City of LaSalle City Council met Sept. 5.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
A regular meeting of the La Salle City Council of La Salle, Illinois was held, Tuesday, September 5, 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 6:35 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, City Attorney Jim McPhedran, Econ. Dev. Director Curt Bedei, Police Chief Mike Smudzinski, City Treasurer Virginia Kochanowski, Building Inspector Andy Bacidore, City Engineer Brian Brown
COMMENTS
Resident Jamie Hicks asked about the order of public comment and why it was changed to the beginning of the meeting. Mayor Grove stated that the public are able to ask about any line items below mentioned on the agenda. Grove stated that this would reduce others from jumping in after each section and allowing everyone to speak right at the beginning of the meeting. It also allows public to speak before any actions is taken on the agenda items. Hicks stated that the public comment at the beginning of the meeting is pointless because public is unsure as to what some of these agenda items even pertain to. He believes it to be a little backward.
Hicks then asked if any council member has read the number 3 permit that pertains to the laws the city needs to keep up with Carus. He believes it to be updated because he sees at least 5 violations against Carus. He stated that he requested a FOIA and there is a 3- year gap between now and the last time an annual report was done. It was just updated 8-31-2023. Mayor Grove stated that he will take the responsibility for the gap in time. The permit that Hick’s received was from 2011 and he stated that it was not even signed by the people. According to the permit, if the document is not signed, they are non compliant. Hicks stated that since they are non-compliant, the permit states that the city should be inspecting them more. Hicks questioned Attorney McPhedran in regards to the permit writing. McPhedran stated that he has people that write up the permits, it is not necessarily him and he was unsure as to document Hicks was even referring to.
Hicks stated that he had a document dated from 2011-2016, that was signed in 2013 as being activated and the reissuing date was 2011. The application was from 2016. He stated that the city is running off an old permit and Carus has updated their stuff since.
Lavieri questioned if the Number 3 Permit is the Chemical Discharge Permit and Hicks stated that it was the name of the document he was discussing.
Hicks stated that the 40 minutes inspection that was done recently is not going to cover everything within that permit. The items that were included in this permit were storage of chemicals, locations, testing equipment, and records for three to five years. He asked for the council to just please read this document.
Resident Marty Schneider questions the city water and what may be in it, after reading the discharge permit. Schneider would like the city to look at their standards are and what the quality of the city’s water is like. Both Schneider and Hicks do not believe that it makes sense for the numbers to come back as the same after three years of testing. Schnieder stated that the chemicals are in the residents’ yards and the city is not going to do anything about that, but he hopes that the city will take a look at the levels of things that are in it. He mentioned that it is unfair as taxpayers to no have drinkable water.
Hicks stated that there are a lot of rules that are not being followed and they are slipping through the cracks and Carus needs to held accountable. Hicks stated that he is very upset with Carus and what they have done to the residents. Hicks was just informed by his insurance company that he got dropped by his insurance company. He stated that he has a recent video of something coming from Carus that was a whistling steam but also had a smell in the air.
Schnieder asked Alderman Herndon what goes on at Illinois Cement at night because he has noticed an astronomical amount of dust. Schneider has cleaned his vehicle and then an hour later there is a layer of dust. Herndon stated that Illinois Cement is under federal regulation with monitors on each of their stacks. Herndon stated that Schneider can contact Illinois Cement to get vinegar and car wash tokens to help out with the issues with his vehicle.
A resident asked if the city has reached out to Carus asking for bottled water for the residents if they are going to contaminate the city’s water.
Mayor Grove stated that Carus is not contaminating the city’s water. Mayor Grove said that Carus is getting their water from the well field south of the canal. Grove mentioned that he drinks city water daily. Engineer Brian Brown stated that the city water meets all standards and is in excellent quality. The residents disagreed and stated that the coloring is not right and the chlorine can burn your eyes at times when it is turned on from the tap.
Resident Cam Riedesel stated that he has had the water tested by the water plant and by his house. He states that there is something that happens once it gets into the city pipes before it even runs into the homes.
Brown stated that the city does not have any main line lead pipes. The city may have some lead service line but the city is analyzing the lead line services. The job to replace these lines will take years but the inventory study should be done by the end of this year.
Resident Jared Sell asked Alderman Herndon if he could get a number for Illinois Cement because they are getting calls from tankers spilling powder/dust on the roadway. Alderman Crane stated that he has noticed that Illinois Cement does sweep their roads often. Herndon mentioned that they do run the sweeper from 2am to 4am every morning. Sell is getting calls often during the day 11am and 1pm to state that the roads are covered with this dust. Herndon will share Illinois Cement’s number with Sell.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held August 21, 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 Jeppson to send request from Bob and Renee Baker, of 1232 Marquette Street, for No Parking” Signs on Lindberg Road from the Alley West to Marquette Street to the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the request for referral to Planning Commission to consider clarification and amendment of zoning ordinance regarding further regulation of that which are commonly referred to as container storage units and or container buildings.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the request from Headrick Sign Company on behalf of Beck’s to install an illuminated, single facing wall sign and an illuminated double-facing cabinet sign to replace existing signage at 359 3rd Street.
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 moved by Alderman Reynolds to approve the request from Jennifer Ebner for a Special Event Permit to allow the use of city-owned property at the northeast corner of Tonti and 1st Streets for a Canal in LaSalle Fundraiser from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, September 29, 2023.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Ptak, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: NONE Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the request from Mike Bird to lease city property south of First and Wright Streets for outdoor space.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Ptak, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: NONE Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
Property Owner Mike Bird spoke in regards to his property on First and Wright Streets. He is currently renovating the garage space between 516 and the park space and plans to have approximately 3-4 storefronts. He hopes to mimic the central garage space building, hoping to make it similar to the ballroom. He hopes to relocate the Santa picture area and develop that space properly to complement the building next to it, in hopes of allowing some outdoor spacing or green space. He has a goal of making it similar to the pocket park in Downtown Naperville. He understands that it may need to be discussed with the city to make sure that the property is qualified and he has city’s permission with his future plans of the small open, park area. He mentioned many ideas in regards to possibilities for the open, park space: space for an outdoor ceremony, outdoor seating for a local restaurant or even a potential ice cream store. They are still in many discussions in regards to what direction they can go with this building.
Alderman Crane asked Bird if he was aware of the sewer that ran under his property and Bird was well aware.
Mr. Bird was aware that if he did get the approval of the lease of that property, he would still run by many of the details by the city in order for him to receive the “city’s blessing”.
Alderman Lavieri asked if Bird intends on keeping that open, park space as a green space for their dogs. Bird does not plan on keeping that space as a green space for pets. He stated that he only noticed approximately two people that use that space.
Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve 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.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Ptak, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: NONE Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
Kelly Cameron was present, on behalf of Dani Piland, to discuss the request in regards to the Quiet Fest. She mentioned that there were a few changes to Dani’s original request. No decibel concern for Thursday night because they will be holding a silent disco. She also mentioned how there was no request needed for city street closures. Ms. Piland was asking for a 3am extension of hours at the Sanctuary bar for Saturday because they plan on hosting an after party for all the artists and sponsors at 516 on Saturday evening. Ms. Cameron mentioned that the decibel readings should be fine at 516 on Saturday evening because they will be inside.
Alderman Ptak asked about the “silent disco.” Mrs. Cameron mentioned that there would be one DJ, the participants would have headphones and all would be tuned into same station.
Mayor Grove and Deputy Bader asked to clarify the request. They understood Mrs. Cameron to want an extended use of the pocket park after 11pm on that one day and for liquor license to be extended from 2am to 3am on that Saturday night. This is an event that would be open to the public. Alderman Thompson has not seen the extension of hours from 2am to 3am passed, so he is curious what this council will do. Alderman Herndon stated that he does not see an extension for a liquor license to be needed until 3am. This would only be asking for problems.
Alderman Thompson stated that this is their first year for this fundraiser and he believes it to be a good one. He would like to see how the first year goes and if they want to come back and ask for any extension of hours, then it may be worth the discussion next year.
Alderman Ptak asked about the purpose of the City of LaSalle Foundation. Mrs. Cameron stated that the Foundation is for providing affordable, reliable daycare and housing for kids and residents of LaSalle. It was stated that this foundation is a nonprofit and does not have any connection to the City of LaSalle.
Alderman Lavieri stated that he is still having a problem with any outdoor event going past 11pm, due to crowd noise still occurring. Alderman Crane asked if she had any number on attendance. Mrs. Cameron stated that she hoped for at least 100 people outside on those days.
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to deny the request from Dani Piland, on behalf of the City of LaSalle Foundation, for an extension of hours until 2am and 3am but to approve the request for the Special Event Permit to allow the use of the park for Quiet Fest from 9p.m. to 1a.m. Thursday, September 28th; 2.pm. to 1a.m., Friday, September 29th; and 10a.m. to 1a.m. Saturday, September 30th.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Ptak, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane
NAY: Alderman Herndon Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 7-0
Alderman Thompson asked Chief Smudzinski asked if there have been any issues at the Sanctuary. Smudzinski does not recall any calls or complaints.
Moved by Alderman Thompson and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the request from Matt Hancock for a Special Event Permit to allow the use of city-owned property for a 5k Walk/Run from 8 to 10am Saturday, Sept. 23 at Rotary Park to support Illinois Valley Animal Rescue.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: NONE Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS
Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Thompson to accept, approve, and place on file the Monthly Police Income report for August 2023 showing total fees collected of $6,308.69.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
BIDS
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to accept and approve the recommendation regarding bid award for City of LaSalle Decorative Sidewalk Installation Program – 2023.
City Engineer Brown’s estimate was $110,000 for this bid and they came back at $100,000. This done using TIF money and is something that is done annually.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
STANDING COMMITTEES
Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to approve the recommendation of the Finance Committee regarding the creation of a Nationwide 401(a) compensation plan.
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 Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve the recommendation of the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee to refresh and replace all signs that may be missing or knocked down on LaHarpe but to deny the remaining request for changes to parking on Zinc, Sterling, LaHarpe and 11th Street including but not limited to restricting commercial vehicles to one side of the street as well as extending the “No Parking” area at 15th and LaHarpe Streets.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
Alderman Crane also discussed how it was discussed to add an agenda item to the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic committee in regards to adding signs potentially to 11th and LaHarpe St.
OLD BUSINESS
Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Thompson to confirm and ratify a straw vote for a request from AT&T to break ground on Hennepin Street north of Fifth Street as well as in the alley behind 1055 6th Street.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
City Engineer Brain Brown discussed how the council did discuss this project already in regards to the first flush lagoon. Brown mentioned how the city’s consulting engineer is currently looking into removing some of the solids in the sludge to give the city some
capacity. The material was also tested to see if it could be land applied. It came back that it could be. They will be getting a ballpark estimate from Stuart Spreading for that project. The city will be looking into getting some grant money or low interest loans with some loan forgiveness.
Moved by Alderman Crane and seconded by Alderman Bacidore to confirm authorization of Pay Request for Stewart Spreading totaling $19,400 for work completed to date on First Flush Lagoon Cleaning and Sludge Lagoon Evaluation 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 Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to confirm authorization of Pay Estimate #2 for Universal Asphalt & Excavating, Inc. totaling $20,132.02 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: 7-1
City Engineer mentioned that this should be majority of the cost. The following pay estimate includes all the work, with the exception of finalizing shoulder stone. He originally estimated to be between $55,000 and $60,000, so it was a bit less than estimated.
Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Thompson to confirm authorization of Pay Estimate #1 for Universal Asphalt & Excavating, Inc. Totaling $48,816.88 for work completed to date on 2023 Sunstrand/ABC Wire Road Extension 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 Alderman Herndon to confirm authorization of Pay Estimate #2 for Universal Asphalt & Excavating totaling $308,274.59 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
City Engineer updated the council on the sewer televising project. They were able to get into most of the areas. Brown mentioned that the worker doing the televising did not believe the sewers to have any issues like they did last year. Brown mentioned that there was one location from Canal Road to where it discharges into the canal. There were two numbers listed because Brown did have this company do a day’s worth of work on some other sewer investigations because it's been hard getting Illinois Valley Excavating and their camera truck.
Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to confirm authorization of Pay Request for Hoerr Construction totaling $24,516.00 for work completed to date on Aluminum Storm Sewer Televising project.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
NEW BUSINESS
Moved by Alderman Thompson and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the request to hire a candidate for the position of Firefighter from the Firefighter Eligibility list per the recommendation of the Police and Fire Commissioners for the City of LaSalle.
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 Crane and seconded by Alderman Thompson to send the request to Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee for two weeks in regards to the Ordinance 1882 regarding a speed limit for “truck traffic” on Eighth Street east and west, from Joliet Street to Sterling Street as well as on Sterling Street north and south, from Fifth Street to Eleventh Street.
Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS:
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the ordinance authorizing Agreement with A-Team Recyclers regarding a 2024 Collection Event.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane
NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None
MOTION CARRIED: 8-0
Deputy Clerk mentioned how the city had previously done this electronic recycling in 2022. This will be done in April in 2024 and there will be a pre-registration period, three to four weeks prior to the event. This will be for LaSalle residents only.
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to approve the ordinance authorizing Franchise Agreement by and between the City of LaSalle and Comcast of Illinois/Indiana/Ohio, LLC. 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
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 Lavieri to accept, pay, and file the bills from August 21, 2023: Total Submitted: $864,415.91 (Total Payroll $193,323.34, Bills to be Paid $152,24.76, Total Bills Paid $518,850.81). 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
Mayor Grove reminded everyone of the upcoming BBQ and Blues Fest on Friday and Jazz in the Streets Saturday ending with Fireworks at 10pm on Saturday night.
Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Crane to adjourn the meeting. Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.
ADJOURNED 7:31 pm
https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2023-09/9-5-23_1.pdf
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