City of LaSalle City Council met Nov. 28
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 6:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Present - Mayor Grove, Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Jeppson, Crane
Absent - NONE
A quorum was present.
Others Present: Finance Director John Duncan, Deputy Clerk Brent Bader, Fire Chief Jerry Janick, City Treasurer Virginia Kochanowski, Econ. Dev. Director Curt Bedei, City Attorney James McPhedran, City Engineer Brian Brown
PUBLIC HEARING
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to open up Public Hearing regarding consideration of proposed real estate tax levy increase for the City of LaSalle.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Finance Director Duncan spoke in regard to the Tax Levy. Deputy Bader shared slideshow with council members (EXHIBIT A). Duncan wanted to clearly state that the main message from his discussion tonight would be that The City of La Salle does not expect to see any increase in tax rate in 2022, payable in 2023. The reason for the hearing was that there were some changes to line items and who would be getting the majority of the funds. The biggest recipient is going to be the police pension. Fire pension has made a lot of progress. They are about 80% funded. Of the 3.1million that the city is levying for, $1.8 million is going to the police department pension fund. Alderman Ptak mentioned how there were about 16 bonds about eight years ago on the charts and the city is now down to 4 bonds. The 4 bonds that are left are not on the tax levy. They are supported by water and sewer revenue. They are currently no bonds on the tax levy. Chairman Ptak wanted to confirm with the Council and Duncan that if the residents' taxes do go up next year, it will not be because of the City of LaSalle.
Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Thompson to close the public hearing.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Crane to accept and place on file the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council held November 14, 2022. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING PETITIONS:
Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Crane to approve the request from Ameren Illinois to break ground at 138 Vermilionvue Trace to install gas service.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: NONE Abstain: Alderman Lavieri
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept and place on file the Treasurer’s Report for October 2022 showing total cash balances in LaSalle State Bank of $14,202,837.74 and in Hometown National Bank of $6,945,705.40.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept the recommendation of the Finance Committee regarding submittal of an Illinois Travel and Tourism grant.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, 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 purchase of a 2023 Ford Police Interceptor Utility AWD for approximately $39,500.00.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, 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 deny the request regarding placing a “Resident Only” Parking Sign at 145 9th Street.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: NONE Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Attorney McPhedran stated that the Planning Commission recommended this following request unanimously and there were no objectors present. The petitioner was present and agreed with commission that if the request was approved tonight that they would be changing from R4 multifamily dwelling to C-2 commercial district.
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission regarding request of Dean and Dawn Tieman for rezoning of certain premises commonly known as 737 8th St., LaSalle, Illinois.
OLD BUSINESS
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to pay and authorize payment of $9,610 to Universal Asphalt & Excavating, Inc. for work completed to date on the 2022 Striping Program.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: NONE Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to pay and authorize payment of $6,893.00 to Cyclops Welding Company for work completed to date on the 2022 Lagoon Modifications – Cyclops project.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: NONE Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to pay and authorize payment of $32,630.00 to Universal Asphalt & Excavating, Inc. for work completed to date on the 2022 Lagoon Modifications – Junction Box and Riprap project.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: NONE Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Herndon to pay and authorize payment of $45,665.00 to Universal Asphalt & Excavating, Inc. for work completed to date on the 2022 Sewer Repairs – Swimming Pool Parking Lot, Alley behind Fajitas & 6th Street Marquette project.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: NONE Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
Deputy Bader began the discussion and potential action regarding amending Code of Ordinances regarding bicycles, electric bicycles, and gas-powered bicycles and tried to gather some information from other municipalities in regard to lighting for E-bikes, gas powered bikes, and even bicycles. He found states that required a light on the back when on a highway. He has not found any further information. Bader does have a call into the Secretary of State’s office. City Attorney McPhedran did reach out to the Ilinois Municipal League and member Brad Cole. He was not familiar with any municipalities to have this concern. McPhedran did state that there is no reason to not continue to pursue this however if the council is still interested in such a matter. Alderman Thompson would like to see an ordinance written. He is hearing from too many people that they are almost hitting these motorized bicycles that are not lit. These bikes are going 20-30mph and he feels that they need to be treated like other vehicles on the roadway with proper lightning. He will plan on writing up an ordinance and have city attorney look over it. He would like to see the bicycles to have a white light in front and a red light in the back. McPhedran stated Thompson could work off the motorcycles' state statutes language and adapt to motorized bicycles. Mayor suggested not allowing motorized bicycles at all in the city. Alderman Thompson stated that the majority of the ones operating the motorized bicycles of concern are those who have lost their license due to their driving. They have found a way to get somewhere without a driver's license or insurance. Alderman Lavieri mentioned that he sees these motorized bicycles on the sidewalk when he believes they were already having to follow traffic laws. McPhedran did confirm that they should not ride on the e sidewalks or rideng against traffic. Alderman Ptak did think the council tried to get rid of the E-bikes and it was too hard to differentiate between the E-bikes and motorized bicycles. Mayor thought it would be easy to distinguish between the real E-bikes and the homemade/modified ones. Attorney McPhedran stated that this could be a discussion but would be more of an in depth conversation that could happen. Alderman Thompson was strictly looking to write up an ordinance in regard to the lightning of these bicycles.
Moved by Alderman Thompson and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to write up an ordinance in regard to lighting on the motorized bicycles.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: NONE Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Bacidore spoke with a resident that was concerned with skunks being outside her house at night. Bacidore spoke with Chief Smudzinski and he said he would be in contact with Animal Control. They however no longer come out and remove skunks for residents. Alderman Bacidore was wondering if the city or council members had any other suggestions to help out this resident. Council thought that the only option would be to seek out a pest control company.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS:
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to approve an ordinance authorizing changes from a R-4 multiple dwelling district to C-2 commercial district for property located at 737 8th Street LaSalle, LaSalle County Illinois. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: NONE Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve the ordinance further regulating traffic within the City of LaSalle (“New Public Way”).
Alderman Lavieri had a question in regard to this alleyway. Attorney McPhedran stated that this is the established Lincoln Court alleyway. There was an agreement already approved by an ordinance indicated that it would be one way eastbound.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: NONE Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
COMMENTS
Alderman Herndon thanked Bader for dealing with Ameren and getting the light for North Joliet Street taken care of.
APPROVAL OF BILLS
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept, pay, and place on file bills for November 14, 2022 with Total Submitted: $525,417.03 (Total Payroll $185,294.32, Bills to be Paid $148,435.76, Total Bills Paid $191,686.95).
Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: NONE Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to adjourn the meeting.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
ADJOURNED 7:00pm
https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2022-12/11-28-22_0.pdf
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