City of Lasalle City Council met March 11.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
A regular meeting of the La Salle City Council of La Salle, Illinois was held Monday, March 11, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. with Mayor Jeff Grove and Mayor Pro-Tem Tom Ptak presiding with proper notice being duly and continuously posted.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Present- Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Schneider
Absent: Alderman Sellett
A quorum was present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Alderman Demes and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept and place on file minutes of the February 25, 2019 Regular City Council meeting. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
PRESENTATIONS
Moved by Alderman Schneider and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to allow Charles Dana of Rock River Energy Services, Co. to address the council concerning municipal electric aggregation bids and related matters.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Mr. Dana addressed the council and explained that Constellation came in with the lowest bid as compared to the Ameren rate of $0.0538 /kWh. With Constellation, locking into a three year term will secure a rate of $0.0502/ kWh for the duration of the term. Mr. Dana added that resident always have the final say and are not obligated to join or stay with the program. The City is offering this as an option, however he cautioned residents to be careful with companies who may solicit their energy business. He stated that many times these companies will offer a low initial rate, with it only to drastically increase after a few months at the introductory rate. Mr. Dana stated that residents will receive a letter in early May from Consellation explaining the opt- out process. However, if residents choose to remain on the City’s program, they do not need to do anything. The change will occur automatically. Alderman Ptak stated that the Finance Committee reviewed the bids and recommend the City lock in the three year term with Constellation.
Mayor Grove presented a plaque recognizing Leonard Keenan who is known by many as the “Mayor of Rockwell.” Mr. Keenan created a 200 page document entitled “Rockwell History 1835-2008, which a copy was donated to the City of La Salle, the La Salle Library and the historical museum in Utica. An article was featured in the News Tribune and this article was engraved on the plaque. Mayor Grove thanked Mr. Keenan for his continued interest and concern for the City of La Salle, for his input and attendance at City Council meetings for many years.
6:36 p.m. Mayor Grove excused himself from the meeting due to a work commitment.
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to appoint Tom Ptak as Mayor Pro-Tem for the remainder of the meeting in the absence of Mayor Grove.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Schneider
NAY: None
Absent: Alderman Sellett
Abstain: None
Motion Carried 7-0
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to allow Ken Mollan to address the council.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Mr. Mollan, owner of Steamboat Basin Livery, LLC and Starved Rock Pedicab, LLC, explained his proposal to operate an eco-friendly Pedicab service that would provide transportation in and around La Salle. In addition, the company would also provide interpretive tours on the I & M Canal Tow Path, working in conjunction with the canal boat. In addition, the company hopes to provide transportation in and around North Utica. Mr. Mollan presented a petition signed by various La Salle business owners showing support for the idea, as well a letter from IDOT authorizing the use of the Pedicabs on state roadways. Mr. Mollan stated that he is awaiting permission from the IDNR and is working with Senator Sue Rezin to assist with obtaining permission. Mr. Mollan presented additional information about his company, including staffing, equipment information and safety information. He added that they plan to have two pedicabs operating out of La Salle from May through October. Brief discussion followed. Mr. Mollan asked for the council’s support and the approval of a potential ordinance that would allow the operation of the Pedicabs in the City of La Salle.
PROCLAMATION
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, April as Fair Housing Month and April 4, 2019 as Junior Achievement Day in the City of La Salle. Each and every alderman has copies of each proclamation.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
PETITIONS
Moved by Alderman Demes and seconded by Alderman Bacidore to grant the request of the Illinois Valley Regional Fire Training Facility Association for 2019 Raffle license. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Schneider and seconded by Alderman Demes to grant the request of the Better Fishing Association and donate $250 to the 21st Annual Baker Lake Kid’s Fishing Exposition being held on Saturday, May 11, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and the I & M Canal Lock 14 La Salle, 32nd Annual Kid’s Fishing Tournament being held on Saturday, June 1, 2019 from 9 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Herndon, Schneider
NAY: None
Absent: None
Abstain: Alderman Lavieri
Motion Carried 6-0
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Schneider to accept the recommendation of the Finance Committee and deny the request for a monetary donation to the Illinois Valley Brain Injury Clubhouse for its annual appeal drive to remain consistent with current giving practices. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Schneider
NAY: None
Absent: Alderman Sellett
Abstain: None
Motion Carried 7-0
REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Herndon to accept and place on file the Treasurer’s Report for February 2019 showing total cash balances in Hometown National Bank of $2,395,803.40 and in La Salle State Bank of $8,446, 541.21. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Demes to accept and place on file the Building Inspector’s Report of February 2019 showing total fees collected of $9,764.20 with total value of construction of $892,000. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
BIDS
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept the bid of Constellation Energy and enter into a three year contract at a rate of $0.0502/ kWh, subject to entering into an agreement, for municipal electric aggregation. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Schneider
NAY: None
Absent: Alderman Sellett
Abstain: None
Motion Carried 7-0
Alderman Schneider stated that each alderman had been provided a copy of the bid tab for the 2019 Spring Demolition project and that he attended the bid opening. He added that there was approximately at $1,700 difference between the two lowest bidders. He explained that this particular situation is a little different because the City has an opportunity to receive a $40,000 grant reimbursement for these demolitions, however the submission deadline is May 13. Alderman Schneider moved and Alderman Reynolds seconded that the council award the bid to John Pohar & Sons having the second lowest bid of $51,390 in order to assure there is adequate equipment and manpower to meet the deadline for the grant. Prior to a vote being taken, Alderman Lavieri asked if we are allowed to accept the second lowest bid.
Attorney McPhedran explained that the Council could do so, if the Council finds the company to be the lowest responsible bidder, taking into consideration the time constraints and circumstances related to this project. The council may do so if they believe it is in the best interest of the Citizens of La Salle. He added that this is not to say the low bidder will not be considered for future demolition projects where time constraints may not be such an important factor.
Alderman Schneider then amended his motion and it was seconded by Alderman Reynolds that regarding the City of La Salle 2019 Spring Demolition project, which will involve the demolition and related work involving five properties (616-6th, 1130 9th, 1315 First, 1135 La Harpe and 827 Hennepin), that considering all of the relevant factors, most pertinently including, but not limited to, the ability to complete the obligations under the contracts to be entered into in a timely manner, that we find that in the best interests of the citizens of the City of LaSalle and the public in general, that the lowest responsible bidder on this particular project is John Pohar & Sons, Inc with a bid of $51,390 therefore moved that we award the contract for the City of La Salle 2019 Spring Demolition to John Pohar & Sons. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Schneider
NAY: None
Absent: Alderman Sellett
Abstain: None
Motion Carried 7-0
Bids: Kirsch Excavating- $49,645
John Pohar and Sons $51,390
Rupe Excavating $58,650
Stott Contracting LLC $58,750
Green Demolition $67,800
Opperman Construction, Co $131,650
OLD BUSINESS
Moved by Alderman Schneider and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to authorize, pay and place on file Invoice UAE1260 to Universal Asphalt & Excavating Inc. totaling $29,535.03 for Extra Work for the East 3rd (Chartres Street) Emergency Concrete Pavement Repair project and related matters. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Schneider
NAY: None
Absent: Alderman Sellett
Abstain: None
Motion Carried 7-0
NEW BUSINESS
Moved by Alderman Demes and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to authorize the Voluntary Collection Agreement for the City of La Salle Hotel Use Tax. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Schneider
NAY: None
Absent: Alderman Sellett
Abstain: None
Motion Carried 7-0
ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Demes to approve and place on file Ordinance 2802: Ordinance Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District Redevelopment Agreement by and between the City of La Salle, La Salle County, Illinois and Gary Hammers (545 First Street Project). Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Schneider
NAY: None
Absent: Alderman Sellett
Abstain: None
Motion Carried 7-0
Ordinance 2802: Ordinance Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District Redevelopment Agreement by and between the City of La Salle, La Salle County, Illinois and Gary Hammers (545 First Street Project).
COMMENTS
Leonard Keenan thanked the council for the recognition.
Alderman Demes reminded everyone of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade being held on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 1 p.m. He announced that 50/50 tickets sold during the parade will be two for one.
City Engineer Brown announced that the Fourth Street Storm Sewer project is underway and will be completed by the end of the week. The storm sewer project north of 11th Street will also begin soon.
Alderman Lavieri announced that Chief Andy Bacidore will be the head of IVRD for the next two years.
APPROVAL OF BILLS
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Demes that bills Total Submitted: $426,493.41 (Total Payroll $185,548.34, Bills to be Paid $96,666.53, Total Bills Paid $144,278.54) be accepted, paid and placed on file. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Schneider
NAY: None
Absent: Alderman Sellett
Abstain: None
Motion Carried 7-0
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Demes to adjourn the meeting. Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
ADJOURNED 7:20 p.m.
https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2019-03/3-11-2019_3.pdf
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