City of LaSalle City Council met May 1
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
A regular meeting of the La Salle City Council of La Salle, Illinois was held, Monday, May 1, 2023, 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: Finance Director John Duncan, Deputy Clerk Brent Bader, City Attorney Jim McPhedran, Econ. Dev. Director Curt Bedei, Fire Chief Jerry Janick, City Treasurer Virginia Kochanowski, Police Chief Mike Smudzinski, City Engineer Brian Brown
OATHS OF OFFICE AND SEATING OF COUNCIL MEMBERS
City Clerk Amy Quinn swore in First Ward Alderman Bob Thompson, Second Ward Alderman Jerry Reynolds, Third Ward Alderman Joesph L. Jeppson and Fourth Ward Alderman Jordan Crane.
ROLL CALL
Present - Mayor Grove, Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
Excused Absence – Alderman Herndon
A quorum was present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held April 17, 2023.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
PRESENTATION
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to allow Ana Koval, President Canal Corridor Association to present to the council in regard to the 175th Anniversary of the I & M Canal.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Mrs. Koval shared her PowerPoint with the council. She has owned property in La Salle since 2003 and has been with the Canal Corridor Association since 2008. She shared with the council that it was the 175th anniversary of the canal and discussed a little background to the Canal Corridor Association. It is the coordinating entity for the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Area. There are now 62 heritage areas throughout the country. They started the boat tours in 2008 and opened the visitor center that same year in support of the boat. She thanked the city for providing the bleachers in the mule area. She also thanked the city for the outdoor seating at the visitor center and for the bicycle rental. Their largest visitation numbers were around 88,000 people coming through the visitor center, but this was pre-pandemic. The visitor center is now back open to seven days a week. She stated that about 10% of that number actually come and ride the boat. They will be having some school groups and field trips on the boat for a couple of weeks, with the opening weekend being May 19. This season will run through the end of October, but our visitor center will remain open year-round. They have partnered with the HC destinations by writing articles for the visitor guide. They have also done a rack card to know all the activities. that are going on and we have a whole slew of events that we're doing with partners. They have also started the anniversary celebration earlier this month, with Mr. Lincoln talking in Joliet and Morris and Ottawa and that was the beginning of a yearlong celebration. They have also added a new website along with a new billboard on the interstate. She also stated how the Governor proclaimed April to be I&M canal month along with many mayors, including the La Salle mayor, here have proclaimed the whole year. She mentioned the app called “Cruising the Canal” and it's 175-plus things to do in the National Heritage area. She finally thanked the city for letting her speak and share what is going on with the Canal Corridor Association.
PROCLAMATION
Moved by Alderman Crane and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to proclaim Saturday, May 20, 2023 through Saturday, May 27, 2023 as Safe Boating Week in La Salle.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING PETITIONS:
Mayor Grove asked to table the request from the Rotary Park Foundation for a Special Event Permit to allow an extension of hours for outdoor music on Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28 at Pulaski Park.
Alderman Crane began this discussion in regard to the request to allow an extension of hours and an increased allowed decibels reading. Crane mentioned how the liquor license holder should be the one requesting the special use permit. Crane wanted to make sure Nick Hammers was in attendance tonight because the bar manager’s name, Becca Andreano, is the one on the permit. He wanted Hammers to be here as he is the liquor license holder and the council could clarify any miscommunications. Crane would like the council to move forward, with no limit on permits at this time, under the current ordinance.
Moved by Alderman Crane and seconded by Alderman Bacidore to approve the request from Becca Andreano of Nick's on 6 for a Special Event Permit to allow an extension of hours for outdoor music and an increase of allowed decibel readings on Saturday, May 6; Saturday, May 20; Saturday, June 3; Saturday, June 10; Saturday, July 1; Friday, July 7; Saturday, July 15; Saturday, July 22; Friday, August 4; Friday, and Friday, August 11 at the business and related matters.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Alderman Lavieri asked about the discussion of hours for these dates. Mayor Grove clarified that under the current ordinance for the special event permit it does allow the extension until 11pm.
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to send the request from Diane Knafelc to Streets, Alleys, and Traffic to change the 3-hour parking sign to 15 minutes on the east side of Wright Street between First Street and the alley.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
COMMUNICATIONS
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 January 2023 of $87,182.54 and Home Rules Sales Tax of $76,135.20 for a total of $163,317.74. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Grove mentioned that he would like to keep the same council seat appointments. He would like to add Alderman Thompson to the police committee and all the Alderman to be included on the Finance Committee. Mayor Grove mentioned that there are times when not everyone is available to attend, and he would like to make sure there is always a quorum for the Finance Committee.
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept the committees as mentioned.
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 seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the recommendation of the Finance Committee regarding a request for a monetary donation of $250 to the Better Fishing Association for the Kid's Free Fishing Tournament.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: Alderman Lavieri
MOTION CARRIED: 6-0
Alderman Crane asked if this was the same event that was done at the Sportsman’s Club and the Council confirmed that this has always been a separate event.
Alderman Ptak asked to table the recommendation to the Finance Committee regarding a request for a monetary donation to the Illinois Small Business Development Center. The committee was hoping to have a representative present to discuss what the donation would be used for.
Alderman Bacidore asked to table the recommendation of the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee regarding a request to add streetlights on Richard Hallett Road. The committee is going to get a little more information from Ameren in regards to cost and how many lights would be needed for this stretch of road.
OLD BUSINESS
Mayor Grove began discussion to see if the Council wanted to entertain the issue of limiting the number of special event permits.
Alderman Crane understands the residents' concerns about having a music event every weekend. However, he looked at the dates requested, and he noticed that it is not every weekend, and it is not both days of the weekend. He does not think that there should be a set number of permits allowed. Crane believes that the council just needs to look at every request and approve or deny by a case-by-case basis.
Alderman Lavieri noticed that the requested dates were from May through August. He asked Nick Hammers if he would come back for any later August or September dates. Hammers stated that he may have one additional one at this point in time. Hammers mentioned that most of the bands are scheduled from 7-10 but they ask for the special permit just in case a band does go over for some reason.
Alderman Lavieri asked that Hammers just stick with the 11pm extension of time for these dates mentioned.
Hammers stated that they are trying to be proactive with the bands and explain to them about the timeframes. He asks the bands to act like they are done at 945pm when it is schedule to be a 10pm show knowing there may be an encore or two.
Attorney McPhedran clarified a few things under this ordinance. The special event permit is not only intended for a bar. One thing to be clarified is that if it is a bar, one of the applicants should be the Liquor License holder. The Bartender would not responsible under the ordinance, unless the bartender was the one setting up the noise.
Also clarified that if the council agrees with no outdoor amplified music after 10pm, it should be stated in the ordinance. This ordinance wasn’t drafted with the thinking only of a bar event. It would cover neighbors playing loud music or having their own private band. McPhedran wants to clarify a few points in the ordinance to make sure those are spelled out and anything else that the council wants to add to it. There is not currently a specific number of permits that the council can limit of those permits. If they want a specific number stated, McPhedran would like guidance in adding this.
Alderman Crane asked about if the noise ordinance discussion and special event permits are to be two separate discussions.
Attorney McPhedran stated that there are two types of special events, one with noise as part of the event and the other events that have to do with food trucks.
Alderman Ptak asked if the council will be putting a number on the decibel level. Attorney McPhedran stated that there are numbers in there as guidelines as a potential per say violation. The guidelines currently are 70 in commercial until 7pm and then it goes down to 65. McPhedran wanted it to be understood that after 10pm there would be nothing outdoor amplified.
Alderman Thompson questioned if the current ordinance already has the decibel readings. McPhedran clarified that it does. The council wanted to clarify the oridinace tonight to make sure that there would be no question that after 10pm there would be no amplified music, or it would be shut down. McPhedran asked for the council to discuss this to make sure that those who question the interpretation that there are no doubts any longer. That is why they need to apply for the permit that allows them to go to 11pm.
Alderman Thompson asked Chief Smudzinski if there is a noise complaint would a warning or a citation be given. Chief Smudzinski stated that there are many circumstances to determine the outcome.
Mayor Grove asked Chief if the department has written any tickets for decibel levels in the last three years. He was unaware of that happening.
Discussion and potential action regarding Special Events Permits and related matters.
Attorney McPhedran reviewed what he wanted to clarify with the Council. He mentioned clarifying the liquor license holder would be part of the applicant if it was part of a bar. He clarified that after 10pm, there would be no amplified music. He clarified that decibels stay as they are and no limit on the number of events.
Mayor Grove stated that the council does recommend the one that requested the permit should be present at the meeting.
This was just a discussion at this time for clarification and in two weeks the council will have the ordinance to move on.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS:
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the resolution for Maintenance Under the Illinois Highway Code. This is for the city’s MFT Maintenance Program portion, not for any other General, TIF, water, or sewer funds.
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 Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Crane to approve the ordinance related to further confirming Agreement and authorizing Amendment to Agreement with 120Water Audit, Inc. regarding Lead Line Service Inventory State of Illinois Grant Award.
Attorney McPhedran clarified that this has been through the Finance Committee and in principle went through the Council. This is formalizing the agreement with one change that the state has requested. The Environmental Protection Agency wanted a clause in the agreement with the party who the council gave approval too. This is in regard to keeping the lead service line inventory.
Economic Development Director Bedei stated that this was a request that the grantor is asking for in order for the city to receive its first round of distribution funds.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
COMMENTS
Jaime Dedlich, resident of Putnam County, has been playing softball since age of 18 and in 2021 chosen to run the women’s league. She was informed that they were not wanted on the Hegeler Park after playing on it the last 15 years. She said that Larry Happ was told by someone in the City that the Women’s League was no longer wanted on Hegeler, mainly because of the balls being hit close to the boy’s field and parents were not able to sit on the third base side when games were going on in the softball fields. She stated that they were moved to Matthiessien in 2019. The men’s league requested a net for the M&H field because there is a very short fence, and the balls were going into Carus’ property. The net was bought and put up per the men’s league request. Mayor stated that the net is used by all other leagues too that play up there. She stated that the league has had some use of Hegeler because the outfield at M&H doesn’t drain well due to the field being redone by the EPA. Dedlich heard that the Men’s league is coming back to Hegeler, and they have requested a very expensive net for the outfield. She has been in communication with Lynda Kasik and she has never had any issues with her. Mayor reminded Dedlich that since Lynda is Parks and Rec, she could be stated these issues and concerns with her. Mayor told Dedlich that the City’s thought process was to have Hegeler softball field available for the girl’s league in case of rainouts or scheduling conflicts. Mayor Grove mentioned that the Hegeler softball field is putting a “snow fence” up for the outfield. It will not be a permanent structure. Dedlich stated that the women’s league is Tuesdays and Thursdays, with Thursday being their backup date. She was told that they would not be able to have Thursdays at M&H because of District 20 needing Thursdays.
Mayor Grove stated the city would like to accommodate for the women’s league to come back to Hegeler if they wish.
Dedlich did mention that with the women’s league many bring their children to the games for the parks and the M&H park was scaring some people off due to the recent Carus incident.
Mayor Grove suggested talking with Lynda and sharing the schedule with her.
Alderman Crane asks if the city could lease parking around Carus and the M&H field. Mayor believes there is plenty of parking.
Resident Jamie Hicks thought that he would be receiving information from Deputy Clerk Bader in regard to the Apollo inspection. He is curious as to why that date of inspection was picked. He posted he was not going to be home that day and the city “came in with the troops” to do the inspection. Hicks states that the mayor is hiding everything and is curious as to why the Aldermen were not informed. He assumed that Aldermen Thompson and Alderman Crane were supposed to go into that building for inspection, but they were not informed of it. Hicks also stated that he will refuse Carus’ offer to hold a town hall meeting. He stated that the residents have been asking for four months now and they have been ignored. He doesn’t believe in Carus holding a town hall and allowing someone else to mediate. He believes that it is a Carus tactic to have questions generated before so there is time to accumulate the answers. Hicks states that Carus s prepared four months for their experts to come in. He doesn’t believe it is fair to the residents because they cannot get their experts in that amount of short notice. He states that this is a PR stunt. Hicks also questions why the citizens of LaSalle were lied to about the cause of the fire. Hicks claimed to have paperwork on the day of the fire, at 12:26 pm. He mentions that there is an employee from Carus who describes exactly what went down. Hicks mentions the Newstribune article on January 21st, saying the Fire Marshall id it to be an accident and that it was under investigation. Hicks mentioned that on January 30th, Carus hires a consultant to investigate the fire. Hicks is upset because he claims the city knew of the cause of fire on January 12th, but the residents found out closer to March 30. Hicks claims t that Janick’s name is on the Fire Marshall report and that he knew about a lot in the tier 2 chemic storage facility. Hicks believes that the Mayor keeps sticking up for Carus. Hicks states that he will be “putting the puzzle together.” Hicks asked again the Mayor why the residents were getting lied to about the cause of the fire. Hicks is also curious as to why Janick allowed him to rip him apart for a month when Janick already knew what was in the Apollo building.
Alderman Reynolds asked Mr. Hicks what exaclty he is looking for. A resident responded resignation. Alderman Reynolds mentioned how the city is there for them and have been listening to them since January. Hicks stated that the things that he wants to see from the city: “I want my yard cleaned up. I want you guys to quit lying to me. I want this room to be run the way it’s supposed to be run and the mayor not calling all the shots.” Hicks stated that the Mayor used Hicks and another alderman as a ploy to protest to get the meeting he wanted. Hicks claims that the Mayor has already had meetings with Carus. He has proofs in letters.
Alderman Crane stated that the Fire Marshall report has not officially come out yet. Hicks claims that the cause of the fire has been posted. Attorney McPhedran also stated that the Fire Marshall stated the cause is still under investigation. Hicks stated that he got the right paperwork and his paperwork states “accident” and that McPhedran did not get the right paperwork. Hicks asked McPhedran two times to have a sit-down meeting and he has not responded to his email. McPhedran has not seen an email from Hicks. Hicks stated that he is done speaking at these meetings. He will just come to each meeting to listen. He claims the city has not had his back since day one. McPhedran stated that Carus does have a video of the fire and has refused to produce it. Hicks continued to state that both himself and the residents are continuing to be lied to by the city. He continued to ask the alderman if they are informed of everything that the mayor does. Alderman Reynolds stated that he is informed of everything that he needs to be informed on. Alderman Reynolds asked Hicks what he could do for him right now. Hicks wants Reynolds to listen to everything that Sierra Club has stated, not what the US EPA or Illinois Health Department said. Residents also asked again about their pool covers and what should be done to dispose of the pooled water properly. Dawn Hicks asked why Carus couldn’t come to residents’ homes and spray like they do when they have rain runoff. Mayor asked Dyas if anyone has come out to test the pool water. No one has not yet. Hicks stated that the city has promised a lot of things since January, and he can go back and make a list of everything that has been promised.
Alderman Reynolds asked Hicks if he planned on being at the Carus meeting. He stated that he did not agree with their terms. He will be there, but he doesn’t agree with how it will run. He doesn’t agree with Carus scheduling the town hall meeting only 10 days away. He also doesn’t agree that they also picked their own mediator. He finds it weird that Carus wants the residents to submit their questions prior to.
Attorney McPhedran stated that the city agrees with Carus’ rules do not apply. Carus did not consult with the city either. McPhedran kept reinstating to Hicks that the city is on their side.
Mayor stated, as a resident, how the city has a good thing going and Hicks is not liking how it is going and Hicks is looking for more attention. Hicks stated that it has never been about that. He started speaking for the residents and he gives everyone else credit too. He is done speaking and when he does get the right information it will take the mayor down. He stated that the mayor is being very sneaky and hiding something.
Alderman Crane stated like before how the city does not have the official report from the Fire Marshall. The city and residents can keep saying what they believe the cause to be but then when it does come back as a different cause, the city can then be up for lawsuit liability and even a person can be sued for slander too if they are stated things without fact. Crane stated how when they do have the official report that they will be sharing it with the residents.
Mayor stated how OSHA has the video and questions why the fire marshal does not have it.
Alderman Crane stated how Attorney McPhedran is doing his job and Crane puts his faith in him. Alderman Crane also recognized Fire Chief Janick for getting the fire out in two hours. Hicks mentioned how the city took one hour and 20 minutes to tell the residents to shelter in place. Crane has not forgotten that information either and has pondered that fact for a while. He felt that the shelter in place was a good call. If the city would have called an evacuation and residents were running outside to load vehicles and there could have been something worse falling from the sky, he felt that outcome could have been worse.
Gary Hammers asked Alderman Crane why he did not attend the Apollo meeting. Crane stated that he was unaware of the meeting. He was also unaware of the picketing that the Mayor held at Carus. Crane states that both himself and Alderman Thompson were unaware of the Apollo meeting. There are a lot of things that go on a day-to-day basis at the city. Alderman Crane is disappointed that they were not informed of it. He wants to move forward and past it. He also stated that there is a meeting set up for Crane and Thompson to go into the Apollo soon. Eric Dyas asked if Crane knew what he would be looking at when he went into the Apollo. Crane said he definitely would not know. Dyas thinks it is important to have someone with that background join them when they do go back in. Mayor stated that Crane could do his homework to have a specialist join him when he walks through the Apollo building that the city will pay for.
Jamie Hicks stated that he would feel comfortable having Alderman Thompson and Alderman Crane go into the Apollo.
Resident Patricia Walters wanted to ask about the 15-page complaint. McPhedran has not heard back from Yednock. McPhedran believes it has been referred up to the food chain. He also stated that the 15 page paper was under Bader’s signature but Attorney McPhedran did prepare it. Walters asked if the city has considered sending it to the Attorney General's Office. McPhedran stated that they city has already considered that. He stated that there are many representatives in the Attorney General office. He wants to get to the right one before submitting it. He also stated how he found out that the fire marshal turned it over to legal. This would require them to get back to the city. McPhedran wants to confirm with the Attorney General or the Fire Marshall so the city can move forward. He stated how the video would help out. He mentioned how the Fire Marshal has combined with OSHA investigations.
Hicks stated that he will be “showboating” his opinion later tonight on Facebook. It is a report from the US EPA.
McPhedran agreed that all would like to know what happened and the city is continuing to look through all the avenues.
Walters stated how the realtors were at Capitol Day. The realtors spoke with Rezin and Yednock. She stated how Senator Rezin under the impression that nothing has gone on here and the is nothing wrong.
Rezin stated that she reached out to Mayor Grove that everything is “all good” according to the residents.
Alderman Thomspon said we as the city they have done as much as they can to make the reisdents “whole”. Curt is looking inot another avenue with another avenue for monitoring. Alderman Thompson said he is still looking for an organization to monitor where we are now. Thompson said he’s looked into contractors that The Sierra Club had previously recommended. Walters said any meeting needs to be put together with a goal in mind and the correct panel of speakers for progress. Walters said we don’t need to accept Carus’ and start a different meeting and invite them. She said the only way to get the company to go towards the group’s goals is to convince the IEPA and EPA to change their minds. Grove said it is good to go to the meeting to see if our goals already allign. Walters said the first meeting is only them telling the group how they are moving forward. Grove said they will accept questions and asking in advance is not outside of the norm of how other communities do it, and La Salle may be unique in inviting comments at the meeting rather than in advance. Comments were made about why video of the incident was not shared with the Fire Marshal. Walter said what she wants to know if residents will be made whole and if they will do more testing, she’s less interested in what’s happened in the past. Grove asked if anyone knew how many claims have been covered, Crane noted that certain offers have been made.
April Stevenson said she has an infection in her teeth and her dentist has said it’s from the chemicals. Stevenson said she’s sick and cannot work. Residents had discussion about how attorneys do not want to take the case and that it would likely take years if there was one.
Lisa Dyas asked the Council to attend the Carus meeting to “show you care” as that’ll put pressure on them. Grove said he will be there but he’s not going to answer questions for Carus and he does not want to take attention away from the residents and their questions. Dyas said the City should back them and Grove believes they have. Deputy Clerk Bader reminded the Council to not discuss city business with more than one other individual at the meeting, so as not to compromise the Open Meetings Act. City Attorney McPhedran discussed possibly noting it as an official meeting, but Grove dismissed the idea stating it will not be a City meeting.
Katie Troccoli identified herself as the chairperson of the political action committee for the Illinois Valley Association of realtors as well as State Representative Lance Yednock’s aunt. She has asked him to meet with the residents and schedule a meeting. She said she’s passionate about this community as well as Ottawa’s where materials were moved to from the Apollo Warehouse.
Marty Schneider said he disagreed with Mayor Grove that Jamie Hicks is doing this for credit and asked the Mayor where he heard it from. Grove said it was his “own personal beliefs” and said everyone is entitled to their opinion. Marty Schnedier reiterated frustrations that Carus Chemical wants questions in advance of their meeting. He feels they have not properly discussed the health issues in the community such as Ms. Stevenson’s and the Dyas’ son. He also noted rashes on his dog and another resident’s legs after being on the grass. Marty Schneider said that’s why he’s involved and while they’ve discussed property issues, that health concerns remain. He detailed the possible health concerns he’s learned from his research including dementia, strokes, ADHD, and cancer. He read off material from World Health Organization saying air pollution is the most dangerous and important environmental risk factor. He further detailed other neurological concerns that can arise, specifically in living environments. He listed lead, mercury and arsenic as materials that have neurotoxic activity. Marty Schneider said there are multiple articles about this and the materials are what they’ve found in their filters. Grove said he knows some of those materials are naturally found but wasn’t sure if it’s meant to be taken that way or as the result of pollution. Marty said it directly relates to the emissions Carus has and that there is a high level of these diseases in the area and that it’s coming from Carus. He said it’s important to get air monitors and get the area cleaned up.
Alderman Lavieri said the federal government sets the standard for “safe” levels and while they may not be fully safe, it’s difficult to point to them prove it’s causing issues even if it is. He noted there is pollution everywhere. Marty asked if there’s something the City can do. Lavieri said the City has to report to the state and federal governments with regards to these emissions. Marty said the EPA is looking into possibly adjusting the levels. Lavieri said the government may say there are no safe levels for lead, yet they create a safety standard for it. He said it’s very easy for the City to get stonewalled, especially when these standards affect the whole state and not just one company.
Dawn Hicks brought up pool water that was contaminated and she did not hear back from the City with regards to testing. Grove said he believed that had been done already but said residents can call Julie at City Hall to have it tested. Alderman Crane said they can take it to TEST to have it reviewed. Hicks asked if they would need to FOIA for it, Grove said he will provide it. Hicks said Grove said he took his daughters to the Mattihessen
Park, she asked why he felt comfortable after seeing the Sierra Club reports. Grove said other tests were conducted as well and trusts the EPA and other studies at this time, and noted it was his personal choice and he was comfortable.
Andrew Martinez asked if any of the Council lived in the affected area. He asked if there is a person in charge, and who should notify people about the issues. Crane said Deputy Clerk Bader is in charge of communication. He spoke about his building which has been impacted and then noted Building Inspector Bacidore wrote him a ticket. The two discussed a ticket he had received. Crane asked if he was going to finish the building and Martinez asked if Carus was going to clean it first. Crane encouraged him to send photos.
Alderman Thompson asked Ms. Stevenson if she had been offered any money yet, she said she was offered money for bicycle damage. Thompson asked if she was asked to waive medical issues. She confirmed signing would waive any other issues. Thompson said residents have asked for this meeting and they are doing it. Residents showed skepticism they would be able to ask many questions in person. Council said the group can collect questions together to ensure the most pressing questions they have are asked. Grove said they can have the pool water tested by the next meeting in two weeks.
Eric Dyas said the panel should be able to answer any question at the meeting and they should have the correct people there. Alderman Thompson urged the group to not have attitudes and to use the event for what they need and ask the right questions. Andrew asked if the City would hire an environmental specialist, Grove said not at this time.
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.
APPROVAL OF BILLS
Moved by Alderman and seconded by Alderman to approve the bills from May 1, 2023: Total Submitted: $1,201,928.15 (Total Payroll $206,045.43, Bills to be Paid $45,500, Total Bills Paid $950,382.72).
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Crane to adjourn the meeting. Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2023-05/5-1-23_0.pdf
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