City of LaSalle City Council met June 26.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
A regular meeting of the La Salle City Council of La Salle, Illinois was held, Monday, June, 26 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, Reynolds, Jeppson, Crane
Excused Absence – Alderman Ptak, Herndon
Others Present: Deputy Clerk Brent Bader, Finance Director John Duncan, City Attorney Jim McPhedran, City Engineer Brian Brown, Econ. Dev. Director Curt Bedei, Fire Chief Jerry Janick, Police Chief Mike Smudzinski, City Treasurer Virginia Kochanowski, Building Inspector Andy Bacidore
Moved by Alderman Thompson and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to allow Alderman Lavieri to attend meeting remotely.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
ROLL CALL
Present - Mayor Grove, Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri (present remotely), Jeppson, Crane
Excused Absence – Alderman Ptak, Alderman Herndon
A quorum was present.
PUBLIC HEARING
Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Thompson to open the Public Meeting Regarding the submittal of an Illinois Park and Recreational Facility Construction Act (PARC) grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. (6:32pm)
Economic Development Director Curt Bedei began the discussion in regards to some improvements the city is looking to make to the Rotary Park and Prairie Lake area. Through conversations with the DNR, they are looking to add a fishing pier at the lake, walkway, restrooms, utilities to the restrooms, paved roadway to the lake, and a parking lot. They are also looking to add a pickleball court and an exercise station.
Engineer Brown mentioned that water and sewer would be coming from Vermillionvue. The roadway mentioned would come from the main part of town, possibly Washington St. Or 24th St. to make it down to the lake and have a parking lot at the lake itself. This would be considered Phase Four. There would be a walking path from town to connect to the existing path that is on the south side of the lake.
Alderman Lavieri asked if this was 75/25 grant but Brown mentioned that it is actually a 90/10. The city will qualify for being a disadvantaged community. The ceiling grant is $2.8 million, but the city is applying for $2.2 million.
Alderman Bacidore suggested buying an 8-seater golf cart for the city to use to transport visitors up the path until this grant project completes. He stated that many residents have complained that it is easy to get down the path but hard to get back up. Alderman Bacidore mentioned that he will be meeting with Duncan in regards to appropriations and he will bring up the purchase of a golf cart.
La Salle Resident Jamie Hicks agreed with Alderman Bacidore in regards to getting back up from the Lake once you are down at the Prairie Path. He doesn’t agree with the city buying a golf cart and paying someone to transport visitors from the path. If the city is considered a disadvantaged community, they should not have $10,000 to use on a golf cart. He doesn’t mind what they city is doing at the Lake and Prairie Path but he just wants to make sure that these projects are not taking away from other city priorities. He feels there has been too much money put into that park.
Mayor Grove mentioned that this grant, however, will cover 90% of the funding and the other 10% will be paid for by the TIF. This particular project would not be taking away from any road funding.
Moved by Alderman Crane and seconded by Alderman Thompson to close the public meeting. (6:40pm)
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Crane to approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held June 12, 2023. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING PETITIONS:
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the request from Ryan Storage of Buzzy’s for a Special Event Permit to allow an extension of hours for outdoor music, increase of allowed decibel readings on Saturday, July 1 at 1569 Crosat St., for an outdoor concert.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Ptak, Herndon
Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 6-0
Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Bacidore to approve the request from Silvia Pantoja for a Special Event Permit to allow an extension of hours for outdoor music and increase of allowed decibel readings on Saturday, July 1 at 390 N. 2969th Road for a birthday party.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Ptak, Herndon
Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 6-0
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the request from Designs and Signs on behalf of Cloud 9 Smoke Shop to install an illuminated, single-facing wall sign at 222 Third Street.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Ptak, Herndon
Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 6-0
Moved by Alderman Thompson and seconded by Alderman Crane to send the request from Deena Vicknair for a handicapped parking space in front of 2041 Prospect Avenue to the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee meeting in two weeks, following the Finance committee meeting.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
Deputy Clerk Bader explained to the council that the solicitor’s permit, to his understanding, is for the selling of educational materials, mainly books. Bader believes this group to have been in Ottawa, Marseilles, and possibly Streator. It is the same company, just a different person that is requesting this permit. They have provided and filled out all the appropriate paperwork and have provided the city with all the requested information.
Alderman Reynolds is against the door-to-door sales. Chief Smudzinski has not had any problems with this particular group. Deputy Clerk Bader mentioned that this gentleman has been on Facebook with two different police departments, shaking hands and smiling. Alderman Thompson pointed out that this company was in Cedar Point recently and people were commenting about the books they purchased and how good the books were.
Alderman Thompson asked to motion in favor of this as there were no particular reasons against this company to not grant the request.
Moved by Alderman Thompson and seconded by Alderman Crane to approve the request for a Solicitor’s Permit from Jonathan Hancock of Southwestern Advantage.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Mayor Grove, Aldermen Thompson, Lavieri, Crane
NAY: Alderman Bacidore, Reynolds, Jeppson Absent: Alderman Ptak, Alderman Herndon
Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 4-3
Alderman Bacidore agrees with Reynolds that they seem to run into a problem every time there is a solicitor knocking on doors.
Alderman Lavieri was in favor of the request because he researched the company and found out that they have had a long history since 1855.
Mayor Grove mentioned that there was not a good case against this company to not grant the request.
Alderman Thompson pointed out that there are no solicitors' signs at city hall for any resident that would like one to display outside their home.
Attorney McPhedran mentioned that the next request was for a special use permit and there is a representative of ATT present tonight. McPhedran mentioned that the process for the special use permit would for it to be referred to the planning commission. There will then be publications that will be put out to the public. They will then be given notice when there will be hearings in regards to the special use permit. The Planning Commission can make a recommendation for the City Council in regard to what took place at the hearing and what the recommendation is. Alderman Lavieri mentioned that his neighborhood could use a better signal.
Mayor Grove asked if there would be cables inside or outside of the monopole. The AT&T Representative Matthew Fitzgibbon mentioned that there will be some outside of the pole. There will also be some arrays coming out from the top also. There will be three panel rays, nine total antennas to cover as much ground as possible. Fitzgibbon will make a note of Mayor Grove’s questions and will have a firm answer for the planning commission.
Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Crane to send the request of Mastec network Solutions and AT&T Mobility as their interests may appear for Special Use Permit for New 185 Foot Monopole with Lightening Rod at 185 Feet; AT&T Telecommunications Facility at 180 Feet; and Related Appurtenances for premises commonly known as 2703/2705 Saint Vincents Avenue, LaSalle, Illinois to the Planning Commission.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to approve the Treasurer’s Report for May 2023 showing total cash balances in LaSalle State Bank of $13,003,845.54 and in Hometown National Bank of $7,295,357.06.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
COMMUNICATIONS
Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the Illinois Department of Revenue report showing sales tax collected for March 2023 of $80,633.58 and Home Rules Sales Tax of $91,510.97 for a total of $172,144.55.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
BIDS
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the recommendation regarding bid award of 2023 MFT & Non-MFT Maintenance Program.
City Engineer Brian Brown mentioned that they only received two bids for this. They did come in slightly above Brown’s estimate. The bid award went to Universal Asphalt and Excavating for a bid amount of $504,755.09.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Ptak, Herndon
Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 6-0
City Engineer Brown mentioned that for the next two bid award projects there was only one contractor that can and will do this project, Advanced Asphalt of Princeton, with bid awards down $30,000 from January. This is a federal project with a community over 5,000 residents and Chartres being a federal route. 80% of the project will be covered with the federal monies.
Moved by Alderman Crane and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to approve the recommendation regarding bid award for Chartres Street from Pershing Street to and including 24th Street Intersection Project.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Ptak, Herndon
Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 6-0
Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Crane to approve the recommendation regarding bid award for Chartres Street from 24th Street to and including Raccuglia Intersection Project.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Ptak, Herndon
Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 6-0
STANDING COMMITTEES
Moved by Alderman Crane and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the recommendation of the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee to remove/discontinue truck route/traffic on Porter Ave, LaSalle effective July 8.
Attorney McPhedran mentioned that this was also part of the recommendation to recommend to the council favorable consideration of the ordinance that was in the council packet that included prohibiting vehicles weighing in excess of 26,000 pounds and/or having a semi-tractor trailer apparatus prohibited on Porter Ave. from the Eastern boundary of LaHarpe St. on Porter Ave east to the end of Porter for East and Westbound traffic with specific exception of Garbage Trucks.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Mayor Grove, Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Ptak, Herndon
Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Attorney McPhedran mentioned that this recommendation was made before the Streets and Alleys Committee. The public that was present were all in favor and no one opposed what the Streets and Alleys Committee would recommend to the city council. It was noted that Carus and other members in the area affected were notified of this discussion. Carus put out a press release stating that they will no longer be using that warehouse. McPhedran also stated that Carus had indicated to two of the Aldermen,
Alderman Thompson and Alderman Crane, that they had no objection to the end of this route.
Deputy Clerk Brent Bader mentioned that after the notice went out, he did receive emails of support for removal, none in opposition. Mayor Grove asked Bader to put in the work order to remove the signs.
OLD BUSINESS
Moved by Alderman Crane and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to confirm and ratify straw vote regarding a request to approve the installation of five streetlights on Richard Hallet Road.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Ptak, Herndon
Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 6-0
Moved by Alderman Crane and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to confirm and ratify straw vote regarding a request to close a portion of Ninth Street for a St. Margaret’s Health closure event.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Ptak, Herndon
Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 6-0
Alderman Thompson was contacted by Carus right before the meeting to inform him that the Apollo building was emptied. Some residents of the area did tour the facility. Alderman Thompson mentioned that he will be going through the Apollo building tomorrow with Mr. Jamie Hicks to confirm this. Carus said that they do have a couple more forklifts and shrink-wrap left in the warehouse but will be getting them out very soon.
Carus also stated that they do want to donate money for some air monitors. Thompson also received some information from Sierra Club into which recommendations the city should consider for installation. The first recommendation was for one that they currently have. The second one was an actual better unit with solar power, without the worry of electricity. Thompson also spoke to Alderman Jeppson in regards to being on a committee for these air monitors. He agreed. He also wanted to ask the council if they would rather Carus purchase the equipment and donate to the city or have Carus write a check and then the city could then purchase it on their own.
Alderman Thompson believes Carus should purchase everything and then hand it over to Alderman Jeppson. The city would then need to decide the location for such a thing. Alderman Jeppson will get some input from IVCC and for them to also monitor this unit. Mayor Grove would also like to see Carus purchase and donate it to the city. Alderman
Thompson will get a letter out to them this week.
Alderman Thompson brought up the committee for the safety plan. He has already spoken with Building Inspector Andy Bacidore who would be interested in joining this committee. He mentioned that Bacidore has worked in the past with the fire department and the disaster plan. He also spoke with Fire Chief Janick and Alderman Crane who would both be interested in joining this committee. Thompson also spoke with residents, Mr. Dyas, who was interested. Thompson thought that one more resident for this committee would be beneficial.
Mayor Grove asked for a straw vote for forming this committee and all were in favor of this.
Mayor Grove wanted to recognize the Public Works and the city staff. Police, Fire, and EMS for all the work that was done downtown this last weekend for Celebrate LaSalle.
NEW BUSINESS
Engineer Brian Brown mentioned that Herman Bros. was at Sportsman's Club shocking the lake and they wanted to see the condition of the lake and species. Brown asked Herman Bros.’s to check Prairie Lake at Rotary Park. Most of the fish they came across had stunted growth. Brown stated how he constructed a letter outlining what was found, what it would cost, and what would be needed to get the lake back up to a good point for growth. He had also talked to his contact at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in the Fisheries Division. They do stock the lakes for communities as long as you enter into an agreement with them. They would stock and maintain these lakes for no cost to the city. Brown mentioned that there were some stipulations that Attorney McPhedran would like to verify. The only cost to the city may be some chemicals if needed to add to each of the ponds. Brown is looking to stock Prairie Lake, along with five other unnamed ponds. Brown believes the cost to be $2,000-$3,000 a year, over five years, with $6,000 for this year. He believes it would be a nice feature to add to the park with very little cost to the city.
Brown mentioned that Prairie Lake was stocked back around 2006/2007, but they have not had enough bigger and smaller fish to balance out the fish count. He also mentioned that working with DNR will give the city an opportunity to limit the amount of small fish, but let the bigger fish grow bigger. One of the stipulations they do require, like with any public body of water, one would be to have a fishing license and it has to be free to the public. They will also establish creel limits of sizes and amounts based on what they find out and what they might stock. Brown stated that there will be signage based on what their findings are at each of the ponds.
Moved by Alderman Crane and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to continue the
process on the proposed Cooperative Fishing Management Agreement between Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the City of LaSalle.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Ptak, Herndon
Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 6-0
Mayor Grove proposed to Alderman Lavieri that the Better Fishing Bureau rotate the fishing rodeos between Prairie Lake and the Canal.
Brown stated that he has concerns with the sludge lagoon. Brown believes it to be filing up and will have to do work on it to remove the sludge and have it land applied. He is unsure as to how many years left. The following request is to get a sonar reading done to see how much volume they have left. Brown included a quote from Stuart Spreading, not included in the packet, because he did not know they did this sort of work. Brown’s recommendation for the sludge lagoon testing would be to go with Stuart spreading. They quoted $1,900 for the sonar and $1,000 to have the report and analysis and an estimate of what the cost would be to get that done. This would allow the city to start a budget process and begin looking for loans or grants to pay for that sludge that will need to be cleaned out. This could get the city another 20, 30, or 40 years.
Mayor Grove questioned if companies would be able to remove the sludge for free because he believed certain companies have inquired on taking and using this product. Brown was unaware of this.
Moved by Alderman Crane and seconded by Alderman Thompson to accept the recommendation with Stuart Spreading to allow for the sludge depth survey on the sludge storage lagoon.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Ptak, Herndon
Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 6-0
Engineer Brown also asked for a straw vote in regard to the first flush lagoon. Brown’s concern is with the lift station having so much sludge in the bottom of the first flush lagoon because of build-up from over time. Brown discussed with Stuart Spreading on the best process to resolve this issue would be to fill the pond up and agitate and then pump into the sludge lagoon. The survey that was just approved would be done after that sludge settles and they will be able to get a true amount of depth. The proposal from Stuart was for $16,500, whereas it could be done mechanically for $30,000. Stuart could get this work going very soon if the council did a straw vote on it tonight. If not, they would have to wait till December. If they get this work going on this lagoon soon, it will help the city resolve other issues that need to be addressed at the plant also.
Mayor Grove asked for a straw vote from council members. All council members were in favor of Engineer Brown continuing the work on the lagoons with Stuart Spreading.
Mayor Grove also wanted to discuss with the councilmembers how people are using shipping containers for housing. He was not in favor of such a thing.
Building Inspector Andy Bacidore mentioned how he was getting inquires for people to use shipping containers as storage on residential property. He believes that the city would be setting a bad precedent allowing any storage container on any residential property.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS:
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Crane to approve the Ordinance further regulating traffic on Porter Avenue from LaHarpe east of Porter within the City of LaSalle. Each and every alderman has a copy.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Mayor Grove, Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Ptak, Herndon
Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
COMMENTS
Engineer Brian Brown mentioned that he will be sending out bid packets for quotes for curb gutters on North 2959th Rd.
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 Crane and seconded by Alderman Thompson to accept, pay, and file the bills from June 12, 2023: Total Submitted: $602,187.11 (Total Payroll $198,971.04, Bills to be Paid $236,842.96, Total Bills Paid $166,373.11).
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Ptak, Herndon
Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 6-0
NEW BUSINESS
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Crane to adjourn the meeting. Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
ADJOURNED 7:26 pm
https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2023-07/6-26-23_1.pdf
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