City of Lasalle City Council Met March 8.
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 6:35 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Present- Mayor Grove, 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 February 22, 2021. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
PRESENTATION
With family, friends and members of the Fire Department present, Chief Andy Bacidore presented Captain Dean Tieman with a plaque recognizing his retirement and 32 years of service with the La Salle Fire Department. Chief Bacidore described Tieman as a true leader within the fire service, a hard worker who demonstrated a good work ethic and dedication. Chief Bacidore said if Tieman was the officer on the truck, which many times he was, you knew you were going to have to work. He did not expect anything less and Bacidore praised him for that quality. Chief Bacidore stated that the loss of Captain Tieman’s experience will most definitely be felt by the department.
Chief Bacidore praised Tieman for his participation in fundraisers, training and Labor of Love projects. Chief Bacidore said of Tieman that he was always present and a great mentor to others. Chief Bacidore described Dean as a faith-filled person and recalled a situation that occurred after a particularly hard call. Captain Tieman stood up and encouraged his co-workers not to be afraid to seek counsel, whether it was from a pastor, priest or other spiritual guide if they were struggling or having issues with what they had witnessed. Chief Bacidore said that was a change from the norm and he thought that was very nice.
He continued by saying that Captain Tieman has always been civic minded, and with his added skill set as a contractor, he was instrumental in working with Peru to establish a fire service training facility. The largest civic contribution was his donation of labor and time toward building Fire Station #2. Chief Bacidore described the antique fire truck housed in Fire Station #2 as his dad’s baby, but said the building that houses it is definitely Captain Tieman’s baby. Chief Bacidore said that after 32 years he hates to lose Dean, but understands that everyone has to leave at some point.
After a round of applause from those in attendance, Captain Tieman thanked the City Council, his family and friends and to all those past and present who served on the fire department with him.
Mayor Grove apologized for this presentation having to be rescheduled several times, due to weather and other conflicts, but it was important to him to ensure as many of Captain Tieman’s family and friends could gather to pay tribute to him on the occasion of his retirement. Mayor Grove then reiterated Chief Bacidore’s sentiments and thanked Captain Tieman for his time with the Fire Department, as well as for the many efforts he has made to help make the city better and for being a vital force in finding a place of honor for the ladder truck. Mayor Grove also commended Tieman for his role in establishing an ambulance service and for providing the seed money through the association to get it started. Mayor Grove thanked Tieman for assisting with upgrades needed in the Council Chambers as a result of Covid-19.
PROCLAMATION
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to proclaim April 1, 2021 as Junior Achievement Day. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Mayor Grove commented that Junior Achievement is a great project and a way for students to see occupations within the City.
PETITIONS
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman to grant the requests of Ameren Illinois to break ground south of Sixth and Creve Coeur streets and south of Third and Creve Coeur streets to replace two poles. Each and every alderman has a copy. Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to grant the requests of Starved Rock Runners and the Illinois Licensed Beverage Association for 2021 Raffle Licenses. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Grove stated that he received a phone call from Larry Happ who has been involved with the city as a Police Officer, referee for men’s and women’s softball leagues, and also took over the men and women softball leagues after the passing of Jim Gryzbowski some years ago. Mr. Happ informed the Mayor that he will be retiring from his position as head of the leagues. Mayor
Grove said he has nothing official for the council to accept the resignation, but wanted to make everyone aware and express our appreciation to Larry for his contribution of time in this capacity.
BIDS
Alderman Lavieri asked who Ski Sealcoating & Maintenance is. City Engineer Brown stated that it is Universal Asphalt & Excavating, Inc. but for bonding purposes is bonded under Ski Sealcoating & Maintenance. Mr. Brown said all the proper requirements were met by Ski. Alderman Lavieri wondered if we are leaving money on the table since the bid is under the $400,000 match amount. Mr. Brown explained that the $800,000 project includes the restrooms and fishing pier. This bid represents only a portion of the projects and in his original estimate, it showed there are two separate grants. The Recreational Trails grant is for everything north of
March 8, 2021 3 the bridge and the OSLAD grant is for everything within Rotary Park to the bridge. Mr. Brown said he had to split these into two separate jobs. His estimate for the walking path to the bridge
was $425,000 with the path around the lake estimated to be $280,000, totaling $705,000. The low bid came in very close to the estimate. The restroom and fishing pier will be bid out soon. For the disc golf course, Mr. Brown indicated that a professional disc golf designer has been hired. There are several items still needed such as picnic tables and garbage cans, but the major items of the two projects are the restroom, the fishing pier and the walking path. Mr. Brown said work will begin when the land dries up a bit.
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to award the low bid to Ski Sealcoating & Maintenance, Inc. in the amount of $708,074.00 for the Phase III, Rotary Park to Prairie Lake Walking Path – 2021 project. 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
BIDS: Ski Sealcoating & Maintenance, Inc. $708,074
John Pohar & Sons, Inc. $719,958
D Construction $796,493.20
Opperman Construction $848,666
Stott Contracting $864,156.35
In regard to the library HVAC bids, Mayor Grove said that specs for the HVAC systems just came in so if the council is not ready to vote on this he understands since they just got the specs before the meeting.
Mayor Grove said the City Engineer reviewed the specs and bids and determined that he did not see electrical work on the bids.
Mayor Grove explained that the library system is 20 years old and a new HVAC system will allow us to have someone local for maintenance purposes and will result in a more conventional system. Mayor explained that when the new addition was done years ago, the HVAC systems remained as two separate systems and requires a good deal of maintenance. This project will combine those systems together and as a result reduce the maintenance expenditure. Mayor Grove told the council that there is no hurry as the building is still heated and air conditioned, however this would make the system more efficient.
Alderman Lavieri asked if we will have to seek separate bids for the electrical work. Mayor Grove said the contractor would have to seek those bids from electrical contractors and provide the council with specs and bids from the various electricians. Alderman Jeppson thought the project comes with a large price tag. Alderman Crane expressed concern as the two lowest bids have a difference of $47,000, which left him concerned that the low bidder may have missed something. He pointed out a few differences in the bids such as ceiling removal and replacement in one bid and not the other, warranty differences and condenser pads in one and not the other.
Alderman Crane then moved to award the low bid to John’s Service and Sales pending further clarification that ceiling removal and replacement and condenser pads are included in the low bid. Alderman Demes seconded this motion, but the motion was later rescinded upon further clarification from Mayor Grove.
Mayor Grove stated that those items are not in his bid, because he has another plan. He said when they sought bids, because this is such a unique project, they asked contractors to submit a plan that would meet the needs of the library. Each of their approaches to the project was different so the bid submittals would not necessarily contain the same elements.
Alderman Lavieri said the current system is so intricate, Entec Services of Peoria has to work on it and it is very expensive to maintain. Alderman Jeppson said we pay $20,000 a year for maintenance. Mr. Jeppson said he is worried as to where the money is coming from to pay for the new system and wondered if we should hold off and budget it for the next fiscal year. Mayor Grove said the library is in a TIF, and because HVAC would be considered infrastructure it could be paid out of TIF funds. Mayor Grove said he was not sure waiting was the best idea, since we are dealing with a 20 year old system and maintenance is so costly with the current system.
Alderman Jeppson said he does understand that if we don’t act, we would be paying $100,000 over the span of five years for maintenance. Alderman Demes said the price of equipment will also go up. Mayor said replacing the HVAC system honors our commitment to keep the building top class.
It was them moved by Alderman Crane and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to award the low bid to John’s Service & Sales in the amount of $169,000 for the Library HVAC system project with the understanding that electrical bids will be considered at a later time. 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
BIDS:
John’s Service & Sales $169,000
Chapman’s Mechanical Systems, Inc. $216,440
STANDING COMMITTEES
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept the recommendation of the Finance Committee to deny the request for a monetary donation to the Illinois Valley Brain Injury Clubhouse in order to remain consistent with current giving practices. 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 Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Herndon to accept the recommendations of the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee and replace the No Parking sign with a new sign and remove the “Deaf Child” sign on the north side of Baker Avenue and make no changes to parking south side of Baker Avenue near 2163 Crosat Street.
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 Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept the recommendation of the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee and grant the request to erect a “No Parking Here to Driveway” sign from the south side of 342 Crosat Street to the south side of the driveway.
Prior to a vote being taken, Alderman Demes suggested that some type of form be developed for anyone who wants to add a sign, change the speed limit, parking or other issues, where all neighbors must sign off either in favor or against of the change being proposed. Alderman Demes said the issue being voted on is a situation where one person is changing parking on the entire street because she cannot back up out of her driveway. Alderman Bacidore said Alderman Lavieri suggested that a form be developed some time ago but it was never acted upon.
Deputy Clerk Bader then took the roll call.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: Alderman Demes, Alderman Ptak, Alderman Herndon Absent: None Abstain: None
Motion Carried 5-3
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept the recommendation of the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee to grant the request from James Demes to concrete the south portion of the city diamond up to the alley in the vicinity of his residence at 345 2nd Street with the understanding that the diamond remains city property and the improvements are at the cost of Alderman Demes..
ROLL CALL: AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: Alderman Demes
Motion Carried 7-0
Alderman Demes acknowledged that he understood that the diamond will remain city owned property and can be used by anyone. Mayor Grove thanked Alderman Demes for going through the proper channels to present his request.
Since the items on tonight’s agenda pertaining to Economic Development issues were not time sensitive, it was moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to resume the Economic Development Committee meeting that was previously recessed earlier in the evening, but then recess it once again with the intention to reconvene the meeting at the adjournment of tonight’s City Council meeting. Items on the agenda for discussion this evening will be added to the March 22, 2021 council agenda.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to ratify the straw vote taken at the February 22, 2021 council meeting regarding a request from Anastacia Ross of Spring Valley on behalf of Girl Scout Troop 1668 to sell cookies at Illinois Valley Food and Deli on Saturdays and Sundays until March 14, 2021. Each and every alderman has a copy. Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Lavieri in furtherance of Alderman Demes’ earlier suggestion, recommended that some type of form is created where residents of a certain neighborhood can sign off showing their support or disapproval of a request made by one individual that could potentially change parking, speed limits or other issues within their neighborhood. Alderman Jeppson asked if this would be a requirement as not everyone wants to be confrontational.
Attorney McPhedran stated that the specifics of the form and the types of requests that would require the form could be discussed within a Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee meeting. Attorney McPhedran stated that it may not be appropriate to ask for everyone’s signatures and stance on a particular matter, but it is appropriate that they are at least made aware of requests coming before the council.
Alderman Demes said in regard to the earlier request that was granted he sympathizes with the requestor, but noted that this seems to be happening often within the city where one person’s concern changes the dynamic of the neighborhood.
Mayor Grove said he, too, does not think signatures are necessary, but agrees that the neighbors do need to be made aware of the date and time of the meeting. Alderman Lavieri said getting signatures assures that the requestor has the support of the neighbors. Alderman Demes said that using tonight’s issue as an example, the neighbors had no representation. Mayor Grove said that is why it is important the petitioner is present for committee meetings. Alderman Bacidore said anyone who contacts him is told they must be present at the committee meeting. Alderman Reynolds said the petitioner was present at tonight’s hearing. Mayor Grove said he was not referring to this situation specifically, but in a general sense. He used tax appeals as an example. He explained that if you appeal your property taxes with the county, but don’t show up for the hearing, it is denied. Mayor said we should have a similar policy.
Alderman Reynolds suggested that the council take a good look at the area from the 300 block of Crosat Street to Route 6,as there are cars parked on both sides of the street. Mayor Grove stated that the street is very wide there. Alderman Reynolds explained that people are complaining that when they are turning left to go south or trying to get onto Route 6 it is difficult. Alderman Bacidore agreed that is a problem for drivers coming north on Crosat Street as it is very difficult to go west unless you pull out very slowly.
Mayor Grove said that he feels as if we have done a good job lately by having Chief Smudzinski address some of these issues with residents by simply having a conversation and making them aware of the problem. Alderman Demes suggested putting notice of these types of requests in the newspaper. Alderman Bacidore said that many people don’t get the paper.
Alderman Demes said the City Engineer suggested a sign could be placed in the petitioners yard, similar to what is done for Zoning Change requests that would be a means of notifying the neighbors of the date and time of the hearing and the nature of the request.
Alderman Bacidore announced a meeting of the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee on March 22, 2021 immediately following the Finance Committee meeting to further discuss this issue.
Alderman Lavieri said out in front of the Medical Arts building on Marquette Street is a handicapped ramp to the sidewalk. When it was first put in, there was a painted yellow square there that read “No Parking.” When the street was repaved, the square was not repainted. Alderman Lavieri asked if the 3 Hour Parking sign currently on a post near the ramp could be replaced with a “No Parking-Drop Off Area” sign. He said it could also be repainted, but when there is snow cover it cannot be seen, therefore the sign would be more helpful. He asked if this request could also be placed on the Streets, Alleys and Traffic agenda. Alderman Bacidore said he would add it to the March 22, 2021 committee agenda.
ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
There were no Ordinances or Resolutions for consideration.
COMMENTS
Mayor Grove thanked Jayce Eustice of the NewsTribune for the nice article he did on Chief Bacidore’s retirement.
Alderman Herndon asked for a status on the City’s summer events in 2021. Economic Development Director Leah Inman said that all summer/fall events should go on as planned, possibly with some modifications. Brent Bader said they receive new guidance every week so they will adjust accordingly.
Mayor Grove said it was the right call to cancel the St. Patrick’s Day parade but the expectation is that La Salle will be open for business and able to offer summer events this year. Mayor Grove said it appears that vaccines will be more readily available for the public in April and May.
Leah Inman stated that today is International Women’s Day and she wanted to congratulate all the women business owners in La Salle and recognize the cooperation they show to each other.
Alderman Lavieri also noted a Facebook post Inman posted on her professional account about the many developments that are ongoing in La Salle despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Former Alderman Fourth Ward Alderman Terry Mack passed recently. A moment of silence was held in his honor.
APPROVAL OF BILLS
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept, pay, and place on file bills for March 8, 2021 with Total Submitted: $386,903.65 (Total Payroll $184,811.91, Bills to be Paid $96,258.86) Total Bills Paid $105,832.88). 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 7:21 p.m.
https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2021-03/3-8-2021_3.pdf
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