City of La Salle City Council met June 17.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
A regular meeting of the La Salle City Council of La Salle, Illinois was held at 6:30 p.m. with Mayor Grove presiding with proper notice being duly and continuously posted.
The meeting was called to order at 6:31 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Present- Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
Absent: None
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 June 3, 2019 Regular City Council meeting. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING
6:32 p.m. Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to open the Public Hearing to Receive Comment concerning the Consideration of potential vacation of a portion of City of La Salle streets/and or alleys commonly described as part of the public alley and commonly known as the southwest corner of the alley diamond and the alley ROW from La Harpe Street to the alley diamond (approximately 0.085 acres) and related matters.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Mayor Grove explained that this alley runs east and west between 8th and 9th Street, La Harpe and Sterling. Carus Chemical bought properties in this area and took the homes down some time ago. Currently, it is an open lot. Mayor Grove stated that Carus’ long term plan is to use the property as an employee parking lot. Mayor asked if there were any questions, objections or comments from the public.
Alderman Crane asked if we will have an easement in that area. Attorney McPhedran stated that if the council approves there will be a reservation of any and all City easements in the area and that will be part of any deed of vacation. Additionally, there is an adjacent alley way that was vacated in 2013 by the City. Alderman Lavieri confirmed that the only structure that will be on this lot is a fence since it will be used as a parking lot. Attorney McPhedran added that Carus has agreed to a condition that the area will not be used for thru truck traffic. This condition is included in the draft ordinance.
Attorney McPhedran asked Mr. Ralph Moshage who was present representing Carus Corporation if they agreed to the City’s reservations of easements. Mr. Moshage stated that they were in agreement.
There were no further comments or questions.
6:34 p.m. Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to close the Public Hearing.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
PETITIONS
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Demes to grant the request from Ameren Illinois to break ground at 140 Crosat Street to install a drop pole. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Ptak to refer the request from Melissa Schillaci for a stop sign northbound and southbound on Hennepin Street and 6th Street to the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Alderman Bacidore announced the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee will meet on July 1, 2019 at 6:15 p.m.
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Ptak to refer the request from William Bradford for a handicapped parking sign in front of 832-9th Street to the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee on July 1, 2019 at 6:15 p.m.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Herndon to refer the request for a “Blind Person in Area” sign on the east side of the alley located between 4th and 5th, Chartres and Creve Coeur to the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee on July 1, 2019 at 6:15 p.m. Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Crane to grant the request from Lynne Pohar to block off the intersection of La Harpe and Grant Avenue to the intersection of Grant Avenue and Sterling Street on July 13, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. for private party.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to grant the request for No Parking on both sides of O’Conor between Crosat and La Harpe Streets to the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee on July 1, 2019 at 6:15 p.m.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to refer the request from DG Partners LLC, a Missouri Corporation dba DG Partners Midwest, LLC for a Zoning Change to a portion of PIN #18-10-103-020 located to the south and west of the southwest corner of 24th Street and St. Vincent Avenue to the Planning Commission. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Motion Carried 8-0
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Herndon to refer the request from DG Partners LLC, dba DG Partners Midwest, LLC for a Zoning Change to PIN # 18-10-120-017 located at the northwest corner of 23rd Street and St. Vincent Avenue, more commonly known as Lot 1 in Northtown Subdivision, recorded July 11, 1966 as Document No. 524297 to the Planning Commission. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Motion Carried 8-0
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to refer the request from DG Partners LLC, dba DG Partners Midwest, LLC for resubdivision including certain consolidations with respect to portions of Parcel 1, Parcel 2 and Parcel 3, all located in the vicinity of the SW Corner of 24th Street to the Planning Commission. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Motion Carried 8-0
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to refer the request from DG Partners LLC, a Missouri Corporation dba DG Partners Midwest, LLC for a rear yard building setback variance from 25’ to 10’ for a proposed new retail facility located at 2345 St. Vincent Avenue to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Motion Carried 8-0
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept and place on file the Monthly Police Income Report for April 2019 showing total fees collected of $6,175.40. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept and place on file the Building Inspector’s Report for May 2019 showing total fees collected of $2,828.94 with total value of construction of $750,250. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept and place on file the Treasurer’s Report for May 2019 showing total cash balances in La Salle State Bank of $8,166,363.65 and in Hometown National Bank of $2,459,734.01. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept and place on file the Illinois Department of Revenue Report showing sales tax collected for March 2019 of $65,749.34 and Home Rule Sales Tax of $55,273.47 for a total of $121,022.81. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS
Clerk Brown read thank you letters from the Midwest High Speed Rail Association and from Cynthia Raccuglia and the family of Tony Raccuglia. Each and every alderman has a copy. It was moved by Alderman Demes and seconded by Alderman Ptak that the communications are accepted and placed on file.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission regarding the petition of Carus Corporation, located at 1500 8th Street, La Salle, Illinois for a Zoning Change from R-3 (Two Family Residence) to C-3 (Central Business) for Lot 9, commonly known as 826 La Harpe Street having a PIN # of 18-15-215-009 and the south half of Lot 10, commonly known as 1201 8th Street having a PIN # of 18-15-215- 015 and the north half of Lot 10 previously known as 820 La Harpe Street and being a portion of PIN # 18-15-215-021, all part of Block 27 in the Original Town within the City of La Salle, La Salle County, Illinois. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Motion Carried 8-0
Attorney McPhedran noted that there were no objectors present at the Planning Commission Hearing.
APPOINTMENTS/RESIGNATIONS
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Herndon to accept the Mayor’s appointments of Alderman Demes and Alderman Jeppson to the Finance Committee.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Motion Carried 8-0
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Demes to accept the Resignation of Amber Engels with regret from the Park Board.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Alderman Bacidore inquired if IVAC has produced anything for the City since we joined. Economic Development Director Katherine Koyak stated that she has nothing to report.
Alderman Bacidore then referenced recent articles in the News Tribune discussing the Peru Rotary Club’s offer to build a shelter at a park in Peru, however the neighbors did not want one. Alderman Bacidore suggested we ask if they would like to build a shelter at Rotary Park. Mayor Grove stated that Peru Rotary is a separate entity from La Salle Rotary. Alderman Bacidore suggested that we rename Rotary Park to Illinois Cement Park as he believes Illinois Cement has contributed more to the park than the Rotary Club.
Alderman Bacidore continued and stated that he received a call from Adam Stockford, the Mayor of Hillsdale, Michigan. Mayor Stockford indicated in the phone call that he was contacting Alderman Bacidore to find out why he was opposed to the Kaskaskia renovation project. Mayor Stockford explained that CL Real Estate recently bought the historic Keefer Hotel and nearby theater in Hillsdale through Hillsdale’s Tax Increment Financing Authority. Mayor Stockford stated that they have to redevelop the property with a completion date of 2020. Mayor Stockford was under the impression the Kaskaskia project in La Salle had been completed. Alderman Bacidore stated that he explained to Mayor Stockford that no major progress has been made on the Kaskaskia, but the City of La Salle has been promised a 2020 completion date as well. Mayor Grove asked Economic Development Director Katherine Koyak to gather futher information.
Alderman Crane asked City Engineer Brown to update the council on the information presented at the recent EPA meeting. Mr. Brown explained that the EPA is changing certain parts of the clean-up plan. Areas used for produce-gardens will be remediated with stricter clean-up levels than those not being used for gardens. Additional testing will be done in July and August and the remediation work is being done by the Army Corp of Engineers. The EPA has ten million dollars for this round of testing and remediation. Mr. Brown stated that the meeting was more of a status report than one where new information was provided. Mr. Brown stated that the EPA plans to send more letters out offering to do testing. Mr. Brown added that they EPA will be remediating M&H Park, Northwest School and portions of Hegeler Park that tested high. Any areas close to the Matthiessen and Hegeler site, and those with young children, those with health issues or areas close to daycares, schools, playgrounds, etc. will take sampling and remediation priority. Alderman Crane asked how the clean-up will be done. Mr. Brown stated that they will come up with a plan on a case by case basis as to how remediation will be done for each property. Alderman Crane wondered how this will affect resale values of homes. Attorney McPhedran stated that he believes it would be to the homeowners’ advantage to have testing completed in an effort to clear any questions, but that is the homeowners’ decision. Attorney McPhedran stated that at the meeting with the EPA he acknowledged the importance of giving priority to areas with children, areas with gardening or those with health issues, but also encouraged the EPA to give priority to those with premises up for sale as means to eliminate the cloud of concern. If the soil does test high, he suggested that those premises should also be given remediation priority. He added that this is the reason the City has always encouraged the EPA to do testing and remediation as expeditiously as possible. Alderman Jeppson inquired if there is a way for residents to apply for testing. City Engineer Brown stated that the company doing testing is Jacob’s Engineering. He has a form and contact, however wants to get permission from the EPA and Jacob’s Engineering to distribute or post the form on the City’s website. If a resident wants a form, they may contact him. Alderman Lavieri stated that the EPA did have a form available on-line that can be filled out and submitted.
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Demes stated that from now until Sunday at 4:30 p.m., there will be a sale on 50/50 tickets of 48 tickets for $20.00. The drawing will be Sunday, June 23, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. Tickets will be available each day of Celebrate La Salle.
Alderman Ptak noted that the Finance Committee will meet an hour earlier on July 1, 2019 to discuss the 2019-2020 Appropriations. The committee will meet at 5:00 p.m. on July 1.
Mayor Grove stated that Celebrate La Salle begins Thursday, June 20, 2019 and runs through Sunday, June 23, 2019. Celebrate La Salle includes a carnival, music, a 5K Race on Friday evening, a craft show on Saturday and Sunday, Hispanic Heritage Day/Super Hero Day on Sunday, as well as a Car Show. Fireworks will take place on Saturday evening at 10 p.m.
ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve and place on file Ordinance 2815: An Ordinance Vacating a Part of the Public Alley between 8th and 9th Street between La Harpe Street and Sterling Street within the City of La Salle. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Motion Carried 8-0
Ordinance 2815: An Ordinance Vacating a Part of the Public Alley between 8th and 9th Street between La Harpe Street and Sterling Street within the City of La Salle.
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Ptak to approve and place on file Ordinance 2816: An Ordinance Authorizing Zoning Changes from R-3 (Two Family Residence) to C-3 (Central Business) for premises commonly known as 826 La Harpe Street and the South Half of Lot 10, commonly known as 1201 8th Street and the north half of Lot 10 previously known as 820 La Harpe Street, all Within the City of La Salle, La Salle County, Illinois and related matters. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Motion Carried 8-0
Ordinance 2816: An Ordinance Authorizing Zoning Changes from R- 3 (Two Family Residence) to C-3 (Central Business) for premises commonly known as 826 La Harpe Street and the South Half of Lot 10, commonly known as 1201 8th Street and the north half of Lot 10 previously known as 820 La Harpe Street, all Within the City of La Salle, La Salle County, Illinois.
Moved by Alderman Demes and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve and place on file Ordinance 2817: An Ordinance Regarding the Lease of Municipal Property with Steamboat Basin Livery/Starved Rock Pedicab (Ken Mollan) and related matters. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Motion Carried 8-0
Ordinance 2817: An Ordinance Regarding the Lease of Municipal Property with Steamboat Basin Livery/Starved Rock Pedicab (Ken Mollan)
Moved by Alderman Demes and seconded by Alderman Ptak to approve and place on file Ordinance 2818: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 117 of the La Salle City Code in Regard to Regulation of Taxicabs and Public Vehicles and related matters. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Motion Carried 8-0
Ordinance 2819: Ordinance Amending Chapter 117 of the La Salle City Code in Regard to Regulation of Taxicabs and Public Vehicles.
For the record, Attorney McPhedran noted that each of the current operating taxi cab companies were provided a copy of the draft ordinance. A couple of the companies responded and were appreciative of the point that the rates can be set by the marketplace unless the City finds they are unreasonable. They also indicated that they respected the point that the City wants to do background checks and understood that the insurance requirements will remain.
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Ptak to approve and place on file Ordinance 2819: An Ordinance Enacting and Adopting an Additional Supplement to the Code of Ordinances for the City of La Salle and related matters. (S-7 Supplement) Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Motion Carried 8-0
Ordinance 2819: An Ordinance Enacting and Adopting an Additional Supplement to the Code of Ordinances for the City of La Salle and related matters. (S-7 Supplement)
COMMENTS
City Engineer Brown stated that the bid opening for the MFT-Non MFT Street Program will be on Thursday, June 20, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. The large sewer project will begin after the 4th of July.
Mayor Grove announced the Fishing Rodeo at Lock 14 will take place this Saturday, June 22, 2019 weather permitting. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. Fishing will take place from 9-11 a.m. Mayor thanked the Police Department for providing hotdogs and the Fire Department for their presence at the event.
Mayor Grove thanked Economic Development Director Katherine Koyak for organizing and planning the Building Open House held this past Saturday. Mayor Grove also thanked Ali Braboy of the News Tribune for her reporting on the event. Mayor stated that it was a successful event.
Alderman Ptak announced that Sally Sue’s Coffee will be coming to 728 First Street. Mayor Grove also recognized the opening of Kim’s on 351, a hair salon on Route 351.
Mayor Grove reminded the public that mattresses must be wrapped in plastic in order for the garbage company to pick them up. Residents should contact City Hall if their garbage was not picked up or they can call Republic at 815.434.2035. The number is also posted on the City’s website. Alderman Reynolds reminded residents that garbage cannot be loose in cans, it must be in garbage bags.
Alderman Reynolds stated that the Vacant Building Ordinance passed in 2014 requires a vacant building plan. He is concerned with the amount of vacant buildings and wants to enforce the ordinance. He is recommending that the fines currently in the ordinance are raised to $2,500 a month for buildings that do not have a plan and have shown no effort to improve the building. Alderman Bacidore agreed with Alderman Reynolds. Mayor Grove asked that this issue is added to the next agenda. Mayor Grove stated that this council is determined to address the vacant building issue.
APPROVAL OF BILLS
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Jeppson that bills Total Submitted: $508,292.96 (Total Payroll $184,132.60, Bills to be Paid $171,068.04, Total Bills Paid $153,092.32) be accepted, paid and placed on file. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Motion Carried 8-0
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Demes to adjourn the meeting. Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
ADJOURNED 7:19 p.m.
https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2019-07/6-17-2019.pdf
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