City of Lasalle City Council met March 22
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
A moment of silence was held for Joanie Samolinski who served as a water billing clerk for the City of La Salle for over twenty years and retired about fifteen years ago.
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 March 8, 2021. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
PRESENTATION
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Herndon to allow La Salle County Sheriff Tom Templeton to address the council.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Sheriff Templeton stated that he was present this evening to talk about a few La Salle officers and the department as a whole. He explained that on March 16, 2021, a horrific incident transpired near Sheridan, Illinois where a couple was murdered by an individual and a short time later their daughter’s house was attacked by the same individual. After the attack on the daughter’s home, police were arriving and began eight or nine hours of searching for the individual. At that point in time, the Police Chief from Sheridan and Sheriff Templeton had discussed other possible locations where the individual could be. By this time, houses, garages, barns and other locations in the area had been searched. It was then determined one particular area deserved a more extensive, concentrated search, so Sheriff Templeton said he made the decision to reach out to ILEAS (Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System) and request twenty officers to respond to assist with the search. The officers were to report to the Sheridan Police Station by 7 a.m. where groups would then be dispatched to various search areas. At 6:44 a.m. a radio communication was received that La Salle Officers Luke Radtke and Tyler Slimko who were heading to Sheridan to assist with the search had spotted a suspect in a field south of Sheridan. The suspect, Donald A. Fredres, was observed by the officers as they traveled on County Highway 3 toward Sheridan. They ordered him out of the field, brought him closer to the road where they were stationed. They and back-up officers who had arrived to assist, took the suspect into custody. Fredres has been charged with six counts of murder, one count of attempted murder and one count of aggravated discharge of a firearm. He is currently being held in the La Salle County jail with a five million dollar bond. Sheriff Templeton said that there is nothing we can do today to bring those two people back to their families. But, what we can do, is recognize those officers, who by bringing that suspect into custody, began the criminal justice process. Through this process, justice can be brought to the Barnes family. He said his office and the State Attorney’s office will not rest until that is done Sheriff Templeton presented the two officers with a typed letter that outlined the timeline he portrayed earlier and commended the two officers for taking an armed and dangerous individual off the street. Sheriff Templeton noted that a weapon was found in the field after Mr. Fredres was taken into custody. The weapon is currently at the crime lab awaiting results to determine if it was the weapon used in these attacks. Sheriff Templeton continued by saying that as he approaches the twilight of his career, it is nice to see that we will be taken care of well in the future, not only by these officers but all members of the La Salle Police Department. He said he was very happy to be present to commend these officers.
Mayor Grove said this council is on the same page as the Sheriff and understands that these and all of our officers are the backbone of our community and we, too, are very proud of them. Sheriff Templeton said this was definitely a partnership.
PETITIONS
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Demes to grant the request of Ameren Illinois to break ground at 758 Bucklin Street to repair a gas leak. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept and place on file the Treasurer’s Report for February 2021 showing total cash balances in La Salle State Bank of $10,349,390.55 and in Hometown National Bank of $4,451,906.46. 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 February 2021 showing total fees collected of $6,371.96. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept and place on file the Annual Treasurer’s Report for the City of La Salle for the Fiscal Year ending April 30, 2020. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS
Clerk Brown read a thank you note from Sandra Seaback, resident of 342 Crosat Street. It was then moved by Alderman Herndon 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.
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 December 2020 of $75,390.51 and Home Rule Sales Tax of $63,269.47 for a total of $138,659.98. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
BIDS
City Engineer Brown announced that the Storm Sewer project will begin on Monday. He stated that letters will be delivered to affected neighbors asking them not to use certain streets while the project is underway.
Alderman Demes asked City Engineer Brown to recap the areas that will be affected by the project. Mr. Brown said the project will begin on Sterling Street north of the low point where the project ended last year, then proceed north to 14th Street, then east to the low point at Zinc and 14th,and then up to Porter Avenue and Porter in each direction.
La Harpe Street will begin where the sewer ended last year and go up to Porter Avenue.
Tonti will start where the project ended near the volleyball courts at Hegeler Park and proceed east in the open lot near the three pine trees to Tonti Street. From there it will go north on Tonti to Roosevelt and collect Roosevelt as well.
Mr. Brown said currently we have 105 acres that were separated last year, this project adds an additional 45 acres that used to go to our wastewater plant but now will all be storm.
In reference to the bid, Mr. Brown said that due to natural disasters, pipe prices have increased 40% in the last six weeks, and fuel prices are anticipated to rise as well, therefore he had to bump up costs a bit for this project.
Alderman Demes asked if everything north of 11th Street would be separated after the completion of this project. Mr. Brown responded that there is one more area he would like to address at some point which is the detention pond at Sobieski and Walnut. He would like to run a sewer up to that and collect that as well. That would take care of everything west of St. Vincent between the O’Conor area. Lindberg has been separated to Bucklin. This current project will take us up to the Veteran’s Home and that area will be then be off the sanitary sewer.
Going north, there have been previous separation projects that discharge to the Little Vermilion that are not part of this project.
Alderman Crane said that he thought this project was going to O’Conor off of Zinc and La Harpe. He asked if it is stopping at Porter now. Mr. Brown responded that there is already a drainage system off O’Conor that is the low point on Zinc that is 300- 400 feet south of the tight curve. There is already an inlet that takes water to the Little Vermilion in that location. What this will do is take us to the high point about 400 feet north of the intersection at Porter and then the rest drains to the north and goes to that inlet.
Alderman Crane then asked about La Harpe Street. Mr. Brown said La Harpe is going to Roosevelt and all the water drains down O’Conor to that spot. He said they will be separating that whole area as there are no inlets between Roosevelt and O’Conor. Mr. Brown said new curb will go on the high point on Zinc Street which will collect water from the roadway.
Alderman Reynolds asked if this project would have any effect on streets south of 5th. Mr. Brown said this project is all north of 11th Street.
Mr. Brown said this will be a big improvement. When complete, curb will be replaced where it needs to be, 14th Street will be widened and all roads within the project will be milled and overlaid.
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Crane to award the low base with alternate bid to Ski Sealcoating & Maintenance, Inc. in the amount of $1,442,136.51 for the Storm Sewer Separation Project 2021 and roadway improvements. 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. $1,442,136.51
Fischer Excavating, Inc. $1,755,196.80
John Pohar & Sons, Inc. $1,453,695.50
H Linden & Sons $2,050,983
STANDING COMMITTEES
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Bacidore to accept the recommendation of the Economic Development Committee to renew the annual membership with the North Central Illinois Council of Governments. 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 Jeppson to accept the recommendation of the Economic Development Committee to renew the annual membership with the Small Business Development Center. 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 Demes and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept the recommendation of the Economic Development Committee not to renew the annual membership with the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce until a new director and staff is appointed at which time the committee will reconsider membership. 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 Demes to accept the recommendation the Economic Development Committee to renew the annual membership with the North Central Illinois Economic Development Corporation. 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 Demes to accept the recommendation of the Economic Development Committee regarding changes to the Redevelopment Incentive Program Grant application. 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 Reynolds to accept the recommendation of the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee to grant the request for a handicapped parking space in front of 1045 Ninth Street. 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 Reynolds to accept the recommendation of the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee to grant the request for a handicapped parking space in front of 328 Crosat Street. 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 Reynolds to accept the recommendation of the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee to grant the request of Luke Weiden to designate four spaces as three hour parking in front of 240 First Street. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: Alderman Demes Absent: None Abstain: None
Motion Carried 7-1
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept the recommendation of the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee to grant the request to install a “No Parking Drop Off Area” sign near the handicapped ramp at the Medical Arts Building located at 206 Marquette Street.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Aldermen Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: Alderman Lavieri
Motion Carried 7-0-1
Mayor Grove acknolwegded Alderman Lavieri’s abstention as a result of Alderman Lavieri’s office as being located at 206 Marquette Street.
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept the recommendation of the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee to table discussion at this time regarding the implementation of additional measures to inform the public of pending changes to public streets.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Alderman Bacidore announced a meeting of the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee to be held April 5, 2021 immediately following the 6 p.m. Finance Committee Meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to grant the request of Ron Witek and John Eluik to continue to host a Flea and Farmers Market at Batteries and Things, located at 365 24th Street and in the lot adjacent to the property through October 31, 2021. 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
Attorney McPhedran stated that the Flea and Farmers market will be formally approved by ordinance at the next meeting as an exception to our Garage Sale ordinance.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Grove announced that he received notification from long time Planning Commission member Jeff Sloan that he will be resigning from the Planning Commission as he and his wife are moving out of La Salle.
Mayor Grove recognized Amy Quinn who was present for the meeting and is on the ballot for our City Clerk position. He said that Amy lives in La Salle, has children that go to Trinity Catholic and is employed in Oglesby as a teacher. He said we look forward to her becoming a new member of the group.
ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Bacidore to approve and place on file Ordinance 2917: An Ordinance further regulating parking within the City of La Salle on a portion of Crosat Street in the vicinity of 342 Crosat Street as set forth herein. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL: AYE: Aldermen Demes, Bacidore, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: Alderman Ptak Absent: None Abstain: None
Motion Carried 7-0
Ordinance 2917: Further Regulating Parking within the City of La Salle on a portion of Crosat Street in the vicinity of 342 Crosat Street.
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Demes to approve and place on file Ordinance 2918: An Ordinance authorizing agreement with Blink Network, LLC related to purchase of electric vehicle charging station with Equipment T & C with the location to be determined. 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 2918: authorizing agreement with Blink Network, LLC related to purchase of electric vehicle charging station with Equipment T & C
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Demes to approve and place on file Ordinance 2919: An Ordinance Authorizing agreement for network services contract with Blink Network, LLC related to electric vehicle charging station. 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 2919: authorizing agreement for network services contract with Blink Network, LLC related to electric vehicle charging station
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Demes to approve and place on file Ordinance 2920: An Ordinance amending ordinances and resolutions regarding Redevelopment Incentive Program. 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 2920: Amending Ordinances and Resolutions regarding Redevelopment IncentiveProgram.
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve and place on file Ordinance 2921: An Ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of redevelopment agreement by and between the City of La Salle and WL Ventures, LLC (851-853 First Street). 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 2921: Approving and Authorizing the execution of Redevelopment Agreement by and between the City of La Salle and WL Ventures, LLC. (851-853 First Street)
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve and place on file Ordinance 2922: An Ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of redevelopment agreement by and between the City of La Salle and Inman Electric Motors, Inc. (314 Civic Road). 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 2922: Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Redevelopment Agreement by and between the City of La Salle and Inman Electric Motors, Inc. (314 Civic Road)
COMMENTS
Mayor Grove said that it is nice to see empty buildings being filled and TIF money being used in the downtown area and in the Community Partnership at Inman Electric. He recognized Leah Inman for posting building availability on social media as it generated positive response.
City Engineer Brown said three bids are currently on our website and have been sent to five area contractors. These bids are for the new restroom at Rotary Park, the Fishing Pier at the lake and a shelter in that same area. The bid notice will run on Tuesday and the bid opening is scheduled for April 15, 2021. He indicated that these projects are all part of the OSLAD grant and construction should begin in late spring or early summer.
Alderman Demes recognized that Rotary Park could have never come to pass without Illinois Cement. Alderman Ptak asked if we have any plans for signage that recognizes Illinois Cement’s role in the parks existence. City Engineer Brown said there will be signage that recognizes the former use of the park as an Illinois Cement quarry. Mr. Brown said he has been in touch with the disc golf group and they have already begun clearing some areas. He said they mentioned trying to come up with a unique name for the course, so perhaps this might be another way to recognize Illinois Cement.
Mayor Grove said he was made aware that government workers are now eligible as of today to receive the Covid vaccine.
Mayor announced plans for the Easter Egg Hunt at Hegeler Park which will be held this Saturday at 11:00 a.m. with a rain date of Sunday at 1 p.m. He also commented that LP High School has now returned to five day in person learning.
APPROVAL OF BILLS
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept, pay, and place on file bills for March 22, 2021 with Total Submitted: $368,160.20 (Total Payroll $167,666.21, Bills to be Paid $166,336.03, Total Bills Paid $34,157.96) 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 7:11 p.m.
https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2021-04/3-22-2021_1.pdf
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