City of LaSalle City Council met March 7.
Here are 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 6:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Present - Mayor Jeff Grove, Aldermen Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
Excused Absence: Alderman Herndon
Others Present: Deputy Clerk Brent Bader, Police Chief Mike Smudzinski, Finance Director John Duncan, Fire Chief Jerry Janick, Superintendent of Public Works Patrick Watson, Economic Development Director Leah Inman, City Engineer Brian Brown, City Attorney Jim McPhedran, Treasurer Virginia Kochanowski
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, 2022. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
PETITIONS
Moved by Alderman Crane and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the request from Ameren Illinois to break ground at 384 N. 2959th Rd to install gas and electric services.
AYE: Aldermen Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None
Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: Alderman Lavieri
MOTION CARRIED: 6-0
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to approve the request for a LaSalle Softball League to hold a Tag Day Collection on Friday, April 22, 2022 and Saturday, April 23, 2022 at the intersection of 11th and Bucklin Streets as well as Raccuglia Drive and Chartres St.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Before the council discusses the next three matters for special events requests, Alderman Demes wanted some clarification and discussion in regard to these permits.
The ordinance doesn’t have a provision for increasing the decibel readings. Demes read a portion from Ordinance 91.43(e). He states that this ordinance does not mention decibel levels and only pertains to those certain time frames. Demes feels that the form needs to be changed and remove increased decibel readings. Demes stated there were no provisions added or mentioned to increase decibel levels on Ordinance 91.43(e).
Attorney McPhedran suggested review the ordinance and have the council reconsider these things.
Provision in the ordinance 91.43(e) exemptions, outdoor events, 100% clear what the council’s future agenda is, not hurt to clarify the ordinance, do It right
Demes moved not to amend the ordinance but review the ordinance and discuss it next meeting. He asked for the ordinance to be clarified and to pass on the following items until the Council has additional time to discuss what the ordinance allows.
Demes did also mention how Carus Mansion organization put multiple events down but that they should be submitted one at a time.
Attorney McPhedran said a provision in 91.47(e) allowed certain outdoor events can be permitted by the Council but he said it would be worthwhile to fully explore the ordinance, so it is not later challenged by a resident or member of the public.
Demes stated that the motion was made by Alderman Ptak to leave the ordinance as it was. Now there is a form that shows up with a box for a decibel level increase. He does not see a need to make an amendment on this ordinance.
Alderman Ptak stated that at the same meeting that the ordinance passed, the council did discuss special event permits. Ptak was under the assumption that the special event permits were there to grant opportunities for organizations to have the concerts that they wanted. Ptak always believed that the special event permits did allow certain exemptions or ordinances to be made. Ptak said if a group wanted to have six to eight concerts a year, he was in support of that.
Alderman Demes did mention that Attorney McPhedran was unaware of this discussion that was going to happen tonight. He stated it would only be fair to allow Attorney McPhedran time to study the ordinance and for himself and the other council members to do the same. Alderman Ptak was concerned the extra time would make it difficult for businesses to plan bands.
Alderman Bacidore mentioned that Mr. Hammers was considering putting up a sound wall and asked Alderman Demes if that would ease his concerns. Alderman Demes was in support of the idea but his current motion remains.
Alderman Crane stated that he agrees with some of Alderman Demes points such as having events approved one by one. Alderman Crane also agreed to table these to review at the next meeting.
Alderman Lavieri did ask what does increased decibel mean. It's currently at 70 and they are looking for an increase to 85.
Aldermen Ptak and Crane then questioned if City events and City-sponsored events would also need to apply for a permit moving forward. Alderman Demes said that is why the ordinance needs to be further investigated.
Moved by Alderman Demes and seconded by Alderman Crane to table the request from April Murphy and Cindy Waddick, of the Hegler Carus Mansion, for a special event permit to allow an increase of allowed decibel readings and the use of city-owned property from 6 to 9 p.m. on Fridays form June 3 through August 26 at 1307 Seventh Streets.
AYE: Aldermen Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None
Absent: Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Moved by Alderman Demes and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to grant request from Christie Pasieka for a special event permit to allow the use of city-owned property from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the fourth Friday of the month from April through September at 540 First St.
AYE: Aldermen Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None
Absent: Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Moved by Alderman Demes and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to table request from Gary Hammers of the Gateway to LaSalle to Saturday, May 21st. to get some classifications.
AYE: Aldermen Demes, Bacidore, Reynolds, Lavieri, Crane
NAY: Alderman Ptak, Jeppson
Absent: Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 5-2
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Crane to refer the Request from Scott Clark, of Jake’s Pour House, to the Zoning Board for approval of variances including but not necessarily limited to from 25’ side adjacent street setback to 0’ relating to the construction of an outdoor pavilion by the rear of the building.
AYE: Aldermen Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None
Absent: Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Demes to approve the referral from Planning Commission to consider reviewing and updating zoning ordinance provisions regarding special use permits. Each and Every Alderman has a copy.
Mayor Grove stated that this was basically housekeeping with some language. This does not pertain to any current issues. Some of the current language is from the 1960s.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
REPORT OF CITY OFFICERS
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve, accept and place on file the Building Inspector’s Report for February 2022 showing total fees collected of $150 with total value of construction of $9,360. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve, accept and place on file the Treasurer’s Report for February 2022 showing total cash balance in LaSalle State Bank of $11,741,246.17 and in Hometown National Bank of $5,895,373.16. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve, accept and place on file the Monthly Police Income Report for February 2022 showing total fees collected of $6,697.49.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
BIDS
Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Reynolds Discussion and potential action regarding bid award 24th Street/Wenzel Road Roadway Improvements – 2022 project.
Mayor stated that the bid came in from Advanced Asphalt. Peru already has accepted the bid.
AYE: Aldermen Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None
Absent: Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
STANDING COMMITTEES
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve the recommendation of the Finance Committee regarding the purchase of a Dodge Durango 2022 for the Police Department after trade-in of 2015 Ford Explorer.
AYE: Aldermen Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None
Absent: Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve the recommendation of the Finance Committee regarding a request from Lucas Weiden of WL Ventures for a Redevelopment Incentive Program totaling $12,058.71 for premises located at 853 First Street.
AYE: Aldermen Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None
Absent: Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to approve the recommendation of the Finance Committee regarding the City’s seeking Requests for Proposals (RFP) for solid waste services/garbage services.
AYE: Aldermen Demes, Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None
Absent: Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Alderman Bacidore asked if the other companies were out there that wants to bid on this and if they get sold, the city gets the option to go elsewhere. Director Duncan stated that this language was already in there and that there were at least 5 other companies out there that are willing to bid on this. Attorney McPhedran stated that this will begin the process and sending out requests to begin this competitive process.
OLD BUSINESS
Alderman Demes mentioned that there were some residents from 300 2nd St in the audience that requested signs. Demes requested putting the item of “No Parking” signs to be put back into the south diamond between 2nd and 3rd St., on the agenda for Streets, Traffic and Alleys next meeting. Alderman Bacidore stated that this item will be added onto Streets, Traffic, and Alley's agenda two weeks from tonight after the Finance Meeting.
Alderman Bacidore questioned the money in the water and sewer funds. He mentioned how many purchases were coming out of the waste and sewer funds recently when he
remembers just approving the bill for sanitary sewer separation. Bacidore questioned if the city is charging too much for water or they have too much money, and maybe the water bill needs to be lowered.
Alderman Ptak did mention that each piece of equipment has been purchased and used by either the water or sewer department. He stated that when the rates were raised, it was intended for everything within the water and sewer department, not just the sewer separation.
Finance Director Duncan stated that Water and Sewer rates ordinances did expire in February. Duncan is currently in the works of making a 5-year projection. He will have something soon for consideration. Duncan stated that there are a lot of variables. He will be ready to make recommendation soon to the council.
Bacidore asked if the city could just help the people out a little bit. The city currently has $5 million in water funds and $3 million in sewer funds. But Duncan stated that this was not a high amount based upon what needs to be done. The city does have a company to paint two of the city water towers and the maintenance of the water towers. They will possibly be $500,000 for each of those. Grants do help and change the financial forecast when grants are available. Mayor pointed out how other communities are raising their rates. Bacidore would like to give them a little break for couple months. Since Duncan is currently working on the figures, Bacidore stated that they will hold off on this discussion for the time being.
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Bacidore questioned where the windows were at from the building at 1st and Joliet. Alderman Ptak stated that the windows are upstairs in the building.
ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Ptak to approve the resolution in support of pursuing a passenger rail system from the Peoria region to Chicago. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Economic Director stated that all area municipalities in area, Ottawa, Morris, and LaSalle are in support of this rail system.
AYE: Aldermen Ptak, Demes, Bacidore, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None
Absent: Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Deputy Clerk Bader asked for the following resolution to be passed over due to Engineer Brown not receiving the paperwork from the State like he expected it to.
A resolution for Maintenace under the Illinois Highway Code (various streets in the community). This item will appear back on the agenda soon.
Director Inman stated that the Muncipay is a credit card processing company, similar to the one that they use for the water department. It is a backup software needed. The fees are similar and the setup is similar.
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve an ordinance authorizing agreement with MunciPay LLC, Card Connect LLC. Each and every alderman has a copy.
AYE: Aldermen Ptak, Demes, Bacidore, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None
Absent: Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
COMMENTS
Alderman Crane wanted the parties that were mentioned on the topic with the noise ordinance and special permits that there were some gray areas with the language that they have to review again. He wanted all to know that the council was not picking on certain groups.
Alderman Jeppson is very upset and confused because the noise ordinance was discussed in depth over six months ago. He thought the council agreed to a simple process of filing out a form for a special event.
McPhedran stated that it can’t hurt to clarify to be certain what is covered in the special event permit. This specific question raised by Alderman Demes was not debated last time. The discussion of special event permits was had, but there were no questions raised if the provisions in the ordinance was covered in the special event permit. This should then eliminate any questions down the road.
Mayor Grove stated that he thought the special event permit would supersede all other ordinances. It will be clarified if it does or does not after next meeting and more clarification. Mayor Grove did think that the Council would like to approve one event at a time, rather than a lump sum from one organization. Alderman Jeppson did mention, however, that if the council did approve one lump sum of events from an organization, and issues arise, then they could revoke their permit for future, approved events.
Mr. Hammers was in attendance in the audience and has some questions in regards to the Music and Art Fest. Mayor stated that in the past, city-sponsored events were typically exempt from such a permit. It is a fundraiser for Rotary Park. Mayor Grove will clarify if these events will need special permits, since they are city-sponsored. Mr. Hammers did ask if there was free admission how does it generate income for Rotary Park. This event makes money from the bar, food, and raffles.
Mr. Hammers stated that the band that Music and Art Fest will be having is the same band that he is asking approval for.
Mayor stated that the council will need to find out if needs to be for the city events also.
APPROVAL OF BILLS
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept, pay, and place on file bills for February 22, 2021 with Total Submitted: $615,363.93 (Total Payroll $207,987.11 Bills to be paid $195,019.75, Total Bills Paid $212,357.07). Each and every alderman has a copy.
AYE: Aldermen Ptak, Demes, Bacidore, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None
Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Crane to adjourn the meeting. Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
ADJOURNED 7:19 pm
https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2022-04/3-7-22_0.pdf
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