Illinois Valley Times

City of LaSalle Finance Committee met Nov. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairman Ptak Called the Meeting to order at 6:00 pm

ROLL CALL 

Present: Chairman Ptak, Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon

Excused Absence: Alderman Crane

Others Present: Deputy Clerk Brent Bader, Finance Director John Duncan, Economic Development Director Curt Bedei, City Building Inspector Andy Bacidore, Fire Chief Jerry Janick

A quorum was present. 

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the minutes from October 30, 2023.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Finance Director John Duncan explained to the Finance Committee that the City had H&H Industries come out to look at the light fixtures throughout City Hall. Between H&H Industries and Ameren, there are credits available to the city to do these updates. H&H will take advantage of the credit and then bill the city. The original cost was estimated at $6,118.00, with credits equaling $3,220.00, the project would cost the city $2,898.00. Duncan estimated the cost savings for the city to be $129.37/mo. with potentially a $15,000.00/annual savings. They will replace any of the old fluorescents with approx. 322 LED bulbs throughout the city hall. Duncan stated that the city did not appropriate for this in the budget but he can implement it within the maintenance costs of City Hall. This price includes all materials and labor for H&H.

Alderman Reynolds asked if this quote included the exterior entrance lights. Duncan stated that it did not. The entrance lights are part of the ARPA funds. The entrance lights and tuckpointing are currently being designed right now and they will then go out for bid. The city will be looking for a temporary fix to make sure it is lit properly as the intended lights may not be up before winter.

Alderman Lavieri asked about the can lights throughout the Council Chambers. The can lights were not part of this quote or project. But Chairman Ptak stated that the City could lower the socket in each of the can lights and replace the bulbs to equally match. This would allow better lighting for the chambers by lowering the sockets in each.

Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the recommendation regarding replacement of interior lights at City Hall.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

Finance Director John Duncan discussed the IML RMA, the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association, annual renewal. This covers the City’s property liability and workers compensation insurance. The City has done the min/max and the plan is still working for the city. The city has had low claim volume so the rates did go up slightly from the previous year. Duncan is recommending that the city does continue this plan. There is an Option #1 where the city can pay the amount in full by November 17th and the city will then receive a 1% discount.

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the recommendation regarding the RMA minimum/maximum Contribution Agreement.

ROLL CALL 

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0 

NEW BUSINESS 

Finance Director Duncan stated that he was contacted by Carus and the city’s 10-year rate structure agreement was expiring on January 1st. Duncan asked for the committee members to start discussing soon the rate structure for Carus and how long they want to lock in those rates with them. This is for water only. Carus does get a discount due to their water not being treated to the drinking water standard. The City currently held a 10-year contract with them.

Jamie Hicks asked that the council members to look at the old 10-year contract that the city did have with Carus. He stated that the City showed getting good money for the water, but every year the rate decreased.

Duncan stated that the rate did stay the same at $1.09. Duncan stated that what decreased over time was the amount. When the City started to negotiate with Carus, they stated that they were considering moving because they didn’t like the rate that the City was giving them. Carus did not move but had a amount that they had to guarantee the City. That was the amount that decreased once they got through the 10 years. Duncan stated that the actual water rate per 100 cubic feet stayed the same throughout the 10-year period. Duncan did analyze the last five years, not including 2023, and stated that they have consistently used around 61 million cubic feet of water per year.

Hicks stated that Carus just moved to heavy industrial and they added $20 million add on. He believes that Carus is definitely using a lot more water than they have in the past.

Duncan stated the City is purchasing a new meter. The City’s meter for Carus is outside in a vault outside of the water treatment plant for the city to measure their water. The meter is about 20 years old and they do slow down over time. The City does plan on putting in a new meter very soon. Duncan believes its possible that the City is not billing Carus for all the water they use.

There were no more questions or comments from the public. 

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

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Chairman Ptak adjourned the meeting at 6:16pm

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