Illinois Valley Times

City of LaSalle Finance Committee met Dec. 11

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 (arrived 6:08 p.m.), Jeppson, Crane (arrived 6:01 p.m.)

Excused Absence: Alderman Herndon

Others Present: Deputy Clerk Brent Bader, Finance Director John Duncan, Economic Development Director Curt Bedei, City Building Inspector Andy Bacidore, Fire Chief Jerry Janick, Supt. Of Public Works Kevin Fay

A quorum was present.

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the minutes from November 27, 2023.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Economic Development Curt Bedei discussed that the city is looking to reapply for the Illinois Travel and Tourism grant again this year. This application is due in January. The city’s hope is to use it for the same program that they had tried for last year, which was tourism website, Economic Development, and marketing brochure.

Chairman Ptak felt that the city should definitely try for it again.

Moved by Alderman Thompson and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the recommendation regarding submittal of an Illinois Travel and Tourism grant.

ROLL CALL

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Lavieri, Alderman Herndon Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 6-0

Curt Bedei mentioned that the following grant is a rebuild commercial LaSalle grant, which was appropriated for thought ARPA funds. Bedei mentioned that there are limited funds that the city has and they have limited time to use those funds for this purpose. He also mentioned that this program does run similar to the façade program, just a little more extensive.

Alderman Crane asked if this is the first time that the city is doing this and Bedei stated that it was. Alderman Thompson asked what the city’s pool was and Bedei mentioned $100,000.

Chad Gilbreth mentioned that this program does allow for solar panels to be installed. He did recently get solar panel quotes for the building at 425 1st St. He stated that this project cost is well over what the program allows for. The $40,000 will be reimbursing him back $20,000.

Curt Bedei mentioned that the proposed program would allow up to $20,000 for qualified expenses if $40,000 of eligible costs are submitted with the application.

Chairman Ptak was very curious as to how big the 98 solar panels were. Gilbreth believed them to be 6’x3’. Gilbreth stated that this will power the whole building and the building is all electric. He also mentioned that they did plan on doing a little bit over in case there was anything more added to the building later. He said that the Ameren bill for that building is about $1,200/mo., hoping to eliminate that.

Chairman Ptak asked if Jim Sprong was able to install them. Gilbreth stated that he can.

Gilbreth mentioned that the cheaper quote was through a gentleman from Mohumet, IL. He did receive quotes from more than just the two that the committee members received. He attached only the two quotes because they were the most economical and who he trusted most.

Alderman Crane asked if they needed three quotes similar to the RIP grant. This required only two quotes, but they did receive the additional quote in the other paperwork.

Building Inspector Bacidore mentioned that he did speak with Fire Chief Janick in regards to the rooftop panels, in case it catches fire. Fire Chief Janick did reassure Bacidore that there would be an area for ventilation if need be.

Gilbreth stated that the project is ready to go and just waiting on the council’s approval.

Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Thompson to accept the recommendation regarding a request from Chad Gilbreth of Pursuit for Freedom for a Rebuild Commercial LaSalle grant totaling $40,000 for premises located at 425 First Street.

ROLL CALL

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Lavieri, Alderman Herndon Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 6-0

Chairman Ptak stated that the Annual Treasurer’s Report for the City of LaSalle for the Fiscal year ending April 30, 2023 was a formality for the city discussed it and will be approved at the council meeting.

Deputy Clerk Brent Bader that this is something the city has to do annually and after approved by the city council, they city will post in the paper and on the city’s website.

NEW BUSINESS

Resident Jamie Hicks asked if the committee had any update on what the city had planned on charging Carus for their water bill. Bader mentioned that Duncan will be here for full city council meeting and he can ask Duncan for an update during the public comment section.

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 6:10pm

https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2024-01/12-11-23.pdf