Illinois Valley Times

City of LaSalle City Council met Nov. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

A regular meeting of the La Salle City Council of La Salle, Illinois was held, Monday, November 13, 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, Herndon

Excused Absence – Alderman Crane

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, Building Inspector Andy Bacidore, Fire Chief Jerry Janick

Mayor Jeff Grove asked for a moment of silence following roll call honoring Alderman Bacidore’s wife, Sharon, who had recently passed away.

COMMENTS 

Resident Dawn Hicks asked about on update on the air monitor. Alderman Jeppson shared with her that it is up and running. Jeppson stated that you could access the app through the Google Play Store or the Apple Store, but there is also a direct website to go to also. Deputy Bader shared that if you google “Air Visual”, it takes you right to a map that is a current posting of location of air monitors, wind direction, and government’s air quality index. There are two air monitors in the area, one at the library and one at Carus. The app store name for the app is IQAir/AirVisual. The IQ Air icon has a blue masked person. The city will have internet access for three years out there and by then the city plans to have WiFi out there.

Alderman Jeppson stated that he did consult with the Sierra Club, Denise Travis Porter, who suggested putting it out at the park. Jeppson also stated that he did receive the air monitor, completely sealed. He stated that there was no calibration needed when they opened it up at the city hall.

Dawn Hicks asked what piece was broken from the last monitor. It was a piece that was supposed to be plugged into the USB port to allow for internet access.

Bader also stated that he did have to take pictures of the current air monitor and send to IQ Air to get approval on the installation of the monitor.

Hicks asked about what should be done by anyone that sees that the air quality is not good on a day. Alderman Jeppson stated that the app does state that recommendations or precautions that should be taken on a day that the air quality is higher than normal. Alderman Jeppson wanted to thank Deputy Clerk Brent Bader and Patrick Watson for their hard work behind getting the air monitor and the installation of it.

Resident Eric Dyas, citizen on the Carus Safety Plan Panel, spoke in regards to the next Carus meeting and was asking for any thoughts or concerns that they would like to share that he can take back with him for Thursday’s meeting. Dyas’ concern is with the school situation and how it was handled. He spoke with many teachers and they had no idea what was going on. He is asking for a better system. He feels there needs to be a better way to get a hold of a school and let them know what was going on specifically.

Dyas then asked if any council members have read Permit No. 3 and if the city has been there to pull any samples. Alderman Lavieri stated that all water from their plant does come down to the wastewater plant and shows up there. Lavieri stated that this permit is a standard EPA permit. Dyas is just concerned because it is the city’s right to check and they should be checking. Mayor Grove stated that the city did just test in October of this year.

Dyas also read in the permit that it is allowed for the city to go in and check on anything that is being stored. Mayor stated that the city has not done that. Mayor Grove does not see the concern when Carus is putting it through their system before it leaves their plant and then it is getting tested at the city wastewater plant when it arrives there. Dyas believes that the city needs to be 100% sure by testing it randomly and they need to be doing their own checks and balances. Mayor Grove stated that the water is tested once it leaves Carus’ property. They are not checking water at Carus that has not left the property. Dyas asked the city how often they are testing the water that does leave. Mayor Grove stated that the city tests once a year. Dyas does not believe that one time a year is enough to check. Mayor Grove also stated that any elevated numbers that do come up at the wastewater plant would be addressed. Mayor Grove does feel very comfortable in the city’s process. Eric Dyas stated that he will be present at the Carus Panel meeting on Thursday.

Jamie Hicks, Fourth Ward Resident, stated that he believes the mayor is reading the permit wrong. He has read the permit over five different times thoroughly. He stated that the city should be doing quarterly inspections and inspecting the whole building. He said that this permit goes with Ordinance 1785, which needs to be read to understand the whole permit.

Jamie Hicks did send his condolences to Alderman Bacidore. He also wanted to apologize to Alderman Crane for his words from last meeting. Hicks stated that he did speak with Alderman Crane outside after the last meeting. He will not apologize to Chief

Smudzinksi because Hicks stated that Smudzinski removed him from the council chambers because he was a “safety concern”.

Hicks also stated that Carus has a test area at their plant that the city is supposed to be grabbing samples from. Hicks believes that it should be taken from there and tested before it goes through every sewer and before it reaches the treatment plant. He stated how every bug was killed in the treatment plant after the fire and the EPA did not fine Carus because the city covered it up. Hicks would like the city to do their job so he doesn’t have to keep doing what he is doing. He asked the city that if they want him to stop, then the city needs to follow the rules that they have put in place and the laws that are in place.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES 

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held October 30, 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 Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to grant request from Ameren Illinois to break ground at:

• 907 First Street to install gas and electric service.

• Ninth and LaHarpe Streets to repair gas leak on valve.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Deputy Clerk Bader mentioned how this individual, Kaynen Bond, already came to the city for this same permit in regards to the following request. He left the company, IGS Energy, before he needed to use that permit. Then someone else applied for a permit, it did go through but that applicant left the company. Kaynen has apparently went back to this company and has now applied for this permit again. Bader said that the city’s permit policy if very strict compared to other municipalities. Alderman Reynolds stated that he is not in favor of these solicitor’s permits. City Attorney Jim McPhedran stated that the city does do their best to protect the public as much as they can within the Constitution and including, but not limited to having Chief Smudzinski doing background checks on the applicant. This applicant did check out OK. Bader did remind the public that they are able to call City Hall to verify if the solicitor does have a permit or not. “No Solicitors” signs are free and available at the City Hall.

Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the request for Solicitor’s Permit from Kaynen Bond of IGS Energy.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Alderman Lavieri did question this request, for 1055 3rd Street, because it is a busy intersection. Buidling Inspector Andy Bacidore stated that it should be ok. The resident is going to keep it at minimum 12 feet, ordinance says 15 feet, off the curb. He stated that 12 feet will be plenty of visual effect there with a see through, wrought iron fence. The resident is aware that it would be his issue if the city needed to get to the utilities or if city decided to not renew the lease.

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the request from Michael Ivy, owner of 1055 3rd Street, to leave five feet of city property to build a fence.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to send the petition and request to Planning Commission for consideration of Preliminary Plat of Subdivision and/or Preliminary Plan of Planned Unit Development of Premises presently owned by Pohar Family Development, L.L.C.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

City Attorney Jim McPhedran did state that there will be more details in the publication and at the planning commission hearing and then with the City Council, after the planning commission hearing. There may be other entities involved beside Pohar Family Development LLC but that will be fully disclosed and discussed at the time of the hearing.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS 

Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept, approve, and place on file Monthly Police Income Report for October 2023 showing total fees collected of $5,777.10. Each and every alderman has a copy.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Thompson to accept, approve, and place on file Building Inspector’s Report for October 2023 showing total fees collected of $3,508.00 with total value of construction of $314,518.00. Each and every alderman has a copy.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept, approve, and place on file Treasurer’s Report for October 2023 showing total cash balances in La Salle State Bank of $13,641,587.29 and in Hometown National Bank of $7,639,102.75. Each and every alderman has a copy.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

APPOINTMENTS/RESIGNATIONS 

Moved by Alderman Thompson and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept the recommendation of the Police Chief and the Board of Fire and Police Commission for a promotion to the position of Sergeant from the Sergeant’s Eligibility List.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the request to hire four candidates for the position of Patrolman from the Patrolman Eligibility list per the recommendation of the Police and Fire Commissioners for the City of LaSalle.

Mayor Grove asked Attorney McPhedran if they could change the request for 2 hires to 4 hires due to staffing and future retirements in the next year and due to the process it takes to go through the academy.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Crane 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 replacement of interior lights at City Hall.

Alderman Ptak stated that the city will be looking to 322 TA LED lights within the city hall and save the city about $1,500/year. The end cost would cost the city $2,898.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve the recommendation from the Finance Committee regarding the RMA Minimum/Maximum Contribution Agreement. The Finance Committee chose option #1, $351,057 and will pay it by November 17th, it will save the city $3,500, for net amount of $348,546.43 for their yearly renewal.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

Mayor Grove wanted to appreciate all employees and department heads for another year of safety.

OLD BUSINESS 

Alderman Thompson wanted to apologize for his words from last council meeting. He wanted all to know that he believes that every telecommunicators’ job is invaluable. He wanted to apologize for any misconceptions that he may have been trying to speak of.

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Bacidore to approve the authorization of Pay Request #8 for Vissering Construction Company totaling $72,743.23 for work completed to date on WTP Improvements 2022 project.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the authorization of Pay Request for John Pohar & Sons totaling $30,626.95 for work completed to date on Sanitary Sewer Installation – Alley north of Second Street between Tonti and Crosat Streets.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Herndon to approve the authorization of Pay Request #2 for Universal Asphalt & Excavating, Inc. Totaling $41,349.99 for work completed to date on 2023 Sidewalk Improvements project.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the authorization of Pay Request #13 for Vissering Construction Company totaling $94,290.66 for work completed to date on Aerobic Digester Conversion project.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Bacidore to approve the authorization of Pay Request #2 for Tieman Builders, Inc. totaling $49,175.00 for work completed to date on New Public Works Building Truck Wash Bay project.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to approve the authorization of Pay Request #3 for Tieman Builders, Inc. Totaling $94,000.00 for work completed to date on New Public Works Building Office/Breakroom project.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve the authorization of Pay Request #1 for Tieman Builders, Inc. totaling $45,000.00 for work completed to date on New Public Works Building Truck Wash Bay Ceiling project.

ROLL CALL

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

Alderman Bacidore mentioned how residents thought work was being done at 801 First Street. Bacidore let them know that the city was fixing things that were not done correctly from the last contractor that was working on the project. Bacidore questioned how many more months they had left to complete the project. Mayor Grove thought they were given till June 2024.

NEW BUSINESS 

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the Temporary Acting Superintendent Agreement with AFSCME Local 2823.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

Mayor Grove did speak with Alderman Crane prior to the meeting and he was in favor of the Superintendent Agreement approval along with everything else on the agenda tonight.

Alderman Herndon mentioned that he received a call from a resident on Richard Hallett Road. They mentioned how their mother lives out there and is having a hard time seeing the striping on the roadway. Herndon asked if Engineer Brian Brown could look into getting that roadway repaved and restriped either before winter or early spring. Mayor Grove will send that request to Engineer Brian Brown.

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

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve an ordinance authorizing the executions of the IMLRMA Minimum/Maximum Contribution Agreement. Each and every alderman has a copy.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Ptak to approve an ordinance authorizing lease of small portion of municipal property at 1055 Third Street. Each and every alderman has a copy.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

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 October 30, 2023: Total Submitted: $947,363.06 (Total Payroll $209,024.32, Bills to be Paid $199,652.75, Total Bills Paid $538,685.99). Each and every alderman has a copy.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

Mayor Grove wanted all residents to know that the city Leaf Vac is still out and about running. The City yard waste drop is still open.

Resident Dawn Hicks asked if the city would post when they do plan on closing the city waste drop. Mayor Grove stated that they will post when they do.

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to adjourn the meeting.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

ADJOURNED 7:07 pm

https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2023-12/11-13-23_0.pdf