City of La Salle City Council Met Jan. 11.
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 Jeff Grove presiding with proper notices being duly and continuously posted.
The meeting was called to order at 6:37 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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 January 11, 2021. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
PETITIONS
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Crane to grant the request of Ameren Illinois to break ground at 11th and Tonti Streets to replace an isolated steel gas main at southwest corner. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Aldermen 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 Lavieri to grant the request of the Illini Valley Association of Realtors and the La Salle County Veterans Assistance Commission for 2021 Raffle licenses. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Alderman Lavieri asked if the Raffelson variance request under consideration could be granted as a temporary variance. Attorney McPhedran responded that the petitioners were previously granted a variance for a reduction to the number of parking spaces required for their existing building and they are now requesting a variance to reduce the number of required parking spaces for a planned addition to the existing building. Attorney McPhedran stated that the petitioners are not asking for a temporary variance, however it could be done if the Zoning Board and council so choose. The Zoning Board members will be provided with detailed material that outlines the variance that was previously granted, as well as what is being requested in regard to the proposed addition. This will allow them to decide the best course of action.
Alderman Lavieri asked if the variance will go with the property as he is concerned if there is a change in use down the road, the parking situation may no longer be adequate. Attorney McPhedran understood Alderman Lavieri’s concern and indicated that the Zoning Board and the City Council could dictate that, if the use were to change, applicable parking standards would need to be met. Lastly, Alderman Lavieri noted that the petitioners also asked for a delay in the time required to pave the lot. He wondered if that could be granted by the City Council without having to go through the Zoning Board of Appeals. Mayor Grove reminded the council that the Raffelsons requested an extension on the paving of the lot for the current building and that was handled by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Attorney McPhedran stated that the greater issue is the parking spaces which will be spelled out in more detail at the Zoning Board hearing. Mayor Grove said that Alderman Lavieri brought forth good points. Mayor Grove continued by saying he understands the reason the petitioners are requesting the parking variance as the nature of the business is more of a drop-off, pick-up type of situation, however if the nature of the business were to change, the parking absolutely would need to be re-evaluated. Attorney McPhedran pointed out that this particular group has been very cooperative and pro-active about meeting the requirements in our Zoning Ordinance. Mayor Grove said it is important for the city to be consistent with its requirement for parking lots to be paved when new developments or additions occur within the City.
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to refer the request of Jimmy J. Raffelson, owner of JJR Next Level Training and Fitness located at 32 Gunia Drive to the Zoning Board of Appeals for variances regarding the reduction of off-street parking from 81 spaces to 47 spaces. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Demes to accept and place on filethe Building Inspector’s Report for December 2020 showing total fees collected of $1,841.24 with total value of construction of $389,000. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept and place on file the Monthly Police Income Report for December 2020 showing total fees collected of $6,389.34. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS
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 October 2020 of $73,606.18 and Home Rule Sales Tax of $61,379.13 for a total of $134,985.31. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept the recommendation of the Finance Committee to deny the request from Illinois Valley Animal Rescue for a monetary donation to offset expenses caused by COVID-19. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Aldermen 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 accept and place on file the Financial Audit Report for the City of La Salle for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2020. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Aldermen Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Motion Carried 8-0
Mayor Grove thanked Finance Director Duncan and our auditor for their work on the annual audit.
OLD BUSINESS
No Old Business was discussed.
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Bacidore stated that he has received complaints and a request for a “No Parking Here to Corner” sign on the north side of Fourth Street, west of Chartres Street. He was told that a Jeep parks on the NW corner making it difficult for cars coming east to make the turn. Chief Smudzinski said he has not heard any complaints, but offered to have one of his officers ask the owner to move the car. If the problem is not resolved, then perhaps a sign can be installed.
It was then moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to refer the request to the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
There will be a meeting of the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee on Monday, February 8, 2021 immediately following the 6 p.m. Finance Committee meeting to discuss the above request.
Mayor Grove reminded the public that cars must be moved off the street after snowfall to assist our crews to clear streets. Mayor announced that the library is now open for in-person business.
Leah Inman reported that the response from the 70 businesses who recently received money from the ES Grant program has been overwhelmingly positive. Recipients were very grateful. Mayor Grove thanked Leah Inman and was happy that the city could show its support for our businesses.
Mayor Grove said that on February 1, 2021, he and Finance Director Duncan, Chief Smudzinski and Sergeant Quinn will meet with Representative Lance Yednock to discuss the Police, Criminal Reform legislation that was recently passed. Representative Yednock will discuss the financial impact this will have on the city and answer any questions. Mayor Grove said they will share any information they receive with the council. Mayor Grove indicated that althoughRepresentative Yednock’s name was on this bill, he, in the end, voted against the bill. SenatorSue Rezin voted against the legislation as well. Mayor Grove said our city, the council, and the community support our police and will do what it takes for them to feel supported.
ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve and place on fileOrdinance 2914: An Ordinance authorizing the City of La Salle, La Salle County, Illinois to borrow funds from the Water Pollution Control Loan Program regarding construction of wastewater improvements and related matters. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Aldermen Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
Motion Carried 8-0
Ordinance 2914: Authorizing the City of La Salle, La Salle County, Illinois to borrow funds from the Water Pollution Control Loan Program regarding construction of wastewater improvements authorizing the City of La Salle, La Salle County, Illinois to borrow funds from the Water Pollution Control Loan Program regarding construction of wastewater improvements.
COMMENTS
Mayor Grove commented that in regard to the Raffelson addition, it is nice to see businesses grow and also great for our youth to have such a wonderful facility. Mayor Grove thanked the Raffelsons for their investment.
APPROVAL OF BILLS
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept, pay, and place on file bills for January 25, 2021 with Total Submitted: $813,679.51 (Total Payroll $168,581.09, Bills to be Paid $211,174.80) Total Bills Paid $433,923.62. Each and every alderman has a copy.ROLL CALL: AYE: Aldermen 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 6:55 p.m.
https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2021-02/1-25-2021_1.pdf
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