Sunday, April 29, 2012
Thanks to the Girl Scouts
girl scout troop 1267 cleaned up Washington park on Thurs, just FYI, so you won't have to do too much there. They did a great job, I must say, for a group of third graders. :)
Friday, April 27, 2012
RESCHEDULED
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2012
This should read May 1
ROLL CALL 7:30 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENT
COMMITTEE REPORTS ALDERMEN
1. ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE Potthoff & Radtke
(Wage-Negotiations, License) 2. PUBLIC WORKS Waldorf & Lukosus
(Electric, Street & Alley, Water & Sewer)
Motion to execute an engineering agreement with Chamlin & Associates to prepare a 5- year infrastructure plan not to exceed $35,000
Approve expenses for officials to attend the IMUA annual meeting May 21-23
Motion to trade in existing backhoes and end loader and lease the following from Patten
Industries:
· 420F-$1,240.68 per month-Electric Department
· 430F-$1,895.48 per month-Public Works Department
· 930H (end loader)-$1,433.17 per month-Public Works DepartmentMbr>
3. PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY Ferrari & Perez
(Fire & Police, ESDA, Health) 4. PUBLIC PROPERTY COMMITTEE Ankiewicz & Mayszak
(Recreation & Parks, Airport, Buildings & Grounds)
Motion to authorize bid letting for pool demolition with bids due May 16th.
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY/ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Corporate Counsel Doug Schweickert AN ORDINANCE GRANTING VARIENCES UNDER THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PERU, IL AS SOUGHT BY THE PETITION OF STEVE AND RHONDA WOODS CONCERNING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1203 PUTNAM STREET, PERU, IL AN ORDINANCE GRANTING VARIENCES UNDER THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PERU, IL AS SOUGHT BY THE PETITION OF RONALD RYNKE CONCERNING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1314 SUNSET DRIVE, PERU, IL AN ORDINANCE GRANTING VARIENCES UNDER THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PERU, IL AS SOUGHT BY THE PETITION OF MICHELLE TRILIKIS CONCERNING PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1026 PIKE STREET, PERU, IL UNFINISHED BUSINESS DISCUSSION OF LONG TERM STRAGITIC PLANNING NEW BUSINESS DISCUSSION OF STATE OF ILLINOIS LEGALIZED GAMBLING PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS PUBLIC COMMENT CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT
Informational Post
APR
29
Peru Beer Companies
When: Sunday, April 29, 2012 - 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Where: The Hegeler-Carus Mansion - 1307 7th Street
Event Details:
Presented by: Jim Hebel. Part of the "Way We Worked Lecture Series
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Welcome to Peru, Illinois
Welcome to Peru, Illinois
For your information, there is a new download in the lower right corner of the city web site called Total Compensation, listing of SOME salaries in the city.
For your information, there is a new download in the lower right corner of the city web site called Total Compensation, listing of SOME salaries in the city.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
bcrnews.com | For the hungry and the lonely ... in Princeton, IL
bcrnews.com | For the hungry and the lonely ... in Princeton, IL
This is a great story and says so much about the heart of a community.
This is a great story and says so much about the heart of a community.
City of Peru Encountered a Shortage of Qualified Engineers
At the meeting last night, it was announced that the city had 12 applications for the contract engineer position they want to hire to evaluate our infrastructure. Of that number, one in particular appealed to them but before we could offer him the position, he took a job somewhere else.
At that point it was announced that through Chamlin and Associates, they would hire Mike Perry, a Chamlin employee for the position and Chamlin would in effect oversee the work. I think that Mr Perry is a very qualified person but it is disturbing to know that the city was unable to find an engineer in need of work, especially in this down economy and the fact that this position was extensively advertised online and through engineering publications. Also disturbing because it has been known for sometime that the city needs some new blood to do some city engineering work, someone who works for the city and is their employee and receives their direction from the Mayor and City Council.
The city needs to hire a City Engineer, one that will be on the payroll of the city and works hand in hand with a Superintendent of Public Works to improve so much that is continuing to deteriorate in the city. Someone whose only goal is to work for Peru.
Right down it looks like the city is undergoing demolition: the old power plant on Water Street, the swimming pool, Westclox, the bank in downtown Peru, large empty buildings as the former Jewel store, former Lay Furniture and soon to be empty K Mart and Joanne Fabric stores, empty lot next to Burger King. Did I miss any thing?
At that point it was announced that through Chamlin and Associates, they would hire Mike Perry, a Chamlin employee for the position and Chamlin would in effect oversee the work. I think that Mr Perry is a very qualified person but it is disturbing to know that the city was unable to find an engineer in need of work, especially in this down economy and the fact that this position was extensively advertised online and through engineering publications. Also disturbing because it has been known for sometime that the city needs some new blood to do some city engineering work, someone who works for the city and is their employee and receives their direction from the Mayor and City Council.
The city needs to hire a City Engineer, one that will be on the payroll of the city and works hand in hand with a Superintendent of Public Works to improve so much that is continuing to deteriorate in the city. Someone whose only goal is to work for Peru.
Right down it looks like the city is undergoing demolition: the old power plant on Water Street, the swimming pool, Westclox, the bank in downtown Peru, large empty buildings as the former Jewel store, former Lay Furniture and soon to be empty K Mart and Joanne Fabric stores, empty lot next to Burger King. Did I miss any thing?
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Summer Recreation Programs
Summer Recreation Programs
Lots of programs for all ages in this brochure, check it out and see if you have an interest in any of them.
Lots of programs for all ages in this brochure, check it out and see if you have an interest in any of them.
Dalzell Mayor comments on concert grounds idea - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL
Dalzell Mayor comments on concert grounds idea - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL
Posting because it does effect Peru in the future
Posting because it does effect Peru in the future
Friday, April 20, 2012
The Issue is Not Kid Rock
It seems that a local promoter was given permission before the facts were presented either to the city council or to the people of Peru. The issue is not that 15,000 people will descend upon this city of 10,000 for an evening of entertainment but that it will bring other issues to the forefront.
I had expected a full discussion of this at the council meeting because it is going to impact upon so many people in town, but it has not happened. So many people seem to be out of the loop, including other elected officials. The Mayor of Peru has always served as liquor commissioner and controls who gets a license and who doesn't. Think back to the 4th of July a few years ago when there were disputes about who could sell on Water St and who could not. This is a very lucrative permission to be given when you are allowed to sell liquor at a public outdoor event attended by thousands of people.
At previous events where the servers made sure all liquor buyers were of age by asking for an ID seemed to have prevented problems but I don't believe that the people who attended previous concerts came in this great a number. How do you prevent situations from developing? Can you have a big time concert without alcohol? Illegal drugs are another matter, so do we have to have drug sniffing dogs check everybody coming in?
As always a few ruin so much for the many. Unlike the Taste of Chicago and the Blues Fest, this is NOT sponsored by the city and we have No sponsors ponying up any bucks to cover the cost to our city or to cover the loss of money in rent that we lose to make enough room for parking. Fifty cents a ticket won't do it. And please don't run by us again all the money we will make from motel and restaurant sales tax, as most people come and go the same day and even eat in the many towns surrounding us. Probably stop for lunch at Ottawa Cracker Barrel and supper at La Salle Denny's, we have absolutely no control over that.
I had expected a full discussion of this at the council meeting because it is going to impact upon so many people in town, but it has not happened. So many people seem to be out of the loop, including other elected officials. The Mayor of Peru has always served as liquor commissioner and controls who gets a license and who doesn't. Think back to the 4th of July a few years ago when there were disputes about who could sell on Water St and who could not. This is a very lucrative permission to be given when you are allowed to sell liquor at a public outdoor event attended by thousands of people.
At previous events where the servers made sure all liquor buyers were of age by asking for an ID seemed to have prevented problems but I don't believe that the people who attended previous concerts came in this great a number. How do you prevent situations from developing? Can you have a big time concert without alcohol? Illegal drugs are another matter, so do we have to have drug sniffing dogs check everybody coming in?
As always a few ruin so much for the many. Unlike the Taste of Chicago and the Blues Fest, this is NOT sponsored by the city and we have No sponsors ponying up any bucks to cover the cost to our city or to cover the loss of money in rent that we lose to make enough room for parking. Fifty cents a ticket won't do it. And please don't run by us again all the money we will make from motel and restaurant sales tax, as most people come and go the same day and even eat in the many towns surrounding us. Probably stop for lunch at Ottawa Cracker Barrel and supper at La Salle Denny's, we have absolutely no control over that.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
Will You or Family Be Attending Kid Rock Concert?
Due to the controversy surrounding this concert being held in Peru and it does appear that not much benefit if any will be coming back to the city, I just wondered how many people that read our blog will attend or will have extended family attending that also live in Peru?
Or will the ultimate end cost be more than our community including sales tax, motel tax and proceeds bring in to the city.
Is it one of those things that cost the city but it is done for the enjoyment of the people who live here? Perhaps people will be driving here in their RV's, like those written about in the N.T. who came with the living quarters with them, in an a RV. It would be nice if the city could somehow track this event.
Previously we talked about the car shows and the fact that the city donated $1000 to the group that donates proceeds to the ambulance service.
We need to think wisely about where our "donations" go and I am calling the amount of money spent at the airport to people who farm as a donation to give up their land for this concert.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Friday, April 13, 2012
County Board split on promotional advertising spending - MyWebTimes.com
County Board split on promotional advertising spending - MyWebTimes.com
Do you think we might be hearing a request from Vickery for Peru's portion of the bill?
Do you think we might be hearing a request from Vickery for Peru's portion of the bill?
The Hidden Cost of Kid Rock Concert
Concert – Drawing and application have been submitted. The land that is taken out of
farming production for the concert parking will have grass planted. 32 acreas were taken
out of crop from what Henkel farms, and 5 more acres may be taken out of crop from
Michelini.
Henkel paid $200 an acre (32 acres) rent to the city, so the city will lose $6,400 in rental income to plant grass for the concert. Michelini paid $225 an acre (5 acres) rent to the city, so the city will lose $1,125 in rental income to plant grass for the concert. Additionally, it will cost $80 an acre to plant grass. 37 acres x $80 = $2,960. So for taking acreage out of crop and planting grass for the concert, it will cost the city just over $10,000. Plus there will be additional engineering fees.
Minutes from public property committee
Thursday, April 12, 2012
eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices
1 of 4 Tickets Kid Rock 07/13 – Peru, IL - Illinois Valley Regional Airport
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Alderman Perez calls on Peru coucil to consider "Strategic Planning" to improve our city
Alderman Rodney Perez initiated a discussion at Monday's council meeting focusing on the idea of creating a "Strategic Planning" process intended to develop goals for the future success of the city of Peru. Alderman Perez is attempting to encourage other elected officials to create a program similar to the recently created CAVS Program (Creating a Visionary School) which was started recently by L-P High School administrators and school board members. L-P leaders have reached out to the community at large for input and participation in planning for the future of the school. L-P has the right idea and it appears that Rodney Perez wants to duplicate that effort of engaging the citizens of Peru as "stakeholders" in the future of their community. After explaining the idea to the other aldermen and asking for consideration and discussion at the next council meeting Alderman Perez's idea got zero feedback from the other aldermen and only Mayor Harl acknowledged the subject could be discussed in the future. I have always been a pro-ponent of the potential benefits of a "joint effort" between city officials and the public because I know our city has an untapped wealth of knowledge and experience in so many areas. The L-P / CAVS Program has developed sub-committees consisting of school administrators, faculty, employees, and local citizens who are working together to plan for the future of the school. I will remain hopeful this progressive initiative from Rodney Perez will convince other elected officials to get on board and support the idea. However, as a member of the Infrastructure Committee it has become very clear to me and the other non-elected members of our committee that our efforts and advice are neither welcome or appreciated by a majority of elected officials in Peru. Because of the current attitude of many on the council, Alderman Perez will have a very difficult time garnering much support for what is becoming a very common and successful tool for governing bodies all across the country. The most critical factor needed for this program to be successful will be the complete support and endorsement of a majority of elected officials who are secure enough in their own ability to lead and delegate authority in order to welcome "outsiders" and not feel threatened by the advice and input of the citizens of Peru. My personal experience while attempting to contribute to my city is that we are just not there yet.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Concerts For a Cause N.T. Story
City, Noonan agree on terms so show can go on at airport
Our city attorney did not dispute anything regarding this agreement at the city council meeting nor did anyone else.
Jeff Dankert
Staff Writer
Peru City Council on Monday approved an agreement between the city and Merry Noonan, organizer of local Concerts for a Cause, to use Illinois Valley Regional Airportfor live music shows.
It requires Noonan to carry liability insurance of $1 million per event and pay all costs of utilities and cleanup after the concerts. Within 14 days after each show, Noonan must pay into the city ofPeruairport fund 50 cents for each ticket sold and not less than $2,500.
The agreement is subject to approval of Illinois Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics. Last fall the city and Noonan learned that fundraisers such as Concerts for a Cause must devote money to the airport, because the airport receives regular government funding for maintenance and improvements.
The agreement also includes a map showing where concert operations and parking are allowed.
Noonan, co-owner of Lou’s LaGrotto inPeruand who has organized successful Concerts for a Cause since 2005, booked Kid Rock to play the airport July 13. Tickets are expected to go on sale this month for $58. The concerts have raised thousands of dollars for charitable causes such as schools.
Our city attorney did not dispute anything regarding this agreement at the city council meeting nor did anyone else.
It seems that since the concert is on city property, more questions should have been asked. While attendees may eat and stay in the area, I can imagine a strong police presence will need to be available outside the venue itself because so many people will be in town. Who pays for the ambulance to be in attendance during the performance? Is the insurance enough to cover an "incident" and does Peru have additional insurance if there is a problem. We can only hope that the "cause" will be something that benefits Peru and not another outside entity.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)