City of LaSalle City Council met July 27.
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. Mayor Jeff Grove presiding with proper notices being duly and continuously posted.
The meeting was called to order at 6:31 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
A moment of silence was held for former IVAC Director Barb Koch.
ROLL CALL
Present- Aldermen Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane Excused Absence: 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 Regular Meeting of the City Council held July 13, 2020. 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 Minutes of the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee meeting held July 13, 2020. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes.
Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING
6:33 p.m. Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to open the Public Hearing concerning the proposed Appropriation Ordinance for fiscal year 2020-2021 and related matters.
Voice vote, all ayes.
Motion carried.
Finance Director Duncan began by saying that notice of tonight’s Public Hearing was published in the NewsTribune and posted on the City’s website along with a copy of the proposed Appropriation Ordinance. He explained that a very lengthy Finance Meeting was held on June 4, 2020 where the proposed appropriations were reviewed in detail. Mr. Duncan stated that the General Fund makes up 8.8 million dollars of the appropriations which mostly consists of the Streets, Fire and Police Departments. This year the City is slated to pay 1.5 million dollars toward the Police Pension fund, which slightly exceeds the city’s total payroll. At this time, a $630,000 deficit is projected in the General Fund, however Mr. Duncan pointed out that when formulating the appropriations a conservative estimate is used on revenue as well as an over projection on expenses. Mr. Duncan stated that there is a significant amount appropriated in the Water and Sewer funds for infrastructure improvements that the City has the funds to do. There is 4 million dollars in reserves in both the water and sewer funds, which will be used to tackle those infrastructure improvements in those departments as well as some improvements at Rotary Park that was part of the OSLAD grant received by the City. Finance Director asked if there were any questions or comments. There were no questions from the public.
Mayor Grove commented that the City is always watching the budget. Mayor explained that this ordinance contains some items that we may not be able to do and referred to parts of the appropriations as a “wish list” of sorts. He explained that not everything appropriated may actually be done, but if funding were to become available, the City must have the projects appropriated in the ordinance in order to proceed.
He thanked Finance Director Duncan, the Council and City Staff for their hard work on the appropriations.
6:36 p.m. Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Herndon to close the Public Hearing.
Voice vote, all ayes.
Motion carried.
PETITIONS
Moved by Alderman Demes and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to grant the request of Joni Hunt to address the council.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Joni Hunt thanked the council for inviting her to speak. She gave a synopsis of what IVAC has been doing for the City of La Salle. She explained that since COVID came upon the country, IVAC has worked very hard to try to develop new and creative ways for businesses to be seen in a prominent way and virtually. They have done this through retail campaigns, contests and have launched a new platform called Live Local IV which not only features restaurants, but other businesses as well. She was unsure if that platform will remain after Covid. She said business owners have given positive feedback about the new platform and are very thankful for the efforts being made. She said from the feedback she has received from business owners it appears owners are trying to come up with new creative ways to supplement their revenue.
Ms. Hunt said that their website stats show a significant increase in the amount of visitors searching for “La Salle.” She said this year there have been 8,000 visitors, a significant increase over last years’ 2575 visitors. Over 7,000 viewers saw La Salle’s last three events that were featured on the website. Ms. Hunt said those are very powerful numbers and by all of us working together it benefits everyone.
Ms. Hunt said in terms of the website visits overall, as of the beginning of the year until now there have been 125,310 visits compared to last year at this time which had 51,432 visits. At the end of last year there were a total of 225,000 visits to the website. She said they made an extra effort to market the website last year as they saw the benefits coming from that strategy.
IVAC on a more personal level also makes efforts to not only take care of businesses but the community. Ms. Hunt said they are working with Perfectly Flawed to increase awareness and discuss difficult issues within our community that also impact our work force development. She said they are also working with IVCIL to deliver mobile meals throughout the community. Last year the group donated over 3,800 volunteer hours to that organization.
She then opened it up to questions. Alderman Bacidore stated that the City rejoined IVAC in 2019. In the year and a half since then, he asked Ms. Hunt what specifically IVAC has brought to the City of La Salle. Ms. Hunt said that IVAC was instrumental in Viakable coming to La Salle. Alderman Bacidore disputed her claim saying that Viakable is not a new business but instead a situation where the former business was bought out. Ms. Hunt responded by stating that IVAC worked with them to land the company here in La Salle as there was also a competing company in Ohio that also sought them out.
Ms. Hunt said in the last couple of years they have grown in helping businesses locate in La Salle. She said some of their members have opened businesses here and used the example of a recently opened coffee shop. She said IVAC provides a list of available properties in La Salle and encourages the interested parties to make contact with the owners. She said some of the Viakable employees have housing in La Salle and the number of members of IVAC from La Salle has gone from 62 members to 89 members.
Alderman Bacidore again asked who IVAC has brought here in the last year and a half. He said the majority of businesses that have opened were a result of our Economic Development Director. Brief discussion regarding ribbon cuttings followed with Alderman Bacidore implying that IVAC would show up for ribbon cuttings when they had a minimal role in bringing the business into La Salle. Mayor Grove explained that IVAC and the City of La Salle work together on ribbon cuttings as some new businesses may not be part of IVAC yet. He said this is a way to introduce them to IVAC.
Alderman Bacidore stated that 11 years ago, there were five alderman and the Mayor who decided not to join IVAC because we had an in-house Economic Developer. He said they felt at the time they no longer needed IVAC because of that reason. Alderman Bacidore asked what has changed. Mayor Grove responded, “the cost.” Alderman Bacidore responded, “So just because something is cheaper you buy it?” Mayor Grove said “yes” if it gives an opportunity to assist the City and Leah as another resource. The cost reduction has allowed the City to not only join IVAC, but the North Central Illinois Economic Development Corporation (NCIEDC) as well for less than what it used to cost for an IVAC membership. Alderman Bacidore asked then if IVAC were to increase its membership once again to $10,000 would we quit. Mayor said we would certainly have to review it as we have limited monies appropriated for Economic Development. Alderman Bacidore said we just joined for NCIEDC for$12,500 and have gotten nothing out of them in the last two years either. Alderman Bacidore questioned if this is money well spent.
Mayor Grove responded to Alderman Bacidore by saying that at the Finance Meeting held on June 4, 2020, which Alderman Bacidore was unable to attend, Economic Development Director Leah Inman made it clear that these memberships are important to her. Mayor Grove said the City wants to do everything it can to help her and make our businesses successful.
Alderman Bacidore then asked Leah Inman if she would be willing to provide a quarterly update to the Aldermen of what both IVAC and NCIEDC have done during that timeframe.
Mayor Grove said it may be difficult to trace everything. He said IVAC is just another method to get the word out about La Salle. Mayor Grove said we are not going to put people on trial, referring to Alderman Bacidore’s questioning of Ms. Hunt. He said that is not how we operate in La Salle. Mayor Grove told Alderman Bacidore that he can have his vote and his grandstanding, but it stops here. A brief exchange took place between Mayor Grove and Alderman Bacidore with the Mayor saying we are not going to be disrespectful to people and groups. Alderman Bacidore said he is only concerned about money, not about making headlines as the Mayor suggested. Leah Inman said that she understands where Alderman Bacidore is coming from and is happy to provide the quarterly reports, but many times these things do not happen overnight. Many pieces have to come together and at times it is hard to quantify how things come together.
Mayor said for the record that we actually voted on this last meeting as part of the bills with all alderman voting in favor with the exception of Alderman Bacidore. (NOTE: Later in the meeting it was pointed out that Alderman Bacidore requested that this item be voted on individually at tonight’s meeting, therefore it was part of the evening’s agenda.)
Joni Hunt said she, too, will also work on helping to quantify and provide information to Leah. She concluded by saying that it is important to work together and keep trying, because at the end of the day we will be better for it.
Mayor Grove said those personal connections made through IVAC are very important to forge business relationships in the Illinois Valley area.
Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Crane to grant the request of Ameren Illinois to break ground at 383 Ator Avenue to install electric 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
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to grant the request of PirTano Construction on behalf of Comcast to install telecommunication infrastructure in the City right-of-way by horizontal directional drilling at a minimum depth of three feet below the existing grade for premises in the vicinity of E. Third Road to serve Illinois Cement. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL:
AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: Alderman Herndon
Motion Carried 7-0
In regard to the next agenda item, Attorney McPhedran explained that these premises are zoned R-1. The City Engineer believes that the addition should not be an issue, but recognized it could be a gray area as it is a single family addition, but could potentially be used as a two- family residence. That being said, to avoid any future issues, it was requested that the petitioners, in addition to obtaining a building permit, that they enter into a binding agreement with the City that will follow the property. The agreement will prohibit the premises from being used as anything other than a single family residence ensuring the addition can never be rented. The owners have expressed their willingness to enter into this agreement and have also provided letters of support from all neighbors who adjoin their property and those across the street from their residence. Mayor Grove thanked the Battaglia’s for their very thorough application.
Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Crane to grant the request of Michael and Linda Battaglia for Building Permit to construct a home addition on the east side of the premises commonly known as 1446 Porter Avenue, La Salle, Illinois subject also to the owners entering into a binding agreement with the City in regard to the future potential rental of that addition. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL:
AYE: Alderman Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
Motion Carried 8-0
Moved by Alderman Demes and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to grant the request of Stan’s Ice Cream for a Peddler Permit to sell ice packaged ice cream from a vehicle.
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 a 2020 Raffle License from Carrie-All Inc. d/b/a RePhil’s. Each and every alderman has a copy. Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Alderman Demes said he was unsure how the City could grant the Raffle License to Nickolas Muzzarelli to conduct a 50/50 raffle for Covid relief. Alderman Demes said he thinks it is a great idea, but suggested the petitioner consider partnering with a non-profit charity organization or a church. Alderman Demes explained that Mr. Muzzarelli has requested to sell 50/50 tickets at the Farmer’s Market, which is a City sponsored event. Alderman Demes said this is where the City has in the past sold its own 50/50 tickets. In addition, Alderman Demes continued by stating that the City has no control over his raffle. Deputy Brent Bader clarified that Mr. Muzzarelli was informed that he would not be able to sell at the Farmer’s Market, and also indicated that he planned to conduct the 50/50 raffle through the mail. Attorney McPhedran stated that there have been other instances where certain organizations that were not associated with a non-profit have been issued Raffle Licenses, but typically we know who is benefiting from the money raised. (i.e. cancer benefits where the individual receiving the money is known) In this instance, the City does not specifically know who is being helped. Deputy Clerk Brent Bader stated that he spoke to Mr. Muzzarelli multiple times requesting more specifics. Mayor Grove said it is a tough call as his intentions are probably good, but we have to make sure our residents and others are protected. Mayor said it is not so much a concern that he is competing with our 50/50 as it is ensuring the money allocated properly. Attorney McPhedran stated that the request could be reconsidered if the City were to be provided with more specifics.
Moved by Alderman Demes and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to deny the request for a 2020 Raffle License from Nikolas Muzzarelli. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL:
AYE: Mayor Grove, Alderman Demes, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson
NAY: Alderman Bacidore, Alderman Herndon, Alderman Crane Absent: None Abstain: None
Motion Carried 5-3 with Mayor Grove voting Aye
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept and place on file the Monthly Police Income Report showing total fees collected of $2,470.00. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes.
Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS
Finance Director Duncan commented that the IDOR report reflects the first full month of revenue during the Covid shut down. The City saw a 29% decrease in revenue compared to April of 2018, which is slightly below the average decrease state-wide which is 30%.
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 2020 of $50,331.42 and Home Rules Sales Tax of $43,117.78 for a total of $93,449.20. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes.
Motion carried.
Mayor Grove explained that to remain compliant with the TIF Act, the City must publicly acknowledge that Alderman Ptak, Alderman Demes and Alderman Lavieri have ownership interests in properties that are located within certain TIF Districts in the City of La Salle. The aldermen will, at certain times, as witnessed this evening, need to abstain from certain votes if they involve issues located within the specific TIF Districts where the three aldermen have ownership interest.
Clerk Brown read a thank you note from the family of Virgil Cioni. It was moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept and place the communication on file. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes.
Motion carried.
APPOINTMENTS/REAPPOINTMENTS
Mayor Grove announced that Mike Smudzinski was officially sworn in as Police Chief in a private ceremony on July 15, 2020. Mayor welcomed him to his first official meeting as Chief.
OLD BUSINESS
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to authorize, pay, and place on file the annual membership of $3,000 to the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Alderman Demes, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Bacidore Abstain: None
Motion Carried 7-0
Alderman Demes stated that he asked that consideration of a fireworks ordinance was added to the agenda. He explained that he believes we are sending the wrong message to the public by not having one. He stated that each alderman has been provided with copies of ordinances from various surrounding communities, so he suggested we table the issue for now giving the aldermen time to review the topic. Alderman Demes asked that the issue is added to the next agenda.
Mayor said it is his understanding that when a City does not have an ordinance, it falls back on state statute which makes fireworks illegal. Deputy Clerk Brent Bader confirmed this to be true. Mayor Grove said that tickets have been issued within the City of La Salle to those setting off fireworks whenever possible.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Grove reminded the public that the pool is still open. Park Director Lynda Kasik will be determining when the pool will close and the City will get the word out. Mayor said that the project to run sewer and water at Rotary Park for the new restroom is completed. During the second week of August work will begin on the 2,700 feet of additional roadway at Rotary Park to make room for more Christmas light displays.
Mayor Grove said that although the City has no oversight of the towpath, he wanted to clarify some information that has been in the media regarding concerns over the condition of one of the mules. People had noticed one of the mules was very skinny and had some sores. Anna Koval of the Canal Corridor Association was pro-active in responding to the publics’ concerns by
explaining that the mule has been sick for a while. She stated that the mule has been removed, but proper steps are always taken to make sure the mules are well cared for and given food and water.
Alderman Demes congratulated City employee Mike Girton and Nicole Supan, who were in attendance, on their recent engagement.
ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve and place on file Ordinance 2892: An Ordinance Appropriating for all Corporate Purposes for the City of La Salle, La Salle County, Illinois for Fiscal Year Beginning May 1, 2020 and ending April 30, 2021. 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 2892: An Ordinance Appropriating for all Corporate Purposes for the City of La Salle, La Salle County, Illinois for Fiscal Year Beginning May 1, 2020 and ending April 30, 2021.
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Ptak to approve and place on file Ordinance 2893: An Ordinance Authorizing the Acquisition of Real Estate Commonly Known as 138 Sterling Street, La Salle, Illinois from La Salle County as trustee. 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 2893: Authorizing the Acquisition of Real Estate Commonly Known as 138 Sterling Street, La Salle, Illinois from La Salle County as trustee.
Moved by Alderman Demes and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve and place on file Ordinance 2894: An Ordinance Amending Ordinance #2258 An Ordinance Establishing Fees Charged for Advanced Life Support Ambulance Services, Basic Life Support Ambulance Services. 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 2894: An Ordinance Amending Ordinance #2258 An Ordinance Establishing Fees Charged for Advanced Life Support Ambulance Services, Basic Life Support Ambulance Services.
COMMENTS
Alderman Demes said there was a nice Chalk Drawing contest in La Salle. Mayor Grove thanked Jan Musgrove who organized the event.
APPROVAL OF BILLS
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept, pay and place on file bills for July 27, 2020 with Total submitted of $1,003,529.81 (Total Payroll $258,684.26, Bills to be Paid $251,283.97, Total Bills Paid $493,561.58).
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 7:19 p.m.
https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2020-08/7-27-2020_0.pdf
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