City of LaSalle Street, Alleys and Traffic Committee met May 15.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
Chairman Bacidore Called the Meeting to order at 6:31pm
ROLL CALL
Present: Chairman Bacidore, Aldermen Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane,
Excused Absence:
Others Present: Deputy Clerk Brent Bader, Finance Director John Duncan, Economic Development Director Curt Bedei, City Attorney Jim McPhedran, Fire Chief Jerry Janick, City Treasurer Virginia Kochanowski, City Engineer Brian Brown, City Building Inspector Andy Bacidore, Alderman Bob Thompson, Police Chief Mike Smudzinski
A quorum was present.
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to approve the minutes from May 1, 2023.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
George Knafelc discussed his request and noted that when the Food Pantry has a stream of clients on Wednesday it causes confusion. He thinks that if the road had 15-minute parking signs it would eliminate the problem. Alderman Lavieri asked how that would resolve the issue, specifically, and Alderman Jeppson showed concern for the other businesses in the area. Alderman Crane asked about putting a drive through door in the alley. Mayor Grove said they could pull in front of the current City garage as Public Works won’t be using it at that time.
Mary Jo Credi, the Food Pantry Executive Director, said the idea is possible and they had help from police during holidays directing traffic from Second Street coming down the opposite side and pulling up to the Food Pantry. She said it worked for the most part, but clients were coming from both sides on Second Street which caused congestion. She said she isn’t sure if the 15-minute parking will fix the problem but she admitted something needs to be done to help with Food Pantry distribution. She noted that they have outgrown their current location and is actively looking for a new building of at least 6,000 square feet. In the meantime, she said she is aware of the issues and that business owners are upset and clients occasionally block people trying to get out or blocking vacant parking spots. Mayor Grove asked if they can use the alley and she noted the alley can be busy. Mary Jo Credi said she knows of some business owners that utilize the alley, she said another option is during their holidays they found success utilizing the police to help direct traffic but doesn’t want to rely on them. Mayor Grove said the City doesn’t have an issue assisting with traffic on the holidays. Alderman Crane said he liked the idea of using the alley. He asked if they could run it out the back of the business, but she said that is not possible. Alderman Crane said they could consider using the Public Works building in the future. Mary Jo Credi heard that building was already sold, but Mayor Grove said it has not been sold and the City is still utilizing the building. She continued conversation about the City garage, but Mayor Grove reminded the Committee they should remain on topic. Alderman Herndon asked if they had considered increasing their days and hours and Mary Jo Credi said their hours have been increased to the current amount.
Mike Bird said they offer a great service to the community, but notes there are traffic and parking issues during their hours. He owns Quickies and said it can be “devastating” as customers can’t make it to the business and there is already limited parking. Mr. Bird said he doesn’t think changing the parking spaces to 15-minute spaces will help. He acknowledged there is no easy solution. Bird had previously offered two 15-minute parking spaces when running events at the Ballroom just so his customers would park further away to allow the opportunity for businesses to have parking for customers. He believes the least intrusive solution would be a new building for the Food Pantry. In the meantime, he said maybe utilizing the Public Works garage or the alley, but the alley could be difficult for those that use the alley regularly.
Chairman Bacidore asked if the Food Pantry clients could park in the City lot to the north and then they could be called when their order is ready to drive by the collect. They could limit it to two vehicles picking up at a time. Mary Jo Credi said that would cause issues for their “first come, first serve” system and educating the clients to call in. Food Pantry Board Member PERSON said the best option is likely going to be the alley. Mayor Grove asked if other board members in attendance agreed. One said they need clients used to it but was concerned about people who use the alley. Grove said the City can deal with those that have issues. Police Chief Mike Smudzinski said as long as the clients know and the pantry has enough volunteers, it should go pretty quick. Mary Jo Credi said on holidays they get a very specific package and it can be different. Chief Smudzinski continued conversation with them on traffic plans. The group agreed to try it out and see how it goes.
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Herndon recommend the Food Pantry try the alley for traffic for a couple of weeks.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Mayor Grove asked Deputy Clerk Bader to work with the Food Pantry and Public Works Department to have signs created to assist with navigation.
Alderman Thompson asked for a request of no parking on the north side of the 400 block of 6th Street be forwarded to the next Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee meeting. Chairman Bacidore confirmed it will be added.
Alderman Thompson also asked for a request of “Caution Children Playing” signs at in the area of Ninth Place and Wright Street, on Wright Street, to be added to the next Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee meeting. Chairman Bacidore confirmed it will be added.
Alderman Crane asked for a request of an additional “Dead End” sign south of 2295 Washington Street to be added to the next meeting. The resident also requested the current “Dead End” sign be “freshened up.” Chairman Bacidore confirmed it will be added.
Mayor Grove asked for a request of a “Resident Only” parking sign be added near the driveway of 1015 6th Street be added to the next meeting. Chairman Bacidore confirmed it will be added.
Deputy Clerk Bader reminded the Committee that the request for light poles from residents on Richard Hallett road will also return in two weeks as Ameren could not provide a quote prior to the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee meeting.
There were no more questions or comments from the public.
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Crane to adjourn the meeting.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Chairman Bacidore adjourned the meeting at 6:55pm
https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2023-06/5-15-23_0.pdf
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