recent council meeting that there were more than seventy-two applications recieved in response to the recent public posting for a position in the public works department. I have to think that there are some very well qualified applicants in that bunch. Also, the Electric Department will be seeking a Journeyman Line-Man very soon. What an amazing contrast in hiring practices there is in comparison to anytime in the history of Peru. The only fair hiring procedure Peru has ever practiced has been for police officers and firefighters. And only then because of state and federal hiring laws requiring municipalities to establish fair and honest procedures. Don't think for a minute that some present and former elected officials in Peru would not have attempted to influence the hiring of cops and firemen if they had the opportunity to do so. Consider the possibile cast of characters we might have protecting us from crime and mayhem if the old time "Powerbrokers" like Baker, Kowalczyk, O'Beirne, Kolowski, Nowakowski, Frederickson and some others had been free to use patronage, nepotism, and clout in deciding who would be added to the city payroll. As a matter of fact, I'm sure Baker was probably mayor before the police and firemen hiring laws were inacted. It must have been quite a shock for Don to have to "refrain" from hiring all the cops and firemen in town. An old-time politician could wield a hell of a lot of power and influence having hired every cop on the payroll. Unfortunately, there have never been any laws regulating the hiring of any other municipal employees. That enabled Baker and other influential insiders in Peru to continue to hire by their own "special standards". No application process. No interview process. No hiring process, just back room deals. You need only have relations, not qualifications. It is refreshing to finally see a fair and impartial process of hiring in Peru. We have already come a long way in terms of doing some things right. I have to admit that despite the method in which most current employees made their way onto the city payroll, there are some extraordinarily talented individuals among them. But, because of the refusal of those old time politicians to establish a "legitimate hiring process" there are equally as many current city employees who can only be described as overpayed and underskilled. Also, we need to be aware that just having a hiring process in place will not assure a quality hire. There is still the possibility of "human interference". Example: Committee Chairmen will be allowed input on new hires that will work in the departments those aldermen oversee. Unfortunately, that means there will be opportunities for guys like my pal Jack O'Beirne to corrupt the process. But I think even Jack will have a hard time screwing this up. He will likely just nod off during the interviews while daydreaming about how he and Don "yoosta do all da hirin' of da guys". Good ol' days......My ass!

News Tribune - Sound Off - Open Forum (Aug. 30): Why does Peru pay so much attention to Maud Powell?

News Tribune - Sound Off - Open Forum (Aug. 30): Why does Peru pay so much attention to Maud Powell?

Personally I have always thought the Maud Powell statue was in an inappropriate location.  Should the veteran's memorial have been installed in a more prominent location instead of at Veteran's Park?.

Now we know, it's all about "Image"

I have heard about the importance of "image" for Hollywood mega-stars and professional athletes. The negative impact of a domestic violence charge against Mel Gibson will certainly have an affect on the box-office and video sales. Charges of lying to Congress about steroid and human growth hormone abuse by Roger Clemens will likely destroy his image as one of the best pitchers in the history of the game. And rightfully so. Last week we were informed by 2nd Ward aldermen Joe Mikyska and Jack O'Beirne that the "image" of Peru depends on whether or not we build a new municipal pool. So there you have it. It's all about image. Using 2nd Ward logic, all we have to do is spend three or four million on a fancy new pool and the image of Peru will be saved. We will be overflowing with image. We will have so much image we might be able to market and sell the excess image to surrounding communities via an image auction. So we've got that going for us. Which is nice. Please keep in mind Joe Mikyska as chairman of the Finance Committee is suggesting a new pool is a "Priority" for Peru. I'm not kidding, Chairman, Finance, for real. Common sense tells me that a new municipal pool in Peru should not even make the top five priority issues at present. A new pool will be great someday, but not now. It can wait. It is clear that Mikyska and O'Beirne are unable to disconnect themselves from the SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) of the Baker era that relied heavily on creating "image" over reality. The image of "Leader of the Valley" which only highlighted the arrogance of those elected officials who bored us bellowing it and only served to alienate our neighbors. They were in fact "The Cheater of the Valley". The image of "financial health" and "prosperity" which we now know was essentially a hoax in which at least some of the aldermen themselves were unwary victims. Which is no excuse for not knowing. What we need more than anything right now is elected officials who are able to use common sense judgement. Image don't pay the bills. We do! Move on, there's real work to do. Note to Aldermen: Make sensible decisions based on current factual financial conditions and you might just create an image of a city council with a clue.

LaSalle County Nursing Home / Public vs. Private ownership

I have recieved a request from a member of the LaSalle County Board to provide an opportunity for feed-back from the public concerning the possibility of LaSalle County discontinuing its operation/ownership of the Nursing Home. There has been discussion of selling the facility to a private entity who would continue to operate the facility for profit. I believe there is also the possibility of a Public/Private partnership which could signifgicantly reduce the cost of operating the facility for the county. These partnerships are becoming more common between government and private business entities. If anyone can provide the financial condition of the county home, please share that information. In any event please be aware of this issue and share your thoughts with us. Thank You.

Downtown Peru, Dull Boring and Lacks Design & Color

Back in the early nineties the city of Peru decided to redevelop the main business district  at a great expense and it is  still being paid for at this date, I might add. It is from the decisions made then that we have the Mirror bldg. and the Maud Powell Plaza. Originally the design called for extensive changes including not only  an East Plaza  but also a West Plaza with courtyards, fountains, outdoor furniture, kiosks and clocks. The east Plaza was Putnam Street and the location of the current Maud Powell Plaza.  The west Plaza as designed by PGAV Urban Consulting was drawn up to close off Fulton Street and make that the West Plaza with Debo Hardware occupying the location of the current City Hall.  (Until it was pointed out to them, that if Fulton was closed, there would be nowhere to turn north from Fourth St. until you reached Pike St.) Amazing that the urban developers did not come to that conclusion until local residents pointed it out to the city and that was the end of the West Plaza. Soon afterward Debo decided against a new building and that was the end of more changes and the gradual conclusion of the downtown redevelopment and to what we have today.

Included in the designing  was adding a "shed-type awning with white or gold trim to provide theming and continuity and building freshness on Fourth Street throughout the area"  (a quote from the Master Plan.) Primarily the building renovation proposed to upgrade the original brick, replace windows and doors as necessary, paint trimwork and building features in contrasting colors with the earth tone of brick. Numerous other plans that never even got off the ground.

The city soon adopted ordinances regarding the awnings which still exist today. Has the maroon awning done what the designers anticipated? Yet the city to this day and I mean this day enforces the maroon awning ordinance.  Do you see it as a detriment to an interested party coming into downtown?  I believe the Peru Downtown Redevelopment Committee is still in existence, not that we ever hear anything about what it does or plans.


Is it time for some new ideas and perhaps even eliminating the themes that have not worked to make the downtown area any more inviting to prospective businesses than it is now? Since the Master Plan was drawn up, we have lost businesses such as the bank, Letterkraft, Sears and the City Clerks office in its prior location. Downtown has become a one stop destination and usually in through the back door from the parking lots. We did not even run the 175th parade through our main street. Is it that dead there? Do you see any way we can make it a place people want to be? What would it take?



I

What has happened to Peru Downtown Redevelopment?

BIKE TREK: Paper Trail -- Bloomington-Normal paths honor Constitution - My Web Times

BIKE TREK: Paper Trail -- Bloomington-Normal paths honor Constitution - My Web Times Speaking of bicycle paths this an article about the ultimate type of bike path. I have friends who have family that use this and you ride around and beneath traffic and not with it providing a safe bike path.

I Will Not Accept Any Further Comments on Employees Attending IML

I feel that it serves no purpose for some people to continue to harshly and unfairly comment on the 2 city employees who will be attending the IML conference.  It has been agreed upon by the Mayor and Finance Committee to approve the expenditure for the trip. If some of you don't approve or like, that will be your problem.
If you wish to complain you can call a member of the Finance Committee (names are listed on this blog under committee members) and do your complaining.
This is final so do not send any postings about this.

Illinois Municipal League - 97th Annual Conference

Illinois Municipal League - 97th Annual Conference The details

Illinois Municipal League - 97th Annual Conference - Tentative Conference Program

Illinois Municipal League - 97th Annual Conference - Tentative Conference Program If you wondered ? this is the conference schedule. Ordinarily I wouldn't put this on, but someone has decided to make it a big issue.