City of LaSalle City Council Met Aug. 9.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
A regular meeting of the LaSalle City Council of LaSalle, 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 6:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Present - Mayor Grove, Aldermen Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
Absent - NONE
A quorum was present.
Others Present: Deputy Clerk Brent Bader, Fire Chief Jerry Janick, Treasurer Virginia Kochanowski, Attorney Jim McPhedran, Superintendent of Public Works Patrick Watson, Chief Jerry Janick, Building Inspector Andy Bacidore
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 26, 2021. Each and every aldermen has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
PROCLAMATION
Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to proclaim August 31, 2021 as Overdose Awareness Day.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
PETITIONS
Moved by Alderman Demes and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to grant the request from Ameren Illinois to break ground at 326 Third St. to install a transformer new pole at north end of the alley and underground electric for four new/upgrade services. Each and every aldermen has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Bacidore to approve the request from Designs and Signs on behalf of JC Whitney to install an illuminated, single facing wall sign at 761 Progress Parkway. Each and every aldermen has a copy. Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Bacidore to approve the request from P & D signs on behalf of Witek Wealth Management to install a non-illuminated, single-facing wall sign at 613 First Street. Each and every aldermen has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Bacidore to approve the request to break curb for driveway from Tom Ptak for property at 1203 First Street.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Demes, Bacidore, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: Alderman Ptak
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Bacidore to approve the request from Tom Ptak to waive masonry requirements for a potential garage at 1203 First Street.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Demes, Bacidore, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: Alderman Ptak
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and Seconded by Alderman Jeppson to send the request to the Zoning Board of Appeals from Jean and Jerry Roberson for side-yard variance from 5’ to 2’ to replace an existing back porch and extend it south at the property located at 522 Lafayette Street.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept and place on file Building Inspector’s Report for July 2021 $1,394.40 with total value of construction of $656,404.20.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
BIDS
Mayor Grove began the discussion of the 1001 First St. Emergency Demolition. This will be for proper cleanup and basement removal. Alderman Crane had questions on wording on each bid.
Mayor Grove stated that he would assume that if a contractor is looking at the specifications and submitting a proposal, then a contractor would be agreeing to that. Mayor would assume that whoever the bid is awarded to would be aware of the guidelines and not expect the bidder to recant everything that is in the bid, Alderman Crane is worried that if it is not stated on their bid then more may be tacked on later because it was not in the original proposal.
Attorney McPhederan stated that the contractor that would be accepted has to enter into a written contract with the city. Whoever is awarded the contractor, in order to finalize, they will have to sign a contract and comply with every one of the specifications. If they do not agree then the City would move onto the other bidder. The Council discussed that the Pohar bid was more specific. Mr. McPhedran stated that he spoke with Building Inspector Bacidore and he agreed that both contractors have done a great job for the city.
Alderman Ptak stated that he is leaning toward the Pohar bid as it is more thorough. The city wants this job to be in and out. He also wanted to acknowledge the fact that Pohar’s was at the job site within the hour of the building falling.
Mr. McPhedran stated that if the council agreed to go with not the lower bid, then they would have to prove that the bid is not a responsive bid.
Chairman Ptak questioned if the city was tied to the lower bid. Mr. McPhederan stated that the council would have to state that the lower bid was not satisfactory and non compliant with spec.
Mayor Grove had concerns with the Pohar bid having some open-ended items. Bacidore stated that disconnected utilities are done and retired. He states that it can be taken off the table. As far as hazardous waste, fuel oil tanks and disposal would have to be added by any contractor. asbestos the old boiler is friable, permits, Either contractor that gets the contract will have to comply with everything within the specs.
Mayor Grove wanted the council to know that no matter what bid is accepted, TIF funds will be used.
Alderman Crane asked about a question on Pohar’s bid regarding prevailing wages. Alderman Crane wanted to know if there was any way to get proof and to ask for their payroll. Mr. McPhedran was not certain.
McPhedran stated that the agreeing contractor would not only have to comply with prevailing wages but with OSHA, EPA, etc. The awarded contractor would be in violation if they do not comply with the detailed specs.
Mayor Grove questioned the timeframe of removal. Building Inspector Bacidore mentioned that a 15-day window was typical after agreement with the contractor. The only hold up would be getting the manifest from the landfill for a site. Alderman Lavieri stated that if the city does not want to waive the demo fees, the city would be paying themselves, and that the money would cycle right back to the city. But if the city could recoup it from the owner, then the city would want those fees in there.
Moved by Alderman Demes and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to award the bid to the lower bidder subject to entering into a contract with all certain specs.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Demes, Bacidore, Lavieri, Jeppson, Mayor Grove
NAY: Aldermen Ptak, Reynolds, Herndon, Crane Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 5-4
STANDING COMMITTEES
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to support the decision by the finance committee to deny the request from Mendota Area Senior Services for a $1,000 donation for funding assistance following the COVID-19 pandemic.
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 from the finance committee to approve the request from Robert Donovan for a Redevelopment Incentive Program grant totaling $525 for premises located at 828 First 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 Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept the recommendation from the finance committee to approve the request from Robert Donovan for a Redevelopment Incentive Program grant totaling $1,575 for premises located at 848 First 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 Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept the recommendation from the finance committee to approve the request from Mike Bird for a Redevelopment Incentive Program grant totaling $12,500 for premises located at 459 First St.
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 from Street, Alleys, Traffic Committee to not put up any signage at the diamond area south of 1024 9th St.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
RESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENTS
Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept and approve the resignation of Patrolman Matthew M. Klinefelter.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Mayor Grove stated that people have opportunities to make a choice to improve their livelihood for themselves and their families and he wanted to wish him well.
Alderman Crane questioned the few resignations that the city has had in the last few years. Chief Mike Smudzinski stated that it is the current political environment. He also stated that with nine years on, he was a very valuable police officer. Mayor Grove stated how much the city and the council support their police 150%.
Mayor Grove asked to do a straw vote for putting two people onto the Emergency Telephone System Board for LaSalle County. He would like to recommend Chief Jerry Janick and Finance Director John Duncan. Chief Janick will act as the primary board member and Mr. Duncan being the fill in. All Aldermen agreed. An official vote will be taken at the next City Council meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Ptak to authorize and pay estimate #3 to Tieman Builders, Inc. totaling $68,747.77 for work completed to date on the Rotary Park Phase III - Restroom Facility project.
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 Bacidore to authorize and pay Estimate # 1 to Tieman Builders, Inc, totaling $13,564.98 for work completed to date on the Rotary Park Phase III - Shelter Installation project.
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 authorize and pay Estimate #1 to Ski Sealcoat and Maintenance, Inc. totaling $88,830.00 for work completed to date on the Rotary Park Phase III - Path to Prairie Lake - Recreational Trails Program project.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
Alderman Bacidore began the discussion in regards to the new business Nick’s on Six and noise complaints. Anonymous phone calls are being made and saying the music is loud. Alderman Bacidore decided to sit with a decibel machine one weekend to see if there was a valid complaint.
Mayor Grove stated that if noise complaints happen, police can be called and give the businesses the heads up to check their own levels. That particular business was in fault one night because they were playing music 10 minutes after 10pm. Alderman Bacidore and Demes went back and forth whether a resident living nearby did mind the music.
Alderman Demes stated that he was called because of all his neighbors’ complaints around him.
Mayor Grove and Chief Smudzinski already spoke and discussed how if they receive any more calls, the police will call the business and ask for them to check their decibels. Alderman Demes continued to state how the noise is heard through his walls and windows.
Mayor Grove suggested sending this discussion item to a committee. Alderman Herndon stated that there are already laws out there for this and the police seem to have taken care of this whenever it becomes an issue.
There was no motion to bring this topic to a committee.
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Bacidore and Alderman Lavieri started the discussion regarding current and proposed parking restrictions on Bucklin Street from Pershing Road to Balbo Road. There has been a missing sign that was once there. Mayor Grove stated that this did not need to be discussed because it was already in an ordinance and does need to be referred. It can be sent to Public Works to get a missing sign up. Supt. Watson will take care of the missing sign.
Alderman Ptak began a discussion regarding a handicap space that is at 851 1st St. The council just added, on July 12, a handicap spot across the street at the northeast corner of 1st and Hennepin. Alderman Ptak already spoke with the owners at 851 1st St. to remove it and the owners were in favor of it.
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to move this item to Streets, Alley, and Traffic committee.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
Moved by Aldermen Reynolds and Aldermen Demes to approve the ordinance enacting and adopting an additional supplement to the Code of Ordinances for the City of LaSalle.
AYE: Aldermen Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
COMMENTS
Mayor Grove is very impressed with the 351 project.
Mayor wanted to congratulate the City of LaSalle 13u Junior league with placing 4th in State and the Girls Softball placing 2nd in State.
Sunday, August 15th the pool will be closed for all the kids going back to school.
APPROVAL OF BILLS
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept, pay, and place on file bills for July 26, 2021 with Total Submitted: $1,013,240.21 (Total Payroll $181,038.40, Bills to be paid $97,600.03, Total Bills Paid $734,601.78).
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 Bacidore to adjourn the meeting.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
ADJOURNED 7:29pm
https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2021-09/8-9-21.pdf
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