City of LaSalle City Council met March 2

City of LaSalle City Council met March 2

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

CALL TO ORDER 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

ROLL CALL 

Present: Mayor Jeff Grove, Aldermen Demes, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane 

Others Present: Finance Director John Duncan, Economic Development Director Curt Bedei, City Engineer Brian Brown, Police Chief Jason Stubler, Fire Chief Jerry Janick, and City Attorney James McPhedran 

A quorum was present. 

COMMENTS 

Mayor Grove opened the floor for public comment, inviting residents to share their thoughts and concerns. 

Mayor Grove acknowledged the enthusiasm for the potential use of side-by-side vehicles, golf carts, and UTVs on city streets. It was decided that discussion of this topic would occur as part of the presentation later on the agenda. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES 

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Demes to accept and place on file minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held February 17, 2026. Each and every alderman has a copy. 

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried. 

PRESENTATIONS 

Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Thompson to invite Mr. Andy Lamboley to the podium to address the Council. 

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried. 

Mr. Lamboley discussed a potential ordinance regarding use of side-by-side vehicles, golf carts, UTVs, and related vehicles on city streets. He emphasized that the numerous owners of such vehicles are enthusiastic about being able to use them legally and safely on city streets. Requiring insurance, establishing an organization in support of this activity, minimum age allowed, speed limits/capabilities, safety features, which cities allow this, fee and penalty amounts, and riding in fundraisers and on county roads were discussed. 

Police Chief Jason Stubler emphasized that any ordinance on this matter should include strict safety standards including headlights, blinkers, horns, mirrors, seatbelts, and appropriate accountability measures and penalties. There would also need to be a licensing/inspection process. 

City Attorney James McPhedran raised the issue of these vehicles not being allowed on sidewalks or in parks and possibly cemeteries. 

Hunter Thurman, Brad Washkowiak, Jason Owen, and Roger Frederick also provided input to the Council. 

Alderman Thompson asked if there was anyone in the audience would like to speak against the proposal. No one indicated that they would. 

DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING PETITIONS 

Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the request from Hannah Hollingsworth on behalf of First Church to hold a Tag Day Collection on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the intersection of Eleventh and Bucklin Streets and related matters. 

ROLL CALL 

AYES: Aldermen Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane 

NAYS: Alderman Demes Absent: NONE Abstain: NONE 

MOTION CARRIED: 7-1-0 

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS 

COMMUNICATIONS 

BIDS 

Mayor Grove clarified that the bids were sought for mowing areas within the City that are difficult for City crews to handle due to other areas of responsibility. Discussion followed. 

Finance Director John Duncan indicated that the bidders were advised each location could be bid separately. Also, Rotary Park Disc Golf Course and Walking Path were included in the bid request to gain a sense of pricing for them since they are more labor intensive. City employees currently mow those two locations; however, various scenarios might necessitate using an outside vendor on a per cut, as-needed basis. 

City Attorney James McPhedran asked if itemization on the bids was per cut. Duncan indicated they are. The number of cuts per year was discussed; average would be 20. 

Alderman Crane emphasized the importance of having a vendor provide evidence of workers’ compensation and certified payroll. 

Moved by Alderman Demes and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the bid by Jake’s Lawn & Tree Service to provide City-wide Grounds Maintenance and related matters. 

ROLL CALL 

AYES: Aldermen Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Demes 

NAYS: Aldermen Herndon, Crane Absent: NONE Abstain: NONE 

MOTION CARRIED: 6-2-0 

APPOINTMENTS/RESIGNATIONS 

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept the resignation of Michael Smudzinski from the La Salle Parks and Recreation Department. 

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried. 

STANDING COMMITTEES 

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve the recommendation of the Finance Committee to renew the annual membership with Heritage Corridor Destinations at a cost of $9,000 and related matters. 

ROLL CALL 

AYES: Aldermen Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane, Demes, Thompson 

NAYS: NONE Absent: NONE Abstain: NONE 

MOTION CARRIED: 8-0-0 

Moved by Alderman Demes and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to approve the recommendation of the of the Streets, Alleys & Traffic Committee to add a stop sign for southbound traffic at the intersection of Illinois Street and Lindberg Road and related matters. 

ROLL CALL 

AYES: Aldermen Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane, Demes, Thompson, Ptak 

NAYS: NONE Absent: NONE Abstain: NONE 

MOTION CARRIED: 8-0-0 

SPECIAL COMMITTEES 

OLD BUSINESS 

Alderman Demes asked who is responsible for repairs of holes dug in alleys to access water mains for repairs. Discussion followed. 

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to authorize payment of Pay Request #10 for Municipal Well & Pump totaling $81,303.45 for work completed to date on Water System Improvements/Deep Well Drilling project and related matters. 

ROLL CALL 

AYES: Aldermen Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane, Demes, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds 

NAYS: NONE Absent: NONE Abstain: NONE 

MOTION CARRIED: 8-0-0 

NEW BUSINESS 

Mayor Grove recognized Alderman’s Ptak’s efforts as coach of the St. Bede girls’ basketball team. 

DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS 

EXECUTIVE SESSION 

Mayor Grove stated there was no need for an executive session. 

APPROVAL OF BILLS 

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept, pay, and file the bills: Total Submitted: $911,842.97 (Total Payroll $243,874.75, Bills to be Paid $157,369.99, Total Bills Paid $510,598.23) 

ROLL CALL 

AYES: Aldermen Jeppson, Herndon, Crane, Demes, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri 

NAYS: NONE Absent: NONE Abstain: NONE 

MOTION CARRIED: 8-0-0 

Fire Chief Jerry Janick reported on the success of the sold-out La Salle Firefighters’ Association’s first trivia night and thanked the community for its support. 

ADJOURNMENT 

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Crane to adjourn the meeting. 

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried. 

ADJOURNED 7:21 p.m.

https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2026-03/Council%20Minutes%203.2.2026.pdf