City of La Salle City Council met Feb. 10.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
A regular meeting of the La Salle City Council of La Salle, Illinois was held Monday, February 10, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Jeff Grove 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- Aldermen 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 the minutes of the January 27, 2020 Regular City Council meeting. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
PETITIONS
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to grant the request for 2020 Raffle Licenses from Cops 4 Cancer, La Salle County Veterans Assistance Commission and Starved Rock Runners, Ltd. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Herndon to refer the request from Martin Cingle, owner of Lil’ Mad Café to the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Alderman Bacidore announced a meeting of the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee on February 24, 2020 immediately following the Finance Committee Meeting.
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Demes to grant the request for a monetary sponsorship to Stage 212 for the 2020 season in the amount of $250. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: Bacidore Absent: None Abstain: None
Motion Carried 7-1
Mayor Grove commented that Stage 212 has been a great partner to the City during the Miracle on First event and have allowed us to use their facility. Mayor stated that it is a very nice venue and the shows are very popular and well attended. Mayor stated that he understands we are very particular about donations and respects Alderman Bacidore’s position, but believes we are doing the right thing.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept and place on file the Building Inspector’s Report for January 2020 showing total fees collected of $533.50 with total value of construction of $40,350. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Jordan Crane brought up a discussion that happened around a month ago regarding the possible placement of new street lights on Rt. 351 and St. Vincent Avenue near Country Aire Subdivision and possibly also at the entrance to Vermilionvue Subdivision. Alderman Bacidore stated that a quote was received from Ameren for a new light near Country Aire, but a quote has not been received for the light at Vermilionvue. The Mayor proposed that a straw vote be taken so we can move forward. The vote will be confirmed at the next City Council meeting.
All aldermen were in favor, with Alderman Lavieri abstaining. City Clerk Brown stated that the light near County Aire was quoted at $700.
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Bacidore stated he received a call from Jason Watts from Allegan, Michigan. Alderman Bacidore stated that he was informed that CL LLC currently owns one lot in Allegan, Michigan and is now requesting that the City of Allegan give two additional lots to CL LLC in order for them to build a hotel. Jason Watt stated that he spoke with a man from Hinsdale who informed him that CL LLC will be doing a hotel project in Hinsdale, as well as the Maytag building in La Salle by the end of the year and that the Kaskaskia Hotel project will start by September 2020. Alderman Bacidore stated that it will be a busy year for CL LLC as they have committed to completing the Maytag building by the end of the year, re-doing the Hinsdale Hotel by June or July, starting on the Allegan Hotel by September and starting the Kaskaskia Hotel in September. The Mayor stated that this was very good news for our downtown in 2020. Brian Brown stated he has received multiple calls from an engineering mechanical firm was hired to work on plumbing and the inner works at the Kaskaskia. Mr. Brown added that it seems to show more activity that we have seen in the past. The Mayor asked if any building permits have been issued for the Maytag and Kaskaskia projects. Brian Brown stated that permit estimates were give a few years ago. No permits have been requested at this time, but they will be ready when the developers are ready for construction.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Demes to accept and place on file Ordinance 2869: An Ordinance Establishing the Position of Director of Public Relations and Community Development. 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 2869: An Ordinance Establishing the Position of Director of Public Relations and Community Development.
RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS CITY POSITIONS AND RELATED MATTERS
The Mayor stated he was very excited for his next announcement. Mayor Grove held up a small baseball bat and used the visual analogy of how, as kids, a baseball bat, hand over hand, was used to determine who was team captain and who would get first pick. He stated that in this situation, he has the first two picks to reshuffle and reorganize our team. Mayor Grove stated that there are a few housekeeping issues that go along with the changes. Mayor continued by saying that he has a resignation letter from Katherine Koyak as Economic Development Director effective immediately and a resignation letter from Leah Inman from the Planning Commission. Mayor Grove asked for a motion to accept the resignations.
Moved by Alderman Bacidore seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept the resignations of Katherine Koyak from the position of Economic Development Director and Leah Inman from the Planning Commission.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Motion Carried 8-0
Resignations: Katherine Koyak as Economic Development Director
Leah Inman from Planning Commission
Mayor Grove stated that he asked Katherine if she was willing to be a team player and continue the vision for the future of La Salle. Mayor continued by saying that as everyone knows, the Economic Development Director position in La Salle is growing. It includes many aspects including marketing and public relations. In addition, the scope of the position of City Clerk has changed over the years with the increase in FOIA requests and other duties. He said some may consider running for City Clerk not knowing what the job entails. Mayor Grove stated that part of this vision includes having someone to work parallel with the City Clerk. He stated that current City Clerk Carrie Brown has been very transparent about that fact that she will not be running in 2021. Mayor Grove stated that he wants to ensure there is a nice hand-off to whomever assumes the position. Mayor stated that he believes it is important to have someone within the City who knows the position and can be of assistance to a future Clerk, as well as possibly assist with some of the duties as we move forward. As part of this, City Clerk Carrie Brown will be appointing Katherine Koyak as Deputy Clerk. In addition to that role, the Mayor stated that he would like to appoint Katherine Koyak to the positon of Director of Public Relations and Community Development.
Moved by Alderman Reynolds seconded by Alderman Ptak to appoint Katherine Koyak as Deputy Clerk and Director of Public Relations and Community Development.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Motion Carried 8-0
Appointments: Katherine Koyak as Deputy Clerk and Director of Public Relations and Community Development
Mayor Grove then explained that he will appoint Leah Inman as Economic Development Director. Mayor stated that when Don Aleksy left two years ago, Leah was one of the first he spoke to about the position. At that time, life circumstances did not allow her to take the position. He added that she and her husband Brian are also building owners in downtown La Salle which is a nice aspect she can bring to the table to others interested in coming to La Salle. Leah is very well educated and has played a vital role with LBA and in the City of La Salle. Her husband, Brian, is also active in City baseball and softball programs and the family are the long- time owners of Inman Electric. Her appointment will take effect February 18, 2020 at a salary of $50,000. Mayor Grove stated that Katherine Koyak’s salary will remain at its current level.
Moved by Alderman Reynolds seconded by Alderman Demes to appoint Leah Inman as Economic Development Director.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Motion Carried 8-0
Appointment: Leah Inman as Economic Development Director
Mayor Grove thanked Katherine and Leah for accepting the positions, the council for granting the appointments, and Attorney McPhedran, John Duncan and Carrie Brown for assistance in getting all the housekeeping items in order. Mayor stated that he is certain it will be a nice transition and will enhance the team.
COMMENTS
Alderman Crane mentioned that it is not too early to donate to the Officer Santa Program and presented a check from the Local 150 which he is a member of, to Chief Rob Uranich. Mayor Grove stated 83 children and families were a part of this year’s Officer Santa Program.
Leah Inman thanked the council for the opportunity to work with Katherine and the City of La Salle.
APPROVAL OF BILLS
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept, pay and place on file bills with Total Submitted totaling $700,536.48 (Total Payroll $172,578.24, Bills to be Paid $241,811.56, Total Bills Paid $286,146.68. 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 6:49 p.m.
https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2020-02/2-10-2020_1.pdf
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