City of Lasalle City Council met May 28.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:04 p.m. by Mayor Jeff Grove.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Present- Mayor Grove, Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane Excused Absent- None Alderman Reynolds joined the meeting at 6:08 p.m.
Mayor Grove wished Alderman Crane a Happy Birthday and thanked the council for attending the Special Meeting.
READING OF THE CALL
City Clerk Carrie Brown then read the call being “Discussion and potential action on Resolutions and/or Ordinances regarding the issuance of permits regarding use of City Right-of-Way by businesses and the potential temporary closure of certain streets and alleys during the Covid-19 crisis and related matters.”
Attorney McPhedran explained that the ordinance under consideration at this evening’s meeting was prepared with the assistance and input from various City Officials including, but not limited to, the Mayor, Chief of Police and the Director of Economic Development, Leah Inman. Attorney McPhedran then outlined the various clauses within the Ordinance which recognized the reason and purpose for the needed action, which pertains mainly to the Covid-19 crisis. He indicated that the Governor previously declared the State of Illinois as a disaster area because of the epidemic which was followed by certain stay-at-home orders, which included restrictions on bars and restaurants. Recently, the Governor set forth a plan called “Restore Illinois” which outlined a five-phase plan to safely reopen businesses. In Phase 3 which is set to begin May 29, 2020. bar and restaurants will be allowed to expand their services to include outdoor seating subject to certain provisions. Municipalities were encouraged to assist these restaurants and bars in regard to outside seating within guidelines provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
Until such a time that this ordinance is amended or until the end of the Covid-19 crisis, temporary permits for the use of City right-of-way or property may be issued upon joint approval of the Mayor (who also serves as Liquor Commissioner), Leah Inman Economic Development Director and Administrative Professional Beth Ketter with input from the Fire and Police Chiefs.
Attorney McPhedran then reviewed the procedures and various sections of the ordinance. Which included the following:
1. Interested parties should apply in writing for the temporary permit detailing the manner in which the space will be utilized.
2. That the applicant understands they must abide by all guidelines set by the Governor and DCEO.
3. That the applicant provides proof of appropriate insurance coverage.
4. That the applicant will abide hours set for entertainment, including live music, which are 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
5. Permit holders agree to keep the premises covered by the temporary permit in a neat, clean and respectable manner.
6. Permit holders agree to indemnify and hold harmless the City of La Salle with respect to any claims, demands and or liability arising out of the use of the premises by the permitee.
7. Permit holders understand that the permit may be suspended or revoked at any time by the Mayor, who serves as Liquor Commissioner or the City Council.
8. That the issuance of such temporary permit does not give any property rights to the permittee.
9. That additional reasonable requirements in regard to such permits may be established by the Mayor, Economic Development Director, Administrative Professional with consideration by the Police and Fire Chief.
10. Permit holders will be informed as to the appeals process in the event the temporary permit application is denied.
11. That the Mayor and Liquor Commissioner shall have and retain the right and authority to modify said closing times in regard to outdoor operation in the event it is deemed necessary.
12. That the City may allow temporary use of certain personal property such as picnic tables, stand up tables, etc., but expects they are returned in the same condition as when received.
13. That the ordinance is subject to amendment or repeal at any time by the City Council of the City of La Salle.
Mayor Grove thanked everyone for gathering and expressed his appreciation to Leah Inman and Brent Bader for contacting business owners over the past few days. Mayor thanked the business owners, some who have chosen to jump on board and some who have chosen to wait to re-open a bit longer. Mayor Grove thanked the public for the support they have shown to our La Salle businesses and stated that we will continue to follow all safety guidelines.
Alderman Lavieri asked if applicants need to name the City of La Salle as additionally insured on their Certificates of Insurance. Attorney McPhedran stated that we could do that, but the ordinance also provides for indemnification. However, he added that in most cases, generally there is little cost to adding an additional insured as long as the holders’ risk does not increase.
Leah Inman stated that we already have Certificates of Insurance for any business currently holding a lease for the use of City property for outdoor seating. Alderman Lavieri asked if the scope of those leases could expand. Mrs. Inman stated that potentially it could. Mrs. Inman stated that currently there are 27 businesses who are participating and of those 12 have applied for permits to utilize City property.
Mayor Grove thanked Attorney McPhedran for his efforts to prepare the ordinance in such short notice and recognized Tom Henson of Starved Rock Media, Ali Braboy of NewsTribune and the Radio Group for getting the word out. He also again thanked Leah Inman and Brent Bader for communicating information to the businesses as well as to the public.
It was then moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept and place on file Ordinance 2886: An Ordinance Regarding the Issuance of Permits Regarding Use of City Right-of- Way by Businesses and the Potential Temporary Closure of Certain Streets and Alleys during the Covid-19 Crisis 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 2886: An Ordinance Regarding the Issuance of Permits Regarding Use of City Right-of-Way by Businesses and the Potential Temporary Closure of Certain Streets and Alleys during the Covid-19 Crisis.
COMMENTS Martin Cingle of Lil’ Mad Café thanked everyone and said he is looking forward to opening his business on Tuesday.
Tom Henson of Starved Rock Media asked Attorney McPhedran to review once again what applicants will be required to do. Attorney McPhedran recapped the information provided earlier in the meeting.
Mayor Grove stated that bars and restaurants may continue to operate with their normal business hours, but entertainment must be within the hours outlined above. He stated this is meant to respect those businesses operating in more residential areas. However, Mayor Grove said he is hopeful this will not become an issue.
Ali Braboy reporter for the NewsTribune asked if there are any street closures at this time. Leah Inman said at this time no streets will be closed, but if demand necessitates it is something that will be considered. At this time, only a portion of the alley north of the Camden Lounge will be closed. Attorney McPhedran interjected that the City has the authority to do so, but at this time no streets are closed. Ms. Braboy asked if there are any specific parts of town where motorists need to be cautious of those who may be utilizing outdoor seating. Mayor Grove responded motorists need to be careful in all areas.
Attorney McPhedran explained that only those businesses who determine they need to use City property are required to file an application for a temporary permit. If seating is on private property, no permit is required. Leah Inman also added that there is no cost for the temporary permit.
Attorney McPhedran said that this ordinance is intended to be flexible. If need arises, the Mayor can act without necessarily having another Special Meeting, but it is a work in progress and issues can be addressed as they come along.
Mayor Grove said the City wants to make this as simple as possible for our businesses, as we want to accommodate them the best we can. Mayor ended by saying “La Salle is Open for Business.”
Mayor Grove stated that the June 1, 2020 City Council meeting will be the last one by tele-conference with normal in person council meetings resuming on June 15, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
There were no additional comments.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Ptak to adjourn the meeting. Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
ADJOURNED 6:24 p.m.
https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2020-06/5-28-2020.pdf
Alerts Sign-up