City of LaSalle City Council met Aug. 21.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
A regular meeting of the La Salle City Council of La Salle, Illinois was held, Monday, August 21, 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 6:31 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Present - Mayor Grove, Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
Absent – NONE
A quorum was present.
Others Present: Deputy Clerk Brent Bader, Finance Director John Duncan, City Attorney Jim McPhedran, Econ. Dev. Director Curt Bedei, Public Works Patrick Watson, Police Chief Mike Smudzinski, City Treasurer Virginia Kochanowski, Building Inspector Andy Bacidore
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS:
Deputy Clerk Bader began discussion in regards to an ordinance amending the LaSalle City Code including Ordinance Number 3013 amending rules concerning the regulation of Public Comment. He stated how previously residents would have to ask permission to speak prior the council’s vote on an agenda item. The change to the ordinance will allow for public comment to take place at the start of the meeting. Residents will no longer have to ask permission to speak about agenda items prior to voting. They can share their opinions prior to the council’s full discussion later on. The council can still vote to accept comments during a discussion if they wish. Previous amendments still apply in regard to five minutes per commenter. The council will have a timer for tracking those comments. Duncan will currently be the one keeping track of the timer. After the commenter is able to address the council for five minutes, the council can choose to respond if they wish to. The council can then move on to the next commenter. If someone would like to respond to a Council member, they are encouraged to contact the council member personally. The members have shared their personal contact numbers online. Bader stressed how public comment is the same as it was but just moved to the start of the meeting.
Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the ordinance amending the LaSalle City Code including Ordinance Number 3013 amending rules concerning regulation of Public Comment.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Reynolds, Ptak, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon
NAY: Alderman Thompson, Alderman Crane Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 6-2
COMMENTS
Resident Marty Schneider is against the change in this ordinance. He believes that the council is doing this so the residents do not have time to talk and discuss what is on the agenda. He also believes that the residents are starting to expose more of the city and the council is not liking that they are.
Jamie Hicks, 4th Ward Resident, stated that this ordnance change is absurd. He questions this and agrees with Schneider in regards to the city not liking that they are exposing what is going on. Hicks also asked why the Mayor and Brent Bader were in Ottawa supporting the Woolworth Project for CL Enterprises. Hicks does not understand why the residents get to talk and the council doesn’t say anything in response. He stated that what is happening is called stonewalling.
Deputy Clerk Brent Bader wanted to clarify to Jamie Hicks that previously at meetings one would have to ask to talk during an agenda item. Bader stated that the new change to the ordinance allows the residents the opportunity to talk prior to the council's vote.
Schneider stated that the council needs to end taking straw votes.
Hicks is unhappy with this ordinance change because he states that they may read the agenda and can discuss some topics but won’t maybe understand as much on the topic until they hear the discussion and the vote during the meeting which will now occur after the public comment.
Hicks also discussed how the residents are not happy with the straw votes that occur. He mentioned how the Mayor called for a straw vote during the last meeting. The ABC Drive road already has been graveled and tarred up and ready for blacktop. He doesn’t understand how work is getting done and it is not officially voted on.
Schneider questioned how there was a $60,000 job for the road mentioned and no one had even bid on this project.
Resident Dawn Hicks asked about the city’s status with a safety plan since they have not heard anything from Carus in regards to a safety plan. The Mayor’s understanding is that Carus is still planning on working out a safety plan. He will reach out to Carus to see their status in this matter and will have something to report back in two weeks. Dawn Hicks suggested referring to City of Joliet for their chemical safety plan and she also thought City of Peru would have one for the chemical plant on Water Street.
Alderman Crane mentioned that he was contacted today by the Carus group to get together soon to have a group discussion, including Mr. Dyas. Mrs. Dyas mentioned that Mr. Gibbs did try to reach out to them and she was never able to return his phone call. Crane believes it to be himself, Chief Janick, Building Inspector Bacidore, and Mr. Dyas. He is unsure if anyone else has been contacted to meet and get together with the Carus group and have the safety plan discussion.
Resident Bill Bradford is concerned with the neighborhood kids going into Save-A-Lot stealing and also shining lights into residences in his neighborhood. He has spoken with the police in regards to this matter. He would like to see more law enforcement in the neighborhood at night. Dawn Hicks did verify that Mr. Bradford is speaking of the same family that she has dealt with at Save-a-lot. The store has dealt with this family in house and has never formally filed a police report but she states that Mr. Bradford has spoken to her often about his concerns with this family in the neighborhood also. She reiterated
Mr. Bradfords suggestion of possibly having a little more patrol at night in the Joliet St. and 9th St. She also questioned if communities still have neighborhood watch groups.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Bacidore to approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held August 7, 2023. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING PETITIONS:
Deputy Clerk Bader apologized to Mr. Riedesel for the language of the following item as not dealing with changes on Porter Avenue. Bader said that would be corrected when notices are sent out to the community and on the next agenda.
Moved by Alderman Crane and seconded by Alderman Thompson to send request from Cameron Riedesel of 1419 Porter Ave to limit parking on streets leading to Porter Avenue and extend the nearby “No Parking” zone to the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to approve the request from Thomas Ganiere of the LaSalle County Democratic Central Committee for 2023 Raffle License.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the request from RaeJeanne Newell of Watts of Love for a 2023 Raffle License.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
Moved by Alderman Crane and moved by Alderman Thompson to approve the request from Bradley Gruenwald for a Special Event Permit to allow a street closure and the use of city-owned property to close 27th Street from St. Vincent Avenue to the Hennepin Street for a car show.
Bradley Gruenwald was present and mentioned that this will be his second year doing such an event to raise money for Special Olympics. He has his event planned for Sept. 9th from 9am-2pm.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Ptak, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: NONE Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
Petitioner Matt Hancock was unavailable to make the meeting so the committee asked to table the request from Matt Hancock for a Special Event Permit to allow the use of city-owned property for a 5K Walk/Run from 8am to 10am Saturday, Sept. 23 at Rotary Park to support Illinois Valley Animal Rescue.
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the request from Koncz’s Bar, 1101 First Street to allow the use of city-owned property for eight parking spaces in front of the business from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, August 26th for the Pink Cancer Fire Truck.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Ptak, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: NONE Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
Petitioner Jacob Green was unavailable to make the meeting so the council asked to table the request from Jacob Green to allow a street closure on Second Street from Bucklin to Joliet Streets from 11am to 4pm Saturday, Sept. 30 for the Cruisin’ LaSalle Car Show.
COMMUNICATIONS
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve, pay, and place on file the Illinois Department of Revenue report showing sales tax collected for May 2023 of $108,849.45 and Home Rules Sales Tax of $93,988.74 for a total of $202,838.19. Each and every alderman has a copy.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Petitioner Nick Rose rescinded his request that he sent to the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee regarding a request for one to two reserved for customers parking signs located in front of the business at 113 Wright Street.
OLD BUSINESS
Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to confirm and ratify a straw vote to extend ABC Wire Drive.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon NAY: Alderman Crane Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-1
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to confirm authorization of Pay Request #1 for Universal Asphalt & Excavating, Inc. totaling $183,672.18 for work completed to date on 2023 Road Improvements – MFT 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 Bacidore to confirm authorization of Pay Request #1 for Universal Asphalt & Excavating, Inc. totaling $68,989.76 for work completed to date on 2023 N. 2959th Road Widening project.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: Alderman Lavieri
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Alderman Herndon and Alderman Crane both commented on how well the project is turning out and Alderman Crane has also received numerous compliments from residents also.
Attorney Jim McPhedran explained why the supermajority vote was required for the ABC Wire Drive vote was due to having no other bid. This vote did pass 7-1.
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to confirm authorization of Pay Request #8 for Vissering Construction Company totaling $76,266.45 for work completed to date on Aerobic Digester Conversion project.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
Alderman Thompson requested this item, the discussion regarding future inspection of 1439 Porter Avenue, known as Carus Chemical’s Apollo Building, be added to the agenda. He stated that he was unsure which city agencies may have received the engineer’s report from Willett, Kauffman, and Associates. It was noted in this report that there were some deficiencies that were recommended to be repaired. Thompson is requesting that the city does inspect that Appollo building, based on the engineer’s finding, before Carus decided to start utilizing it again. Building inspector Andy Bacidore stated that he had been in contact with them and they are in the process of deciding what they do want to do with that building.
Alderman Jeppson updated the city council in regard to the air monitor situation. The first air monitor that was issued to the city had faulty hardware and it is currently being replaced or repaired. The parts are on backorder and will be delivered in about two to three weeks.
Mayor Grove discussed a little in regards to straw votes. The city has to post agendas two days prior to a meeting. The agendas are usually always posted three days prior to the meetings on Fridays, unless they are waiting on paperwork or information. Mayor Grove explained that straw votes are usually for minor items in regards to utilities or road closures due to a party. He understands that there was one done recently for approximately $60,000 but this is uncommon for straw votes. Mayor stated that usually for straw votes the council does stick with their original straw vote decision when it comes to next meeting to ratify that vote.
Mayor Grove also discussed his reasoning for being in Ottawa for the CL project presentation. Some may believe that they are support CL but others believe it to be that the Mayor and City were calling out CL enterprises by just showing up to their presentation. Mayor Grove stated that he is a business person and will shake hands with anyone. Mayor was curious to attend this meeting in Ottawa with CL. He heard a lot of things in Ottawa that they also stated to the City of LaSalle at some point.
Resident Jamie Hicks stated that Mayor Grove had opportunity to mention this during the public comment portion of the meeting today to defend his reasoning for attending that particular meeting, but he did not mention this at the time.
Alderman Thompson stated that CL Enterprises does have a preliminary schedule that goes until 2024. There were a bunch of stipulations placed into their own timeline, including pulling permits by now. Thompson stated that CL Enterprises is in violation of 8 of 11 different time spans. Duncan stated how the timeline was not binding until the end of the project. They have until the end of the term to complete the project. CL Enterprises did create their own timeline.
Alderman Thompson stated that he does want to see something done with Kaskaskia. Mayor stated that the city is trying to get a hold of CL Enterprises in regards to working out a timeline for Kaskaskia also.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Grove asked for a straw vote on breaking ground for AT&T to go under Hennepin Street. All councilmembers were in favor of this.
Alderman Crane mentioned how he believes that the newspaper is a thing of the past and how the city needs to do a little more to post meetings and postings on the city’s website and on social media.
Deputy Clerk Brent Bader mentioned how postings are already made on the city website but he could add to social media also. Bader mentioned how the city has to legally post things to the paper. Alderman Crane questioned if the normal city council meetings could be added to city water bills also.
Mayor Grove completely agrees about the newspaper and would like to save $500 but the city is legally obligated to post to the newspaper.
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 August 7, 2023: Total Submitted: $1,815,376.56 (Total Payroll $197,027.21, Bills to be Paid $662,205.24, Total Bills Paid $956,144.11). 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 Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Crane to adjourn the meeting. Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
ADJOURNED 7:09pm
https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2023-09/8-21-23_1.pdf
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