City of LaSalle City Council met July 24.
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 24, 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, Herndon, Crane Excused Absence – Alderman Ptak, Alderman Jeppson
A quorum was present.
Others Present: Finance Director John Duncan, City Attorney Jim McPhedran, Econ. Dev. Director Curt Bedei, Fire Chief Jerry Janick, Police Chief Mike Smudzinski, City Treasurer Virginia Kochanowski, Building Inspector Andy Bacidore
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held July 10, 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 Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Crane to approve the request from Ameren Illinois to break ground at 307 Pershing Road to install new gas service.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the request from Tyler Signs, Inc. on behalf of Travel Center Realty a/k/a Southern Tire Mart to install two single-facing, illuminated signs and three single-facing, non-illuminated signs at 341 Civic Road.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
Nick Hammers informed Alderman Bacidore that he was unable to make the meeting tonight to discuss his request. Alderman Reynolds is concerned about why they need to increase the decibel readings later in the night. Alderman Crane asked if the ordinance read that the petitioner needed to be present. Mayor Grove states that they do need to be in attendance for the approval of these special event permits. Mayor Grove suggested doing the straw vote on August 5th to at least approve that one for the time being and have more of a discussion at the next meeting in regard to the other dates requested. Hammer’s original request included August 12, August 19, August 25, August 26, September 1, September 2, and September 3. Alderman Thompson did receive two calls in regard to this request. They both were positive comments in regard to approving this request as long as Hammers continues to abide by the ordinance and shutting music down before the extended time.
Mayor Grove asked for a straw vote to approve the request from Nick Hammers for a Special Event Permit to allow an extension of hours for outdoor music and an increase of allowed decibel readings on August 5. All aldermen were in favor of approving the special event permit for August 5th.
Moved by Alderman Thompson and moved by Alderman Herndon to approve the request from the City of LaSalle Foundation for a Special Event Permit to allow an extension of hours for outdoor music, increase of allowed decibel readings and street closure on September 29th and 30th.
Peyton Lamps, from the City of LaSalle Foundation, mentioned that they originally were discussing closing Hennepin to Gooding in the alley, however now they are interested in using the city’s green space. She believes it more foot traffic for the businesses as well as the vendors.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Crane NAY: None Absent: Alderman Ptak, Alderman Jeppson Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 6-0
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Bacidore to approve the request from the City of LaSalle Foundation for a 2023 Raffle License.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Herndon to approve the Treasurer’s Report for June 2023 showing total cash balances in LaSalle State Bank of $13,035,083.69 and in Hometown National Bank of $7,364,995.52
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
COMMUNICATIONS
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Herndon to approve the Illinois Department of Revenue report showing sales tax collected for April 2023 of $85,281.00 and Home Rules Sales Tax of $73,789.80 for a total of $159,070.80.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
BIDS
Alderman Crane mentioned the Finance Committee discussed going with Donahue’s recommendation due to the pump service being able to get it done by August 11th. They were the second lowest bidder due to the city’s need to get the services done as soon as possible. The bid was for $26,750 for the shallow bore. The finance committee also agreed to have the company continue with the work if the deeper bore was needed.
Moved by Alderman Crane and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the recommendation regarding bid award for borehole at Water Treatment Plant, along with continuing work if a deeper bore was needed.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Mayor Grove, Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Ptak, Alderman Jeppson Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
STANDING COMMITTEES
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the recommendation of the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee regarding a “No Outlet” Sign at the railroad tracks on First Street, right east of Union Street.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the recommendation of the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee to deny the request to add speeding bumps on the 900 block of Baker Ave.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Ptak, Alderman Jeppson Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 6-0
OLD BUSINESS
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Thompson to confirm and ratify a straw vote regarding a Tag Day request from Tammy Humpage of the LaSalle Peru St. Jude Run for August 5, 2023.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Ptak, Alderman Jeppson Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 6-0
Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Crane to confirm authorization of Pay Request #9 for Vissering Construction Company totaling $72,921.60 for work completed to date on Aerobic Digester Conversion project.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Ptak, Alderman Jeppson Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 6-0
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Herndon to confirm authorization of Pay Request #4 for Vissering Construction Company totaling $125,239.00 for work completed to date on the WTP improvements 2022 project.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Ptak, Alderman Jeppson Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 6-0
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Crane mentioned that he was contacted by Carus representatives in regard to the community committee that they were looking to form. Alderman Crane stated that he agreed to meet with them and Building Inspector Andy Bacidore on August 2nd for a dinner meeting. They asked to have a discussion in regard to the goals of this committee. Mayor Grove asked if a community member would be in attendance. Alderman Crane only believed it to be just him and Andy Bacidore. Mayor Grove suggested that the whole committee should be present for the meeting if they want to discuss the future goals for such a committee.
Alderman Herndon stated that residents have been very happy with the streetlights on the shortcut to Utica.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS:
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the resolution to adopt and allocate funds for an outdoor fitness court as part of the 2023 National Fitness Campaign.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Ptak, Alderman Jeppson Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 6-0
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve the resolution to seek bids in order to enter a wholesale electricity supply contract for the City of LaSalle, LaSalle County, Illinois.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Ptak, Alderman Jeppson Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 6-0
Economic Development Director Curt Bedei mentioned how each county can only have one representative as a government entity when submitting these grants on behalf of the businesses. The city of Ottawa chose to be that one governmental entity for the county. This intergovernmental agreement is between the cities to work together to help businesses recoup any funds as long as they are qualified and able to submit the proper paperwork. This would be for any business that bought or rent any equipment due to COVID and have not yet already been reimbursed.
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve the Ordinance authorizing Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement regarding seeking Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for Business Resiliency.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Ptak, Alderman Jeppson Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 6-0
COMMENTS
Jamie Hicks, LaSalle Resident, asked about the Carus Dinner plans and if they would be discussing the OSHA violations that they had recently received. Alderman Lavieri assumes that this is a dinner to start organizing the committee and not necessarily talking any business. Alderman Herndon asked Hicks how many different violations
Carus had received. Hicks stated that Carus had received two violations, with one being a very serious one. Hicks stated that the biggest concern was the cardboard, which is a combustible material, was being placed under their pallets. Hicks stated that he wants the city to ensure that all residents are safe and he is currently not feeling safe with Carus. Alderman Herdon believes that Carus should be getting walk throughs every six months due to these concerns. Hicks believes they are not because everyone was very lax from COVID and are still currently behind on the current work that needs to be done in regard to taking care and watching over all these area plants. He feels that many organizations have dropped the ball on drills and any safety protocols and Carus in particular took advantage of this. Hicks stated that he had hard copies of the OSHA violations and will share with Alderman Herndon if he would like to see them. Hicks stated that Carus was not concerned with the dollar amount. The one big violation was a little over $15,000. Alderman Herndon asked if there was any way for the city to see if Carus challenged either of those violations. Alderman Crane did say that he would look into that tomorrow to see if there was any challenge from Carus. Hicks stated that the paperwork did clearly state the one violation was marked as SERIOUS.
Dawn Hicks, LaSalle Resident, asked which park the fitness course will be located at. Bedei mentioned that this fitness course was adopted into the park grant for Rotary Park, along with being submitted under the OSLAD grant. Alderman Crane asked if it was similar to the course at McPhedran Park in Oglesby. Bedei was unfamiliar with that park. Bedei stated that this course was programmed by Blue Cross Blue Sheild and the National Fitness Campaign. It is thought to be similar to a fitness park in Ottawa. Duncan stated that this fitness area will all be centrally located to one area at the park, not stations, but workouts can be accessed by a single QR code.
Attorney McPhedran stated that through the NFC the city did receive a $50,000 grant subject to being able to matched. The city has applied for two more grants to hopefully receive an apply to this park. It is the city’s hopes to have a cost-free area where anyone can go and exercise.
Dawn Hicks was just curious as to why Hegeler wasn’t considered. She feels that Hegeler would be more accessible to more people. Lavieri does agree ask to Hegeler being more accessible for many, but there are already two different Rotary grant funds that the city was able to tag this project onto.
Marty Schneider, LaSalle resident, asked if the city had anymore conversation in regard to what street they may use to access the Prairie Lake Path. Mayor stated there has been no other further discussion.
Schneider also asked if there was an issue with the City’s current water. He stated that it stinks and his filter turned brown within 3.5 months. He stated that the water reports have stopped for some reasons back in 2021. Mayor Grove is unaware of an issue and stated that the city tests very often. He also asked Schneider if he remember seeing their hydrants getting flushed recently. Schneider stated that he did not believe hydrants were drained recently. Mayor suggested leaving the filter and the city will have it tested.
Hicks also asked what the borehole project pertained to. Alderman Crane explained where the city’s well field is. He also stated how the city is down two wells, which are both in a flood plain. Crane mentioned how the city is trying to move the wells up the hill next to the water treatment plant to shorten that run. He also stated that this will be a huge project over time. He stated how the city is just drilling a hole to see where they can hit water at that location.
Dawn Hicks also asked who Carus was requesting to be at the dinner on August 2nd. Mayor stated that he is just hearing about these dinner plans now. He was unaware of this meeting. Alderman Crane stated that they requested himself and Andy Bacidore. He is unsure why just the two of them. Dawn Hicks asked if Crane could rebuttal that request and ask for a few more community members to join them. Mayor Grove stated that he suggested the same. Attorney McPhedran also stated that he heard the mayor ask for others to join also, including Mr. Dyas, who is a community member that agreed to be on this committee. McPhedran stated that this is on Carus to form this committee, so it is a bit out of the city’s control. Hicks stated that it may be a red flag if they said they only want the two that were originally requested. Mayor Grove stated that he will ask Andy Bacidore not to attend if they don’t include more to this dinner meeting, but he is unable to tell Alderman Crane whether he can or cannot go since he is not his boss.
Alderman Crane asked for a request from Paul Etscheid from 935 Baker Ave, in regard to adding a couple stop signs on Baker and Washington, to be added to the next SAT committee meeting two weeks from tonight.
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 Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept, pay, and file the bills from July 10, 2023: Total Submitted: $931,478.52 (Total Payroll $204,851.15, Bills to be Paid $210,143.24, Total Bills Paid $516,484.13).
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: Alderman Ptak, Alderman Jeppson Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 6-0
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Crane to adjourn the meeting. Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
ADJOURNED 7:03pm
https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2023-08/7-24-23_1.pdf
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