City of La Salle City Council met July 15.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
A regular meeting of the La Salle City Council of La Salle, Illinois was held Monday, July 15, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. with Mayor Grove presiding with proper notice being duly and continuously posted.
The meeting was called to order at 6:36 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 July 1, 2019 Regular City Council meeting. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
PETITIONS
Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to grant the request from Ameren Illinois to break ground at 384 Carlene Drive to install underground electric service and at 76 Mary Senica Drive to install underground electric and gas service. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: Alderman Lavieri
Motion Carried 7-0
Alderman Lavieri abstained from voting on the request for 384 Carlene Drive because he has an ownership interest within TIF IV
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to grant the request from AT&T to directional bore and pace (1) 1.25” innerduct parallel to N. 30th Road/Civic Road, from STA Marker 0+00/Pole #2 North to STA Marker 10+00/Pole #7 located at entrance to Corporate Drive (approx. 1,000’). Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to grant the request from Comcast to install CATV cable at a depth of 36” minimum between an existing utility pole located on the north ROW of 3rd Street and to an existing CATV lockbox at 833 3rd Street. All CATV cable will be installed underground by directional boring. Permit to include road bore underneath Hennepin Street. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Demes to grant the request for 2019 Raffle License for Illinois Valley Animal Rescue, Amber Rodriguez on behalf of Greg’s Dew Drop Inn, Sharon Sadnick on behalf of Borderline Bar, Machelle Senica on behalf of Machelle’s Backstreet, Sandra Urban on behalf of Walt’s Tap Inc. for a “Paw Crawl” on July 21, 2019 with proceeds benefiting Illinois Valley Animal Rescue. Each and every alderman has a copy. Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to grant the request from Michael Turk, owner of Turk Furniture Co. to Lease City Property for two central air conditioning units located in the City Parking lot directly south of 745 Second Street. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Demes to grant the request from Jacob Green to close Second Street from Bucklin to Joliet Streets on Saturday, September 21, 2019 from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. for the annual Cruisin’ La Salle car show. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Ptak to grant the request from the St. Hyacinth’s Bazaar Committee to close 11th Street between Hennepin and Tonti on Saturday, August 3, 2019 from 4 p.m. until 12:00 a.m. for the annual bazaar. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Demes and seconded by Alderman Reynolds from Sharon Sadnick, owner of Borderline Bar to serve open alcohol in the parking lot of Borderline located at 3 Third Street on August 17, 2019 from noon until 11 p.m. for a fundraiser benefiting the
I-80 Ambucs group. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept the recommendation of the Finance Committee to donate $250 to the Cruisin’ La Salle Car Show with proceeds benefiting the Girls and Boys Baseball programs. 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 accept the recommendation of the Finance Committee to grant the request from Gary Curtin on behalf of Curtin Rentals for a Redevelopment Incentive Program Grant totaling $10,980 for premises located at 139-143 Gooding Street. 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 Herndon and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to grant the request from Erin Picton on behalf of Cub Scout Pack 3703 to sell popcorn door- to- door and at La Salle businesses between September 14, 2019 and October 28, 2019. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to grant the request from Designs and Signs on behalf of Inman Electric Company for a sign permit to install a 10’ x 3’ illuminated ground sign for premises at 314 Civic Road. 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
In response to a request from Aldermen Herndon and Crane, Alderman Bacidore stated that the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee will meet on July 29, 2019 at 6:15 p.m. to consider the request to designate the alley east of St. Vincent between Grant and Lincoln as one way south.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Ptak to accept and place on file the Building Inspector’s Report for June 2019 showing total fees collected of $3,669.28 with total value of construction of $610,561.10. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept and place on file the Treasurer’s Report for June 2019 showing total cash balances in the La Salle State Bank of $8,028,419.44 and in Hometown National Bank of $2,512,467.59. 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 April 2019 of $71,285.72 and Home Rule Sales Tax of $59,713.76 for a total of $130,999.48. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Alderman Bacidore reported that in regard to the request to rescind the speed bump granted previously for the 2000 Block of La Harpe Street, the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee has no recommendation as it died in committee. The speed bump on La Harpe Street will remain.
Alderman Bacidore reported that there is no recommendation from the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee regarding requests from Linda Schillaci, resident of 1934 Crosat Street for a speed bump in front of her residence or the request for a 3 way stop at N. Tonti and Grant Avenue because it died in committee.
Alderman Bacidore reported that the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee voted on the request to grant a 4 way stop at Grant Avenue and Crosat Street and it ended in a tie in committee. Mayor Grove asked for a roll call vote.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Reynolds, Herndon, Crane
NAY:Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Lavieri, Jeppson Absent: None Abstain: None
Motion Failed 3-5
Alderman Bacidore reported that there is no recommendation of the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee regarding request from Jennifer Gende, resident of 1527 Tonti Street to install a speed bump in front of her residence because it died in committee.
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconed by Alderman Ptak to accept the recommendation of the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee to grant the request for a handicapped parking sign from William and Dianna Walker at 1245-Sixth Street for a period of one year. 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
Alderman Reynolds reported that the Building Codes committee decided to postpone action concerning potential amendments to the Vacant Building Ordinance until further information is gathered. Alderman Reynolds called a meeting of the Building Codes Committee for Monday, August 12, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.
OLD BUSINESS
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to authorize, pay, and place on file Pay Estimate #2 to Cruz Concrete Inc. totaling $57,264.30 for the 2019 Sidewalk Improvement Project 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
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Bacidore requested that a representative of Republic Services attend an upcoming City Council meeting to address the continued issues with mattress, couches and service issues. Mayor Grove asked City Clerk Brown to contact Republic Services.
Mayor Grove asked the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee to consider designating Crosat Street as No Parking on the east side from 7th to 8th Street and related matters.
Alderman Bacidore stated that the request will be considered at the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee meeting scheduled for 6:15 p.m. on July 29, 2019.
Alderman Herndon inquired as to the status of the Maytag Building. Mayor Grove reported that he and Katherine Koyak met with the developers. Mayor stated they are hoping to have financing commitments soon. Mayor explained that any City commitments made to the developers will only be good if construction starts within the next year. The developers indicated they are on schedule to start work on the Maytag building soon.
ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
Attorney McPhedran stated that the next Ordinance under consideration is for a two year period and the Mayor has the discretion to renew the lease in the future.
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve and place on file Ordinance 2821: An Ordinance Regarding the Lease of Municipal Property with Turk Furniture, Co. 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 2821: Ordinance Regarding the Lease of Municipal Property with Turk Furniture, Co.
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve and place on file Ordinance 2822: An Ordinance Further Regulating Parking 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 2822: Ordinance Further Regulating parking within the City of LaSalle. (832 Ninth)
COMMENTS
Mr. Jamie Hicks expressed concerns about the property at 1730 Crosat Street. Mr. Hicks indicated that the owners have made the yard a junkyard and continue to gather more items.
He asked the City how this can continue to happen. Mr. Hicks also expressed concerns about the corner of Crosat and O’Conor near this property. In his opinion the traffic congestion caused by this same property owner is a safety concern in his opinion. He indicated the owner’s vehicles are parked so close to the corners that you cannot see on-coming traffic. Mayor Grove informed Mr. Hicks that the council approved no parking at that corner at the last council meeting, however the signs have not been installed yet. Mr. Hicks continued by stating that he has had some confrontations with this property owner which resulted in the police being called. He expressed some concerns on how certain situations were handled by the police, but also commended the police, as they were able to get the owners to move their vehicles allowing more visability at the corner. Mr. Hicks contined to explain his feelings toward and his personal encounters with the owners. Mayor Grove stated that personal attacks will not be tolerated during council meetings. Attorney McPhedran supported the Mayor’s comments and stated that although Mr. Hicks has the right to state his peace, he asked that he refrain from using profanity during this public meeting. Mr. Hicks apologized and continued by saying that he is frustrated and feels as if the 4th Ward is the forgotten ward. He stated that he has been waiting for road, curb, and storm drain work for years near his home and nothing every happens.
Mr. Hicks then continued by expressing his concern about the upkeep of three properties which he believed to be owned by Alderman Boo Herndon. Mr. Hicks indicated that the property owned by Alderman Herndon at 1523 Zinc has no shingles in the middle of the roof and multiple tarps have been used to cover up the problem instead of it being fixed. Mr. Hicks also stated that he has lived in the neighborhood for twenty years and has seen multiple people rent the house, though Herndon did not have a permit to rent. Alderman Herndon stated that his sister has lived there for the past three years so a permit is not required. Prior to that, Alderman Herndon stated that he did have a permit. Mr. Hicks stated that the roof problem is not a new issue and in his opinion it shows an abuse of his leadership.
Mayor Grove asked Alderman Herndon if he is addressing the property maintenance issues. Alderman Herndon stated that he has a quote for $10,200 from contractor Kenneth Henry to make the repairs when the contractor can get to it. Mr. Hicks stated to Alderman Herndon that the contractor is required to be registered with the City and he will be following up to make sure that happens. Alderman Herndon confirmed that he does own two of the three properties Mr. Hicks made reference to. Mayor Grove stated that the third property which is a home on Crosat Street is in the name of Alderman Herndon’s father. Mr. Hicks stated that his main concern is the house on Zinc Street.
Mr. Hicks expressed his frustration with the manner in which certain things are handled by the City, especially in the 4th Ward. Mayor Grove stated that the City is being aggressive in addressing properties with upkeep issues and has taken down seven houses this year. The City is continuing to address this issue.
Mayor Grove stated that he will not allow people to be chastised in a public forum, and concluded by staying that these types of issues should be handled in the proper manner. Mr. Hicks in response stated that he did attempt to reach out to Alderman Reynolds and Alderman Herndon via email as a first step. When no response was received, he was told attending a council meeting was the next step. Mayor Grove stated that Mr. Hicks could have reached out to him.
Alderman Reynolds stated that the best way to reach him is by phone as he does not always check his email. Alderman Crane stated that he appreciates what Mr. Hicks does for the ward and in the future asked Mr. Hicks to call him if he has a problem and he will get answers.
In regard to Mr. Hick’s comments about his sewer, City Engineer Brian Brown stated that the sewer in Mr. Hick’s area will be part of the grant submittal this year for work to be done next year. It will address curb area, as well as the sewer.
Mr. Hicks concluded by saying that City officials lead by example and that is not happening in this situation. Mayor Grove said, unlike other communities, we do not limit personal comments in time or subject, but the council does ask that emotions are checked at the door and personal attacks are not a part of addressing the council. Attorney McPhedran concurred with the Mayor’s comments. Mr. Hicks apologized if it appeared he was attacking others.
Economic Development Director Katherine Koyak announced that a Public Meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The Public Meeting is to present information on a grant application through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for a grant to expand Rotary Park with a walk/run path that leads to Prairie Lake. The grant also includes a fishing pier, disc golf, pollinator garden, covered benches, picnic tables, safe shelter/restroom and a picnic pavilion. The public meeting is an effort to show support from various organizations for this grant application.
7:32 p.m. Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Herndon to exit Regular Session and enter into Executive Session regarding pending and/or potentially imminent litigation and related matters: Collective bargaining and related matters, and acquisition and/or sale of city real estate and related matters and the employment, discipline, appointment, performance and/or compensation of non-union and/or union personnel and related matters pursuant to the Open Meetings Act including 5-ILCS 120 Section 2(c)1-2,5,6,11 thereof.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon,Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Motion Carried 8-0
7:48 p.m. Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to exit Executive Session and return to regular session.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon,Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Motion Carried 8-0
APPROVAL OF BILLS
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri that bills Total Submitted: $848,976.39 (Total Payroll $183,611.41, Bills to be Paid $322,821.27, Total Bills Paid $342,543.71) 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 Crane to adjourn the meeting. Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
ADJOURNED 7:49 p.m.
https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2019-07/7-15-2019_2.pdf
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