City of LaSalle City Council met Sept. 6.
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 Grove, Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
Excused Absence - Alderman Herndon
A quorum was present.
Others Present: Deputy Clerk Brent Bader, Finance Director John Duncan, New Economic Developer Curt Bedei, Departing Economic Developer Director Leah Inman, Fire Chief Jerry Janick, Building Inspector Andy Bacidore, City Engineer Brian Brown, Director of Public Works Patrick Watson, City Attorney James McPhedran, City Treasurer Virginia Kochanowski
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to accept and place on file the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council held August 22, 2022. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
PRESENTIATION
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to approve the request for Luke Tomsha to address the Council regarding the ongoing work of the Perfectly Flawed Foundation and potential action therein.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Luke Tomsha began his discussion in regards to the Perfectly Flawed Foundation’s updates. They are currently occupying the whole train station. September is Recovery month. Tomsha received approval from City council recently to have inspirational signs on Bucklin Street and at Rotary Park for recovery month. Tomsha mentioned that their foundation does receive R3 funding (Marijuana Tax funding) that has helped building capacity around their work. They have received this funding for the last couple years. Tomsha would like to sit down and work with the city and tap into those resources using that funding. The foundation just recently just got approved for a grant from substance abuse and prevention. The foundation does have a golf outing coming up on Sept 24th. Tomsha asked if the City would consider some sort of sponsorship for this golf outing.
They currently have a great support group on Tuesday nights and on Thursdays they do some grilling out. Tomsha did mention how the Overdose death rates are at the highest of all time. Perfectly Flawed does their best to promote awareness and to support those where they are at. It is not just abstinence, it can be approved and reduced use.
Alderman Crane asked to get a donation from the City but the Mayor asked for that consideration to be sent to the Finance Committee first.
PROCLAMATION
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to proclaim Saturday, Sept. 17 through Friday Sept. 23 as Constitution Week in LaSalle.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING PETITIONS: Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Crane to grant the request from Ameren Illinois to break ground at 367 North 2959th road to retire guest service.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Aldermen Herndon Abstain: Alderman Lavieri
MOTION CARRIED: 6-0
Moved by Alderman Crane and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to grant the request to install Comcast facilities onto city right of way for service to La Salle Peru Township high school.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to grant the request from PD signs on behalf of Sequoia Digital Marketing to install non-illuminated single facing wall sign at 1157 1st St.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to forward the request of Kimley Horn, on behalf of Travel Center, Realty LLC related Southern Tire Mart Free II LLC a.k.a. Flying J for a variance of 11 parking spaces rather than 32 spaces is required by ordinance at 341 Civic Rd. to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Mayor Grove mentioned that Gary Hammers, Curt Bedei, Leah Inman, and himself spoke recently. Mr. Hammers was looking for Increased decibels to 85 to go along with the extended times for the next few weekends of summer and into fall. Hammers filled out forms for all the upcoming weekends until Oct. 1, even though some do not have a band yet set to a particular date. He was looking to get the approval and if a band does get set, he would inform the city of who is playing. Alderman Reynolds asked why the decibel level has to be increased. The ordinance states that the music can go to 10pm with a decibel reading to 70. This permit grants them automatically up to 85. Hammers is requesting the extension of one hour and decibel reading to or the record he is requesting at 85. LaSalle Resident Diz Demes asked to address the council. Demes stated that from May 1st - July 3rd there have been 10 incidents called for amplified music after 10pm. All called in at 10:20 p.m., 10:35 p.m., 11 p.m. For the weekend of July 2nd and 3rd, there was a Special use permit. Demes did call in at 11:15 p.m. on that one because music did not stop. They did then stop. Then the following night, July 11:25 p.m. awakened due to amplified noise. Demes called IVRD and asked for an officer to stop and sign a complaint. The complaint is still currently in court. They have stopped at 10 p.m. for all recent events. Demes mentioned that the music that would play during the day has been acceptable. They have turned the band shell easterly down the alley and it has helped. Demes is upset because they do not obey the ordinance 91.43, amplified music after 10 p.m. After 10 p.m., listed from ordinance 91.44, the decibels should be at 65 decibels. Demes thinks that every weekend for the rest of summer/fall is excessive for the rest of the year. They have been compliant, since the complaint has been filed.
Alderman Jeppson did mention that there are not too many weekends left of good weather to enjoy music outside, so it may not be as many as Demes is thinking. Alderman Bacidore states that we need to continue bringing people to La Salle and give him the extra hour. After his music quits, Bacidore states that they do go to other bars, restaurants for food, and the city's gas stations. Alderman Thompson asked if Hammers is set on every week, every Friday and Saturday. Hammers is hoping to get a few more in even after this request of dates. He wants to give as many chances to get the people out and end the year with a bang beforel the snow falls, to call it a year. Hammers mentioned that they do not do anything else during the week, they have no music or entertainment during the week. Hammers is not looking to upset any of the neighbors, including Demes.
Alderman Lavieri asked if he looked into the sound walls Hammers mentioned at a prior meeting. He has looked into the sound walls, but has not looked further into them.
Moved by Alderman Crane and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to grant the request of the Nick Hammers and Gary Hammers, of Nick’s on Six, for a special event permits to allow an extension of hours for outdoor music and increase of a low decibel readings from 7 to 11 PM on September 9, September 10, September 16, September 17, September 23, September 24, September 30, October 1 at 328 3rd St.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Aldermen Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Thompson to accept and place on file the Building Inspector’s Report for August 2022 showing total fees collected of $1,320.20 with total value of construction of $220,839.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Thompson to accept and place on file the Monthly Police Income Report for August 2022 showing total fees collected of $7,397.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
BIDS
Building Inspector Andy Baciodre stated that there were multiple phone calls in regards to the notice of demolition of 636 Lafayette but no bids came in to the city. Deputy Clerk Bader asked the Council whether they would like to re-bid the project or make direct contact with companies. Alderman Crane suggested the City should make direct contact with local contractors.
Moved by Alderman Crane and seconded by Alderman Thomspson to go out without the bid process and to look at local contractors for bids for the demolition of 636 Lafayette Street.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Grove would like to appoint Becky Christopherson to the Library Board. Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve the appointment of Becky Christopherson to the Library Board.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
STANDING COMMITTEES
Moved by Alderman Ptak and Alderman Lavieri to accept the Finance Committee recommendation regarding a request from George Knafelc Investments for a Redevelopment Incentive Program grant totaling $5,127.15 for premises located at 129/135 Joliet Street.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Moved by Alderman Ptak and Alderman Lavieri to accept the Finance Committee recommendation to pass on the proposal from Ken Mollan to sell his pedicab businesses, Starved Rock Pedicab, LLC and Steamboat Basin Livery, LLC to the City of LaSalle.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Ptak to accept the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee's recommendation to deny request to add a streetlight in the alley behind 1511 Creve Coeur Street.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Thompson to accept the recommendation of the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee regarding a request to install a handicapped sign in front of 437 Crosat Street.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Bacidore to pass on the request to add a “Children at Play” sign until the committee looks at location and gets a better understanding of the request.
Moved by Alderman and seconded by Alderman to deny the request to relocate a previously approved handicapped parking space sign at 1216 Third St. Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Thompson to confirm the straw vote regarding the acceptance of a retirement letter from Sgt. Jason Quinn. Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Thompson to confirm the straw vote regarding the action of hiring Austin Bray to the position of patrolman.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Aldermen Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to confirm the straw vote regarding the payment of $22,900 to Universal Asphalt & Excavating, Inc. for work completed to date on the 2022 Lagoon Modifications project.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to authorize and pay Estimate #1 to Universal Asphalt & Excavating totaling $123,348.38 for work completed to date on 2022 Road Improvements - MFT project.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to authorize and pay Estimate #1 to Universal Asphalt & Excavating totaling $110,669.54 for work completed to date on 2022 Road Improvements - RBI project.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to authorize and pay Estimate #1 to Ladzinski Cement Finishing Co. totaling $38,248.12 for work completed to date on the 2022 Sidewalk Improvements project.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to authorize and pay Request #1 to Vissering Construction Company totaling $36,225.00 for work completed to date on the Aerobic Digester Conversion project.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept the request of Joseph Schwamberger and Carolyn Franklin for consideration of approval of a small subdivision plat in regards to premises just south of 2148 Donahue Street, on the east side of Donahue Street.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Alderman Reynolds began discussion in regards to the updates on 801-805 First Street. The city’s structural engineer and the owner’s engineer both had changes and both agreed upon the changes. Their requests have been fulfilled. There were plates that were installed accordingly. Bacidore met with Rafael from CL Enterprises. The other requests are going to be dealt with, but nothing was as substantial as this latest fix. They are trying to get a commitment and come up with a plan. Reynolds will try to confirm the contractor with CL Enterprises before the next update. Mayor believes that they are finally headed in a positive direction.
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Thompson began the discussion in regards to the Illinois Safe-T Act. This was an act that was signed in 2021 and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2023. Some are calling it the “Anti-Police” bill, he said. Out of 102 state attorneys, 100 of them are against the bill. There have been efforts to change this. This act does mandate cameras for a city, whether the city can afford it or not. Alderman Thompson gave an example of a non violent offense and the results of it which would fall under this new act. Someone could walk onto someone else’s property and look into their windows, an officer would be unable to put hands on the person, he said. They would only be required to write a ticket and walk away. Thompson believes that some power will have to come from the Illinois Chiefs Association in order for changes to be made. He believes this will be a huge liability for the town. Thompson asks for the other aldermen to do their own research on this Act.
Alderman Jeppson made mention of a request from the 1300 block of Campbell St. The resident will fill out the necessary paperwork to have this item added to the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee’s agenda for the next meeting. The resident is looking to get no parking on the East Side of the Street.
ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to approve and accept the resolution by the City Council, City of LaSalle, Illinois, in support of Lighted Way Association, Inc.’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding Application to LaSalle County.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept the ordinance approving the small subdivision plat regarding Joseph Schwamberger and Carolyn Franklin (Donahue Street).
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
COMMENTS
● Gary Hammers wanted to thank the Alderman for their consideration to extending their hours for amplified music for the upcoming concerts.
● Mayor wanted to officially introduce the City’s New Economic Developer, Curt Bedei.
● Mayor also recognized and thanked Leah Inman for her time and dedication to the city.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to suspend regular session and to go into Executive session regarding pending and/or potentially imminent litigation and related matters: Collective bargaining and related matters, and acquisition and/or sale of city real estate and related matters and the employment, discipline, appointment, performance and/or compensation of non-union and/or union personnel and related matters pursuant to the Open Meetings Act including 5-ILCS 120 Section 2(c)1- 2,5,6,11 thereof.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Mayor adjourned the regular session meeting at 7:27pm.
Mayor proceeded back into the regular session meeting at 8:43pm.
APPROVAL OF BILLS
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Herndon to accept, pay, and place on file bills for August 22, 2022 with Total Submitted: $558,750.74 (Total Payroll $170,690.84, Bills to be Paid $110,738.24, Total Bills Paid $277,321.66).
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, 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 8:43pm
https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2022-09/9-6-22_1.pdf
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