City of LaSalle City Council met July 10.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
A regular meeting of the La Salle City Council of La Salle, Illinois was held, Monday, July 10, 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, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
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 Jeppson to allow Alderman Lavieri to attend meeting remotely.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
ROLL CALL
Present - Mayor Grove, Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri (present remotely), Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
Excused Absence – None
A quorum was present.
PUBLIC HEARING
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Thompson to open the Public Meeting to receive comments concerning the proposed Appropriation Ordinance for fiscal year 2023-2024. (6:31pm)
Finance Director John Duncan and Mayor Grove asked if there were any more questions or concerns in regards to the appropriations.
Resident Deana Hicks asked how the city notifies the public of the open meetings. Mayor Grove and Bader both stated that posting of meetings are outside city clerk's office, newspaper, and at the city council meetings prior to.
Jaime Hicks asked if the city could use the code red system to announce these meetings.
Alderman Crane suggested putting it on the water bills. Mayor Grove mentioned how the city establishes a schedule every year for upcoming year and meetings and the appropriations should be added to that schedule. Bader stated that appropriations meeting can be on the water bills if the Council would like it to be as those dates are known, roughly, a month ahead of time but the public hearings will not be able to be.
Duncan did remind the public that this open meeting still allows public to have their input because the appropriations has not been voted on just yet.
Marty Schneider asked where the city planned to get the property for the roads to get down to the ponds.
Mayor Grove stated that there wasn’t an exact location for the roads but it needed to be appropriated for in case the funds do become available. Brian Brown mentioned how the city does have land up to the 2950th Rd also. Mayor does hope that it could be more of an easier access to get there on bikes or foot, potentially from 24th St. or Washington St. Mayor does believe that there are many different avenues for the city to look at. Crane believes this to be a couple years away before work even begins.
Alderman Ptak explained to the public that the appropriations is like a wishlist for the city. It does not mean that the project will happen if it is on the appropriations but can be acted upon later.
Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Thompson to close the public hearing. (6:40pm)
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
PRESENTATION
Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Crane to allow Todd Volker of Habitat for Humanity to address the council regarding the organization and its upcoming new build.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Todd Volker, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity, thanked everyone for their support on their current build in Peru and in the past. He spoke about how well of a program this is for the residents that take part in such a program. He described the
program by saying it offers a “hand up, not a hand out.” He explained that the next project will be in Princeton. Applicant families can apply at the Restore in Peru. The applicants would have to work up to 500 hours on the build and be able to take out an affordable mortgage.
Mayor Grove stated how nice it is to see community members rally together to make these builds and projects successful.
Mr. Volker hopes to be speaking with the City of LaSalle in regards to a build in the near future.
Alderman Thompson stated that he helped with a build in Tennessee and he was very impressed with the Habitat for Humanity program.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Bacidore to approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held June 26, 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 Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve the request from Tom Ptak for a Special Event Permit for an extension of hours for outdoor music and an increase in allowed decibel readings on Saturday, August 12 at 1203 First Street.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: Alderman Ptak
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the request from Ameren Illinois to break ground at 1467 Linden Avenue to install drop pole.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
Moved by Alderman Bacidore to send the request to Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee for a “No Outlet” or “Dead End” sign at the railroad tracks on First Street.
Moved by Alderman Bacidore to send the request to Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee from Kayla Weber for speed bumps on Baker Avenue between Hennepin and Crosat.
Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Crane to approve the request from Mark Ehalt of Ameren Illinois for a Curb Cut at the southwest entrance of their Electric Substation at 1200 Sterling Street for a driveway.
Alderman Crane mentioned that he believes that this does not have a curb to cut and it is south of 11th Street. He did not believe it to be the 1200 block.
Engineer Brown mentioned that it is just a way that they are accessing the road. Brown does believe the substation has an address of 1200 for some reason. There is already an entrance but they are looking to improve their substation. Brown mentioned that they will verify the address. He does not have any issues with this request.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the Monthly Police Income report for June 2023 showing total fees collected of $11,079.78.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the Building Inspector’s Report for June 2023 showing total fees collected of $5,978 with total value of construction of $2,052,448.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
BIDS
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the recommendation regarding bid award for 2023 New Public Works Facility projects to Tieman Builders for $180,450.00.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
Alderman Crane stated that adding all the options together are cheaper than any other bid. Mayor stated how there is a completion end date of February or March of 2024.
Engineer Brown stated that he did request quotes from four contractors, receiving back three, for widening with aggregate and curb and gutter. This will be paid under the MFT program. It will be on southside of N. 2959th, adjacent to Vermillionvue, the length of the Vermillionvue project. It will be the front eight lots, four on each side of main entrance.
Attorney McPhedran stated that it would require super majority of the alderman’s votes here tonight. This was not a formal bidding process, but Brown did take the best of the three quotes.
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Crane to approve the recommendation regarding bid award for N. 2959th Road Widening with Curb project to go to Universal Asphalt for $89,996.00
ROLL CALL
AYE: Mayor Grove, Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: Alderman Lavieri
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
STANDING COMMITTEES
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to approve the recommendation of the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee regarding adding a handicapped parking space in front of 2041 Prospect Avenue.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
OLD BUSINESS
Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to confirm authorization of Pay Request #2 for John Pohar & Sons totaling $41,640 for work completed to date on Hegeler Park to Sobieski/Walnut Street Sewer Separation – 2023 project.
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 Jeppson to confirm authorization of Pay request #1 for Universal Asphalt & Excavating, Inc. For work completed to date on Universal Inlet Repairs – 2023 project.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
Attorney McPhedran stated that this following committee is not a city committee, it is a committee formed by Carus. They have requested input from City officials. Alderman Crane and Alderman Thompson were two that will be representing for the city of La Salle on this committee.
Moved by Alderman Crane and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to confirm and ratify the straw vote regarding City of LaSalle potential committee representatives on Carus Chemical Safety Plan Committee.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: Alderman Herndon Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-1
Alderman Herndon asked if it was necessary for the council to have to vote on this committee since it is not the city that is establishing this committee. Mayor Grove mentioned that this is just like the city voting on representatives to the IVRD Board.
Attorney McPhedran clarified that this is not a city committee and there will be input from members of the public. Attorney McPhedran does believe the council should authorize the couple members to be representatives on this committee. He stated that he believed that this is not a committee that is open to the public. Resident Jaime Hicks states that this committee would be against the Community Right to Know Act. Attorney McPhedran said that hopefully they will have it open, he is unaware of that at this time. Hicks states there is supposed to be a committee with the city who is involved with Carus that is bias from the company. Mr. Hicks requested to be on the committee. It is not the city’s position to approve the resident’s requests. Alderman Thompson recommended the Fire Chief Janick, Alderman Crane, and Building Inspector Bacidore. Bacidore was recommended because he has been involved in the City’s disaster plan.
Moved by Alderman Crane and seconded by Alderman Jeppson confirm and ratify the straw vote regarding the hiring of Stuart Spreading regarding work of the city’s sludge lagoon and flush lagoon.
City Engineer stated that they did finish the cleaning of the sludge and the first flush lagoon in three days.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
Alderman Bacidore began the discussion in regards to purchasing golf carts for the Prairie Lake area. He thinks that hiring someone to shuttle residents down to the lakes on Saturdays and Sundays from approx. 8-4 would be beneficial to all residents and attract more to the park. He then believes that the golf cart could be used by the city in other ways.
Jaime Hicks doesn’t agree with the golf cart idea because there is no shade for residents to stand and wait for the golf cart shuttle.
Alderman Ptak stated that the purpose of fishing is to walk to your fishing hole.
Alderman Thompson believes that there would be many liability concerns shuttling in a golf cart.
Alderman Jeppson does not think it is necessary, along with the liability concerns, to need a golf cart if the city is looking to add a road potentially.
Attorney McPhedran stated that seatbelts would definitely need to be considered if the golf cart purchase was to be approved.
Alderman Herdon was in favor of the idea but he feels there would be too much of a liability.
Brian Brown mentioned how there are five other potentially fishing locations down by Prairie Lake that DNR will be looking at to stock. He also mentioned looking to put a launch into the big lake incase search or rescue was needed.
Alderman Ptak was very much against this idea and thought were way more things that needed to be considered if they were to follow through with such a purchase.
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Herndon to purchase 6-seater gas golf cart to be used on Saturdays and Sundays for the Rotary Park/Prairie Path area.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Herndon,
NAY: Alderman Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
MOTION FAILED: 2-6
Economic Development Director Bedei mentioned that he discussed a RIP grant back on May 15 for 503 3rd St. The applicant reached out to Bedei knowing that he was getting close to his 90-day timeline. He just wanted the council that this resident may go over by 10-15 days. The council agreed that they were all ok with this extension.
Deputy Clerk Bader mentioned that the council approved a special event permit for LIV wellness. The want to have vendors which was not originally on their special permit. If they are food trucks, they will need to fill out a different permit. Alderman Crane suggested getting a little more info in regards to vendors and ratify at the next meeting. Their event is July 29th and the city would have one more meeting before to approve it.
Mayor Grove asked for a straw vote from the council to approve this approval on vendors. Everyone was in favor, except Alderman Thompson wanted to hear more from them.
Alderman Bacidore asked for an update on the Maytag building and how much time they have left to complete it. Duncan stated that the city did receive a tentative timeline of the entire project but they haven’t hit any of those marks. Duncan stated that the incentive is only held to them meeting the overall deadline of the project. He believed it to be either a 14 or 16-month timeline from the month the city last approved back in December. The incentive is a 50% of the TIF revenues, which is what they have given out to every TIF agreement that the city has ever signed.
Alderman Jeppson asked about progress with Thorton's. Mayor Grove stated that the project is still on hold. Thorton's did purchase that land property. Mayor stated that they will keep everyone up to date as soon as they find out more information.
NEW BUSINESS
City Engineer Brown discussed how the city needed to get the first flush lagoon and the excess flow down to divert the flow to the ponds. The city attempted this back in March and they were not successful and have now developed a new strategy. Brown asked Hoerr for a price on every piece of equipment that they could see the city utilizing for this project. The quote is for a week’s worth of work and for the max amount of equipment. He does not see the city needing this max amount that was quoted. The sewer line that Brown mentioned was the one on First Street by the Depot. He believed the line to be cleaned out every couple of years out 25 years ago, however it hasn’t been cleaned out now in 20 years and the flow is now restricted. There is a blockage about halfway up. Alderman Crane said that this is a concern and would like to see the city set up some sort of preventative maintenance. Brown stated that they did set aside $100,000 in appropriations to do some televising and cleaning. He would like to get all sewers on a 5 to 7-year cycle. This current project is for the one big sewer line to be cleaned but it is intended to get all lines on a maintenance rotation.
Finance Director also added that they have sat down with the Foreman and the Superintendent of Public Works and they put together a complete vehicle inventory, as well as assessing future needs. He mentioned that there is a box truck that the city once used for televising and it has camera equipment in it that is no longer useable or supported. The city is looking to sell this vehicle soon and hope to recover $30,000- $40,000 from this box truck. Duncan mentioned that the city will be using companies like Hoerr to televise for the city in the future, rather than investing in such equipment.
Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Crane to approve the quote for Hoerr Construction for $34,445 for the Trunk Sewer Cleaning and Televising project.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
Deputy Bader mentioned how the city participated in an electronic recycling event back in the spring of 2022. He was asking the council if it was still their intention to do one every other year and if so he would work on getting an agreement together for spring of 2024.
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Crane to accept the request regarding hosting an Electronic Waste Recycling Event in 2024.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
Alderman Lavieri asked if the city had an agreement with LRS to do such a recycling event. Bader did not think they did. The one that the city has done in the past is the one that is part of the Consumer Electronics Recycling Act, where the state has money set aside for the disposal of electronic devices.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS:
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Ptak to approve the Ordinance further regulating parking within the City of LaSalle (Resident Only Parking – 1015 Sixth Street). 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 Ptak and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the Ordinance further regulating parking on the north side of St. Mary’s Park on a portion of Grant Avenue within the City of LaSalle. 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 Thompson and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the amended Ordinance further regulating parking on the north side of the 400 Block of Sixth Street within the City of LaSalle on the east side of the driveway from the premises having an address of 455 Sixth Street, LaSalle. 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 Ptak and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to approve the Ordinance further appropriating for all corporate purposes for the City of LaSalle, LaSalle County, Illinois for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2023 and ending April 30, 2024. 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 Ptak and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the Ordinance authorizing the entering into of an intergovernmental cooperative agreement by and between the City of LaSalle and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources regarding the enhancement of Public Sport Fishing, with the mayor and city engineer having the right to authorize whether it is in the draft or the ordinance. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Attorney McPhedran stated there were some clauses in the current proposal that the city would like to work out with the DNR.
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 approve the Ordinance authorizing entering into an Intergovernmental Agreement with Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Land Management Division in Starved Rock State Park Area regarding sludge deposit. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Attorney McPhedran mentioned that it has been done one time in the past. He stated Melanie Johnstone is ok with this and indicated they have the capacity to do so. This will help as an interim basis.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
Mayor Grove stated the he reached out to Brian and Melody in regards to how the overflow was doing after the separation project. All seemed to be doing well.
Deputy Clerk Bader mentioned that he spoke with Tammy from the St. Jude Run to see if they would be able to do a tag day on August 5 at 11th and Bucklin. Mayor took a straw vote and all were in favor of it.
Economic Development Director Curt Bedei discussed a business resiliency program that will be coming out. He stated that the objective of the program is to reimburse businesses for the durable permanent or semi-permanent purchased or rented to prevent, prepare for or respond to COVID-19. This is for any business that has been in business since March 21, 2020 and is still in business and has not been reimbursed for any of those items that are not construction can apply for this. One of the biggest details to this is that the program can only have one governmental entity per county. Bedei spoke with NCICG and the City of Ottawa’s Economic Development Director, David Noble. The city of Ottawa is willing to be the one entity for the county. It is a first come, first serve. Bedei will be the local contact for any local businesses that wants to submit any paperwork. This program will be released Friday.
Mayor Grove mentioned that Lighted Way started their official move to the new building. He was contacted by Maribeth, who is the new City of LaSalle rep for Shaw Media. He welcomed Maribeth to the council.
COMMENTS
Jamie Hicks, LaSalle Resident, stated that the city has to have one person on the box truck or it will easily be broken by too many not aware on how to run it. He believes that the city should be doing their own work of preventative maintenance to the sewers.
Alderman Crane also believes that they city could be doing jobs such as this too. The biggest problem that the city is running into currently is that their workforce is down by half from 15 years ago.
Hicks also stated that he heard from the Sierra Club that IVCC was not interested in the air monitoring.
Alderman Jeppson stated that he heard from IVCC president through email. She believed the air monitoring would be too much work for the IVCC employees. Jeppson sent her an email back clarifying that the city may only need IVCC to log the numbers on a website. If IVCC is still unwilling to take on this than he definitely will be in contact with Denise at the Sierra Club.
Alec Harper, representative of Illinois Department of Natural Resources, thanked the city and the city council for their partnership with Starved Rock State Park.
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 Ptak and seconded by Alderman Thompson to accept, pay, and file the bills from June 26, 2023: Total Submitted: $1,241,726.17 (Total Payroll $209,009.41, Bills to be Paid $564,870.99, Total Bills Paid $467,845.77).
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 Crane to adjourn the meeting. Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
ADJOURNED 7:40 pm
https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2023-08/7-10-23_1.pdf
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