Illinois Valley Times

City of LaSalle City Council met Oct. 16.

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 16, 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, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane

Excused Absence – Alderman Herndon

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 

Alderman Lavieri wanted to first mention that the vote in regard to TIF 4 from last meeting did not matter but he usually Abstains. He mentioned how he has been involved in the Rotary since 1985 and Rotary Park since early 2000s. He was very excited to hear about the news last meeting in regard to the path for the park. This path does fall under TIF 4 which he could financially benefit from because he does own 25% of a subdivision. He apologized to the council and the public that he should have abstained. In the end it did not affect the outcome because it could have been 7-0-1 instead of 8-0. Lavieri is not obligated to abstain from TIF 4 votes, but it is his standard to do so.

Jamie Hicks thanked Lavieri for his transparency. Hicks then stated that he relistened to meeting and he heard how City Attorney McPhedran brought up ordinances that were passed. Hicks wanted to know who was held responsible when the city messes up. He stated that it is the taxpayers that seem to. There were two EPA violations for $25,622 and $5,740. Hicks’ concern is that the Mayor’s number one priority should be the safety of the residents. After reading paperwork, Hicks stated that the Mayor put other lives in jeopardy, not only city employees, but residents that live around the treatment plant where the city was holding the chlorine in there. Hicks asked who is enforcing these ordinances. He feels that this just does not just pertain to Carus situation and wants to know why the residents are the ones that have to pay when the city messes up. Hicks felt that McPhedran rambled through the ordnances very quickly.

Alderman Lavieri mentioned that he is the Water Committee Chairperson. He was also not aware of how much the city did store down there.

Hicks asked if the city was getting all these upgrades to the sewage plant and the water treatment plant were because of these violations. The EPA could have hit the city with a penalty of $54,000 a day, of the taxpayer's money.

Mayor Grove mentioned that Attorney McPhedran’s transparency was by him reading through all the ordnances last meeting. He stated how he appreciates Attorney McPhedran for reading thorough each of them because many councils do not and just vote on them. Mayor also mentioned that between organizations like OSHA and EPA, there are always plans and updates all the time. The city did learn from it and they are changing their whole program so there should not be any more worries again.

Alderman Lavieri did mention that it was remedied right away and was fortunate that there were no accidents or incidents.

Hicks mentioned that Carus did put the city was on RMP list. Hicks is upset with the EPA because he has evidence and has exposed two crimes but the EPA has not done anything about either of them.

Lavieri mentioned how Mayor Grove, Alderman Thompson, and Deputy Clerk Brent Bader all have contacted the EPA in regard to the issue with the exposed pipe. Lavieri states that the city does not have jurisdiction but Hicks claims that the city does and it is in their permit.

He asked for the council to read over EPA permit #3.

Hicks stated that Carus is in violation and they should be getting fined every day that they are not in compliance. Hicks also stated that the city or the fire chief do not do any inspections.

Duncan stated that Hicks was at five minutes.

Hicks continued on about paperwork that he has from the EPA and what should be done with burn pits. He mentioned that the fire truck is not a wind blocker. He stated that he watched the video. He had that paperwork to pass around to the council. He also stated that the permit that he asked the Council to read up on is called Permit #3. He stated that it is a city permit, and it is not an EPA permit.

Hicks continued to state that the city is supposed to get samples from the pond and no one is doing their jobs that they are supposed to be doing. Alderman Lavieri disagreed and stated that it was the EPA’s job to do so. Hicks continued to disagree by stating that it is in the city’s permit.

Justin Hicks, Dawn’s husband from previous meetings, asked if the city had any updates with safety plan. Alderman Crane mentioned that the group will be having a meeting tomorrow night with Carus.

He asked about the update on the air monitor. Jepsson was going to update the council on this matter tonight. He stated that he now has a tracking number for the dongle with new SIM card. He shared the old dongle and how by next meeting he will be able to share an update if it is in. Jeppson hopes to be able to share with the council and the public how to download the app.

Justin Hicks mentioned that he went to the company’s website and he found that there was no delay on the part that the city was waiting for. The website listed that it was available in one to three days, and Hicks was uncertain as to why Jeppson was given a 6-week timeframe.

Jeppson stated that the piece was truly backordered but are currently back to shipping now.

Attorney James McPhedran stated how the city does and will continue to be transparent. He wanted the ordnance matters to be brought up and specifically brought to the resident’s attention and given opportunities to comment.

Mayor Grove also stated that within the topic of transparency, that all meetings, council and committee meetings, are audio recorded.

PROCLAMATION 

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Thompson to proclaim October 2023 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES 

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Crane to approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held October 2, 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 Thompson and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to grant request from Kimberely Radek-Hall of the Zonta Club to place signs for their “Zonta Says No” campaign on Bucklin Street from Saturday, November 25, 2023 through Sunday, December 10, 2023.

Alderman Crane did want to verify if the signs were campaign signs are not. Deputy Clerk Bader clarified that they were not campaign signs.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Leah Erickson was present tonight requesting the permit on behalf of the LBA. She stated that this is planned to be set up in the parking lot on the southeast corner of First and Gooding streets.

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve the request from LaSalle Business Association for a Special Event Permit to allow the use of city-owned property at the intersection of First and Gooding Streets for a “Kindlbar” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 25, 2023 during Small Business Saturday.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Jeremy Reed was in attendance to represent LaSalle Downtown Merchants. He asked if the time would be able to be amended for vendors to set up. The event is scheduled for to 8pm, but was hoping to have cars cleared out around noon. Most of the cars that park in that area are associated with many of the businesses that are part of this event. He did not think that this would be much of an issue for the owners. Bader also mentioned that the city has historically provided the barricades to block off the road.

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Ptak to approve the amended request from LaSalle Downtown Merchants for a Special Event Permit to allow the use of city owned property and a street closure of Marquette Street from First Street to Second Street from 12 to 8 p.m. Friday, October, 20, 2023 for Ghouls Night Out. The amendment would allow for the street closure to begin at 12pm, instead of the original 4pm. request.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS 

Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Thompson to accept, approve, and place on file Building Inspector’s Report for September 2023 showing total fees collected of $1,700.00 with total value of construction of $308,999.00

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

COMMUNICATIONS 

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept, approve, and place on file Illinois Department of Revenue report showing sales tax collected for July 2023 of $105,625.26 and Home Rule Sales Tax of $94,345.90 for a total of $199,971.16. Each and every alderman has a copy.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

STANDING COMMITTEES 

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve the recommendation of the Finance Committee regarding the Financial Audit Report for the City of La Salle for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2023. Each and every alderman has a copy.

Alderman Ptak wanted to recognize the council and stated that it is the first year in many years that the city has had positive funds in the general fund.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the recommendation of the Finance Committee regarding the purchase and installation of a replacement Fire Station Alerting System controller from US Digital Designs for $16,391.54.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve the recommendation of the Economic Development Committee regarding a Sustaining Partnership Package with Heritage Corridor Destinations for $9,000.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the recommendation of the Economic Development Committee regarding a commitment of $20,000 to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Housing Rehabilitaion program.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

OLD BUSINESS 

Moved by Alderman Crane and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve authorization of Pay Request #7 for Vissering Construction Company totaling $147,909.94 for work completed to date on Water Treatment Plant Improvements 2022 project.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve authorization of Pay Request #12 for Vissering Construction Company totaling $86,945.40 for work completed to date on Aerobic Digester Conversion project. Each and every alderman has a copy.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Crane to approve authorization of Pay Request #3 and Final for John Pohar & Sons, Inc. Totaling $8,467.20 for work completed to date on Hegeler Park to Sobieski/Walnut Street Sewer Separation – 2023 project. Each and every alderman has a copy.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve authorization of Pay Request #1 for Universal Asphalt & Excavating, Inc. Totaling $80,114.45 for work completed to date on 2023 Sidewalk Improvements project.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

Alderman Thompson mentioned that he spoke with congressmen and Senator Sue Rezin’s office in regard to the issue with the lagoon behind Carus Chemical. He should be receiving a response from Rezin’s office as they were looking into the matter as it was coming upon two weeks from when they had spoken last. He will update the council next meeting when he has more information.

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

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve a resolution authorizing entering into Agreement with Heritage Corridor Destinations. Each and every alderman has a copy.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve a resolution to enter into an agreement for Administration and Coordination Services for the Strong Communities Program on behalf of the City of La Salle.

City Attorney James McPhedran mentioned that he is still working on a couple clauses. The council can authorize this resolution with approval from Mayor and Economic Development Director Bedei once clauses are complete.

Economic Development Director Curt Bedei mentioned a little about the Strong Communities Program, which is through the Illinois Housing Development Authority, and it works with local government to administer the Strong Communities Program. It aims to return basic residential properties to productive use through rehabilitation or demolition cases where properties are beyond repair that may negatively impact the neighborhood homes. As a result, Strong Communities program will increase property values, create jobs, helped reduce crime, generate additional tax revenue and attract further community investment. Bedei stated it was his understanding that we have not received this grant in the last couple of years and the city is hopeful for this grant.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

NEW BUSINESS 

Mayor Grove wanted to appreciate Curt Bedei and Brent Bader and all other residents that were in attendance that have been at the last three meetings that were held at the Knights of Columbus to receive input in regard to the community. The city accumulated a top ten list and survey will be sent out to residents tomorrow.

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 October 2, 2023: Total Submitted: $1,466.876.31 (Total Payroll $213,762.90, Bills to be Paid $389,459.17, Total Bills Paid $863,654.24).

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

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

ADJOURNED 6:59 pm  

https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2023-11/10-16-23_0.pdf