Illinois Valley Times

City of LaSalle City Council met Oct. 2

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

A regular meeting of the La Salle City Council of La Salle, Illinois was held, Monday, October 2, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. with Mayor Jeff Grove presiding with proper notices being duly and continuously posted. 

Deputy Clerk Brent Bader | City of LaSalle Website

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, Finance Director John Duncan, 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 

Mayor Grove reviewed the guidelines for the comments part of the city council meeting. He reminded all that were speaking to allow each other to take their turn and allow all to get their five minutes in if needed and to allow for all to finish their portion of their comments before another commenter begins. Mayor Grove also mentioned that he would like for all that want to speak to come up to the podium for all to hear and say their name for the record.

Resident Dawn Hicks had a few concerns that she wanted to bring up to the council. She wanted the council to understand that if they were considering turf for Rotary Park, she wanted all to know how extremely hot it can get. She has twins that are in LP marching band and they practice in the summertime on the football field. They have gone through shoes twice as fast because it is literally melting them. She suggested some sort of shading if so.

Hicks also wanted to check in with Alderman Jeppson on the air monitor update. She didn’t know if the city needed to just consider ordering a new one instead of waiting for the part replacement.

Alderman Jeppson did not see a reason to do so. Jeppson stated that the City would have to take off the hardware, repackage the old hardware and parts, send it out, and by the time they would do that and wait for it to come in, they might be a week or two out from the other. Hicks mentioned that she will ask at every meeting for an update on the air monitor.

Dawn Hicks also asked for an update on the city’s safety plan. She hopes the city has something in place for the community in case there's another Carus fire or Illinois cement fire because she felt that the last situation did not go so well.

Alderman Crane stated that he did meet with Carus and other fellow La Salle residents and city officials, Eric Dyas, Chief Jerry Janick, and Andy Bacidore. He felt that they had a very productive meeting. Dawn Hicks mentioned that Carus has a plan in place for their facility but not for the community. Alderman Crane stated that the city does have their own plan, but the city is looking to better their communication to the public. Crane mentioned that there will be further meetings. Hicks mentioned that she will continue to ask for an update on this matter as well.

Mayor Grove asked for Alderman Crane to update the council as well when he does hear of any meeting dates.

Jamie Hicks first asked Alderman Jeppson about the air monitor situation. He was curious as to who had to mess with the monitor because he did his research and found out that it comes calibrated. He is confused as to what part is missing or needs to be replaced. Alderman Jeppson mentioned that the piece that they are waiting on is the cellular connection dongle. The city hasn't returned the dongle to them. Carus ordered a new one and the city is waiting for the new one to come in. Jeppson will return the old one, when the new one comes in. Jeppson stated that Carus has not touched the monitor in any way.

Hicks does not foresee this air monitor ever getting installed. He believes Carus to be playing games with the city.

Hicks asked about the fire at the leaf pile out at Rotary Park. Hicks mentioned that Grove denied knowing about who starting the fire, but Hicks believes he did know. Hicks recommended that since the leaf pile burn needs to happen, then do it maybe once a month or once every two weeks depending on how big the pile is.

Hick also wanted to discuss the Open Meetings Act. Hicks called today and spoke with Alderman Crane, Alderman Thompson and Brent Bader concerned with some of the information on the agenda. Hicks states that with the Open Meetings Act changes, their civil rights are being violated and the residents are unable to get the information and find out what the council will be voting on.

Mayor Grove that Hicks is able to ask any questions he has right now about the agenda items.

Hicks asked for more detail about the Rotary Park pathways. Mayor Grove stated that the city had a potential developer who came forward and said they'd be glad to put that path in for the city. The path would be about a half mile long. The cost would be substantially less than if they went out to a full bid on it because the developer would be doing some of the work as a donation to Rotary Park. Grove stated that some of the aldermen did not have all the information prior to the meeting also, but he planned on discussing it in detail with them tonight. If the council was not comfortable with all the information presented tonight, they would not have to vote on it.

Hicks stated that Mayor Grove is running the city how he wants to run it and he does not agree with it. Hicks believes the city is spending too much money on the park. He also believes that the city is using TIF money as an excuse to dump money into a park instead of trying to develop that end of town.

Alderman Crane does agree with Hicks with his suggestion to light up the burn pile sooner than later. Crane did mention that when Hicks called him that day, he did not have the information. Mayor Grove did call him later that afternoon to discuss with him what would be talked about tonight.

One thing that Mayor Grove wanted to point out was the cost savings of approximately $100,000 on the pathway with the potential engineers' donation of their time and labor. An engineer’s estimate could be about $255,800 but with this developer, donating their time and labor, it could bring it down to $143,600.

Marty Schneider spoke and stated that maybe the council shouldn’t vote on this tonight then if they are just receiving the information now. Mayor Grove stated that he already informed the council on that and it is their decision to do so if they wish.

Mayor Grove mentioned that public comment is supposed to be for any questions, concerns or thoughts that the public may have. Every two years the city holds elections and you are entrusting the people in front of you to make these decisions for the people.

Schneider asked Mayor Grove to start streaming the meetings so he does not have to take off work to come to these meetings. He asked if there was a reason that the city can’t stream them. Mayor stated they are currently going to continue doing it the way they have been doing it.

Moved by Alderman Thompson and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to allow Jamie Hicks to speak again.

Hicks stated that there are only 2 aldermen in each ward. Hicks stated that he has no control over what anybody votes on in any other ward or on any project. He states that it is not just his constituents that he needs to count on.

Alderman Lavieri stated that all aldermen do consider what the other people thoughts and concerns in the other wards.

Mayor Grove stated that Hicks already calls and talks with Alderman Thompson and he is not his ward’s alderman. It is ok to reach out to all of the aldermen if needed. Alderman Crane stated that he does get calls from residents from other wards.

Mayor Grove closed public comment.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES 

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Crane to approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held September 18, 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 Lavieri to grant the request from Nick and Gary Hammers of Nick’s on 6 for a Special Event Permit allowing extension of hours for outdoor music and increase of allowed decibel readings on Friday, October 6, 2023; Saturday, October 7, 2023; Saturday, October 14, 2023; Saturday, October 21, 2023; and Saturday, October 28, 2023 at business at 328 Third Street.

Alderman Crane asked Chief Smudzinski if there were any complaints from the last two permit requests. Chief Smudzinski stated that Nick called him at 12:30 a.m. one morning to complain that his officers stopped a vehicle in the alleyway. He did return Hammers’ call back in the morning. He did communicate with Gary in the morning also in regards to Nick’s phone call. Attorney McPhedran asked if Smudzinski did issue any tickets in the last two weeks in regards to these permits. Smudzinski stated that there has not been any tickets issued.

ROLL CALL 

AYE: Aldermen Bacidore, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane

NAY: Alderman Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds Absent: None Abstain: None 

MOTION CARRIED: 5-3 

Moved by Alderman Thompson and seconded by Alderman Ptak to send the request from Doris Saferite of 727 Eighth Street for variance to allow a 40’ x 15’ extension to existing garage in backyard to Zoning Board of Appeals.

City Engineer Brian Brown spoke at length in regard to the variance on the property 727 Eighth Street, which will be sent off to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the request from Fran Brolley of the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation to place signs for their “Disco Ball Event” on Bucklin Street and throughout LaSalle from Tuesday, October 3, 2023 through Monday, November 6, 2023.

Alderman Thompson did ask if someone from the Foundation would be able to check on these signs daily to make sure there is no issue with the signs. Alderman Lavieri also asked where they would be located when they list “throughout LaSalle”. Deputy Clerk Bader Bader mentioned that it would be specifically city-controlled property.

ROLL CALL 

AYE: Aldermen Thompson, Reynolds, Ptak, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane, Bacidore

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 Monthly Police Income Report for September 2023 showing total fees collected of $6,972.26.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

STANDING COMMITTEES 

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve the recommendation of the Finance Committee regarding purchases of certificates of deposit.

ROLL CALL 

AYE: Aldermen Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane, Bacidore, Thompson 

NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 8-0 

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the recommendation of the Finance Committee regarding Rotary Park Playground resurfacing project to go with Team Real for the bid of $99,220.20.

ROLL CALL 

AYE: Aldermen Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane, Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak 

NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 8-0 

Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the recommendation of the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee regarding the addition of a "No Parking Here to Corner" sign at the intersection of 11th and LaHarpe streets.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the recommendation of the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee regarding a request from Bob and Renee Baker, of 1232 Marquette Street, for a “No Parking" sign from driveway east to the alley on Marquette Street.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the recommendation of the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee regarding consideration of amending Ordinance 1882 regarding a speed limit for “truck traffic” for 30mph on Eighth Street east and west, from Joliet Street to Sterling Street as well on Sterling Street north and south, from Fifth Street to Eleventh Street.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS 

Alderman Lavieri asked for more of an explanation in regard to the Wash Bay Walls. Alderman Crane mentioned that contractor Dean Tieman strongly recommended that the city goes with block walls that will not allow any erosion. This was not in original bid.

Moved by Alderman Crane and seconded by Alderman Herndon to approve authorization of $20,000 Change Order to use cement block for a portion of Wash Bay Walls at new Public Works Building at 146 Industrial Drive.

ROLL CALL 

AYE: Aldermen Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane, Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds 

NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 8-0 

Mayor Grove began the discussion in regard to the pathway at Rotary Park. Contractor John Pohar brought this project to the Mayor’s attention. He shared a picture with the audience and Council that showed the potential pathway and the connection to the lake. He also mentioned a potential parking area north of the pathway for about 20 vehicles. This would only be about ½ mile from lot to the lake. Pohar has hopes to start the pathway in the fall if the council would approve of the plan. Mayor Grove mentioned that Brian Brown has a few more questions to be answered in regard to the pathway. Brown wants to make sure that the pathway will not have a chance of flooding if too many trees are taken down for the project. The parking lot will be asphalt but the pathway will be asphalt grindings. Alderman Crane does have a concern of overgrown weeds in that area and the city would need to have a normal routine to maintain that area from overgrowth. Crane suggests possibly holding off and getting a price on paving the pathway.

Alderman Lavieri did ask if this pathway would be ADA compliant. Brown stated that the grade has to be below 5% and he believes it to be.

Engineer Brian Brown wants to make sure that the city does have a certain location, whether it be Pohar Property, Washington St, 24th St., 25th St, that would work with ADA path wing to the city. Brown has not received the elevations back from the company but they are aware it was to be fast tracked. He will share the survey follow up as soon as he receives them.

Alderman Ptak asked if this price included the parking lot and Mayor Grove stated that it did. Ptak stated that Brown has been working on this idea for a long while now. The city has always wanted access to the park from the west side and they wanted to utilize the powerlines. Brown has always wanted a plan like this to get the access to the lake from the city. Alderman Ptak is in favor of this plan and project.

Economic Development Director Curt Bedei mentioned that he has hosted a few strategic planning sessions over the last couple weeks. The city will be having the last one this coming Tuesday. Bedei mentioned that at their last meeting they discussed gaps or things that residents wished they would have in the city. One subject that continued to come up between the group of approximately 30 people representing the community was more trails and more access to Rotary Park that could connect the community easier.

Alderman Jeppson asked about the parking lot that will be located at 2959th Rd to provide an access trail all the way through to the lake. He also questioned if it was set for the possible roadway to be used would be 24th St. to that trail. Engineer Brown mentioned that this particular roadway has not been established but have put in for a park grant to do such work in regard to a roadway and path work to the lake.

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to authorize pathway work for Rotary Park pending approval of City Engineer Brian Brown and Mayor Grove.

ROLL CALL 

AYE: Aldermen Jeppson, Herndon, Crane, Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri 

NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 8-0 

Brown also mentioned that one benefit to the trees that will be cut down due to the pathway, they will add them to the lake for fish habitat.

NEW BUSINESS 

City Engineer Brian Brown said that the following agenda item from Performance Pipelining will be for a proposal to do the work. Brown had Hoerr Construction do the video inspection and did receive a quote from Performance Pipelining do the same work. Brown thought to have the lining done now would be an option and have them come back every two years. Alderman Crane thought to just do it all now would be a better option. Brown did put a cost estimate together to completely dig up and redo, it would cost between $85,000 and $95,000. Alderman Jeppson asked if this was similar to the route 6 project. Brown stated that it is a very similar process but this will only be on 8in pipes, instead of 60 inches.

Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve an authorization of Pay Estimate for Performance Pipelining, Inc. of $55,646.00 for Sanitary Sewer Lining in the alley north of Ninth Street between Bucklin and Wright Streets.

ROLL CALL 

AYE: Aldermen Herndon, Crane, Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson 

NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 8-0 

Alderman Thompson stated how he has been trying to reach the IEPA for the last two weeks to share his concerns with the overflow pipe that drains into the Little Vermillion. He has not received a call back after leaving three messages. He has also made phone calls to Rezin and Yednock. Rezin’s office stated that someone has been looking into that issue. Yednock’s office was going to contact Thompson back tomorrow. It is believed that this will get sent to the local IEMA. Thomspon will be in contact with them next. Thompson would like to know when that pipe was tested last. He would like to know if they took water from the top or the bottom where things may settle. He is concerned that if it breaches, and goes into the little Vermillion, it will be a much bigger issue than the Carus Fire.

Mayor Grove stated that he called Carus and they were aware of the issue. They had someone from the EPA look at it and they stated that there were no issues. Grove stated that there may not be an issue of what is coming out of the pipe, but that the levee may break way. That is the bigger concern.

Jamie Hicks asked if City Engineer Brian Brown has looked at this issue. Thompson stated that this has been addressed with him and it is not something that he can deal with. It needs to go through the IEPA.

Hicks stated that the city needs to realize what their job is on the permit that they have in place with Carus. Hicks stated that he did get his own sample from the bottom of the pipe and he will share the results with the city when he gets them back.

DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS: 

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Ptak to approve an ordinance authorizing and approving stipulation and proposal for Settlement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Illinois Attorney General (regarding Wastewater Treatment Plant Reporting). Each and every Alderman has a copy.

ROLL CALL 

AYE: Aldermen Crane, Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon 

NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 8-0 

Alderman Lavieri asked if there was a fine associated with the following ordinance regarding Chlorine Storage. City Attorney McPhedran stated that there was a fine and the city was cited for having too much chlorine with last audit. This was back in 2021 and the city has got it under control now. The city also decided that they would revamp their whole system and go to a liquid chlorine. McPhedran stated that this was not a requirement by the EPA, but it would be in the best interest of the city. He also stated that in one of the paragraphs in the agreement, the EPA noted that given the city’s full cooperation and very prompt return to compliance, the city would only be fined $25,166. The city also had a nationwide agency, Municipal H20, get involved in this. The city wanted to make sure that they were in full compliance when moving forward.

City Engineer Brown did mention that this was a low interest loan that the city received to do a portion of the work, along with $350,000-$400,000 in forgiveness.

McPhedran reinstated that work was not required by the EPA, it was done voluntarily by the city. The city wanted to be proactive with this work and be safer for the city.

McPhedran also mentioned that the earlier ordinances were regarding reporting issues in regard to period time and transition regarding semiannual CSL long term recording and biomonitoring.

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve an ordinance authorizing and approving consent agreement and final order with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (regarding Chlorine Storage).

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 ordinance amending LaSalle City Code including amending Ordinance 1882 regarding regulating certain truck traffic within the City of LaSalle (8th Street from Joliet to Sterling Streets and on Sterling from 5th to 11th Streets) with regular traffic speed limit. 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 September 18, 2023: Total Submitted: $1,540,696.39 (Total Payroll $195,885.46, Bills to be Paid $613,218.38, Total Bills Paid $731,592.55).

ROLL CALL 

AYE: Aldermen Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane, Bacidore, Thompson 

NAY: None Absent: None Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 8-0 

City Engineer Brian Brown mentioned that they will be finishing up work on Chartres St. starting Wednesday into Saturday.

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Crane to adjourn the meeting. Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

ADJOURNED 7:42 pm 

 https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2023-10/10-2-23_0.pdf