Illinois Valley Times

City of LaSalle City Council met Feb. 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

A regular meeting of the La Salle City Council of La Salle, Illinois was held, Monday, February 5, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. with Mayor Jeff Grove 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 - Aldermen Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Crane

Excused Absence – Alderman Thompson, Alderman Herndon

Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to allow Alderman Herndon to attend meeting remotely via phone call.

ROLL CALL

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

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

MOTION CARRIED: 6-0

ROLL CALL

Present - Aldermen Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane

Excused Absence – Alderman Thompson

A quorum was present.

Others Present: Deputy City Clerk Brent Bader, Finance Director John Duncan, City Attorney Jim McPhedran, City Engineer Brian Brown, Econ. Dev. Director Curt Bedei, Director of Public Works Kevin Fay, Police Chief Mike Smudzinski, Fire Chief Jerry Janick, Building Inspector Andy Bacidore

COMMENTS

Deputy Clerk Bader informed the council and audience that the city has installed three cameras for live streaming. They were not set up properly to start live streaming tonight, but they are set up to record and post later to YouTube. In two weeks for the next meeting, Bader expects the issues to be worked out and able to livestream to YouTube.

Mayor Grove wanted to reiterate what was mentioned last meeting by himself that the public comment time is a time for the public to speak and give thoughts and concerns. Mayor Grove mentioned that if there were any questions for him personally, to notify him after hours by calling or sending an email. He would be happy to set up an appointment to talk about any questions or concerns. He also reminded the audience that all must say their name for the record before they speak.

Mayor Grove then mentioned that all residents received an informational flyer postcard type correspondence. He mentioned that this is something put out through the EPA. It is an annual thing that goes out to residents. Resident Jamie Hicks interrupted to say that it was not from the EPA. Grove mentioned that there is information on the card to log into a website and enter one’s ID number. The reason for the postcard is that they are looking for information from residents who have sprinkler systems or any kind of back valve/check valve situation. This is common in restaurants/commercial property. He felt that this would not pertain to too many residents. He said it was more to check in on those who do have it and make sure they are in compliance.

Director of Public Works Kevin Fay added that it is mainly for residents that do have a fire protection sprinkler system or a jacuzzi tub that would be hooked up to city water. This company is just looking to make sure that those residents do have a check valve properly installed inside their homes.

Alderman Crane and Alderman Jeppson stated that they did receive the mailer and it took them about 5 minutes to complete the survey. There were no lead line questions within this survey. Alderman Crane did mention that anyone in the city that does use a bulk amount of water is hooked up to a backflow preventer off the hydrant as well.

Resident Jamie Hicks interrupted a few times, talking over aldermen, saying that this was a third party, and this was not through the EPA. Mayor Grove corrected himself saying that this to be reported to the EPA, but the City did hire this as a third party to do this survey for the city.

Resident Hicks interrupted Mayor Grove and said when he signed in to complete the survey, it did not say anything pertaining to the EPA. He continued interrupting to say he felt the flyer was very confusing because the flyer mentioned EPA but the survey did not. Mayor Grove said that’s why they are trying to explain it to residents tonight.

Before going to Public Comment, Alderman Bacidore mentioned that at the last meeting they allowed residents to speak for six or seven minutes even though the council recently decided on five minutes. He felt that if they kept allowing this, it would push to ten minutes eventually. Mayor Grove mentioned that an Alderman did make a motion to allow for the extension for the resident to complete their comment section. Resident Jamie Hicks interrupted, speaking over Mayor Grove, to say he requested an additional minute. Grove said to Alderman Bacidore that the council did have the vote at the time to say yes or no to that motion. Alderman Bacidore asked why the Council has the time limit rule if the

Council votes to keep changing it. Resident Jamie Hicks again interrupted to tell Alderman Bacidore he is misunderstanding the issue.

Mayor Grove did remind Alderman Bacidore that the council does have the opportunity to allow the public to take more time if they feel that it was something worth giving attention to. The council has a right to allow or deny the request and it is not binding, but it is something that can be voted on if need be.

Resident Hicks interrupted again by stating that it is not fair that Alderman Bacidore is bringing this up when Alderman Thompson is not present. Alderman Bacidore said the Council should vote on extending public comment to six minutes if they keep extending Public Comment individually. Alderman Lavieri said most residents do not need six minutes. Hicks interrupted again and said he’s listened to Alderman Bacidore for more than six minutes and "you bore the hell out of me.”

Mayor Grove told Jamie Hicks that he is not allowed to make comments over others. Hicks apologized. Grove said he will say the same to others for similar behavior. Hicks continued interrupting by stating that Alderman Bacidore’s comment was obviously directed to one person, like it always is. Bacidore stated that there were two residents that were granted an extension of their time last meeting, not just one. Hicks interrupted that his comments last meeting were about the safety of the people and the laws that the city keeps violating.

Mayor Grove invited Dawn Hicks up as the first speaker for Public Comment. Jamie Hicks then interrupted again and said that Alderman Bacidore keeps ignoring him and “smile because you got me fired up.” He then told his wife “would you be quiet, please?” Hicks then interrupted Public Comment, pointing to the left side of the Council Chambers from the direction Mr. Hicks was looking, and said “keep smiling too.” Chief Mike Smudzinski stood up and asked Hicks to leave. He said that Hicks is disrupting everything. Hicks stated that he is not disrupting anything. Smudzinski asked Hicks to leave again. Hicks said that he is not leaving. Smudzinski said that if Hicks is not leaving then he will have to place him under arrest. Hicks told Chief Smudzinski to place him under arrest. Smudzinski said “let’s go” and began to remove Hicks from the meeting. Hicks stated that he is not fighting and he is leaving. Hicks said to Smudzinski, “Will you let me stand up you motherfucker. Let me stand up. I’m trying to get up.” Chief Smudzinski told Hicks that he is disrupting everything and escorted him out of the meeting.

Alderman Bacidore said not to let him back into the meeting and to keep him out for good.

Chief Mike Smudzinski, John Duncan, and Jamie Hicks exited the council chambers at 6:40pm.

Resident Dawn Hicks asked if Alderman Jeppson had checked the air monitor lately. Jeppson stated that he had checked yesterday and today and it had seemed to be working properly. Dawn Hicks mentioned that from January 30 at 5pm to January 31st around 1am there were zero readings out at Rotary Park. She questioned why it would not be getting any readings for that many hours now that it is powered properly. Hicks respectfully asked if Jeppson would be able to look into that issue. Jeppson did mention there was a phone number on the app to call. Bader also said that he will get in touch with Kevin Fay and Patrick Watson to contact support on this issue also.

Alderman Crane and Alderman Jeppson both asked about the library one ever going offline this often. Hicks stated that she noticed that one to go offline only one hour over the last three months.

Hicks also asked if the council would be willing to have a tutorial on the air monitor app. Hicks feels that she is missing out on information and does not fully understand that app like she should. She feels that more people would benefit from it if there was a step-by step guide on how to benefit from the air monitor app. She asked if something could be posted to the City of LaSalle Facebook page or on the City of LaSalle website. Alderman Jeppson mentioned that he will try to find some time of online tutorial to help out with this app.

Mayor Grove mentioned that one feature he liked about this air monitor app is that one can check out and compare other cities’ air quality numbers.

Dawn Hicks then continued by asking the Mayor who was in charge of picking the picture for the water survey postcard or if it was a passive aggressive move from the City to say that the city water is fine to drink.

Mayor Grove stated that he had nothing to do with that picture in regard to even picking one out for the water survey postcard. Hicks just wanted to ask. Mayor Grove appreciated Hicks asking that question and not just assuming. Grove stated that it was part of the group that sent the postcard and not anything from the city.

Hicks also stated that she understands that not everyone’s water quality has been negatively affected but for those whose has been affected and shared pictures, the Mayor has completely disregarded those people. She feels that this is very offensive to have done this.

Mayor Grove mentioned that it was not meant to be offensive because the water treatments plant tests every day. Grove also questions if some of the discoloration may come from one individual’s home and piping. Hicks stated that she did just recently spend $600 on a home water treatment.

Grove did suggest Hicks having TEST come out to test her home water. Hicks does not understand how that would help now that they just bought a $600 home water filtration system. Hicks stated that this would have been helpful prior to them adding a home water filtration system. Grove mentioned that he believed staff offered a few weeks ago to share the TEST President’s number with Hicks. Hicks did not understand what TEST could do for her, so she never did contact them.

Resident Eric Dyas, Fourth Ward, question the Mayor about his claim that the water is safe to drink per EPA standards. Mayor Grove stated that his statement hasn’t changed in the last two months. Dyas then referred to the January Consumer Report magazine that discussed the country’s water. He asked if the city knew if they were testing for PFAS (The per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are forever chemicals. He stated that they reported that 117 out of the 120 that they sampled had samples above the grade that they should be. He questioned if the city was looking to just meet the EPA goal or looking to get the best that they can to help the safety of the city. Mayor Grove mentioned that the only measurement that the city goes by is from the EPA, which to the Mayor has been the standard setter and what the city is going off of. Mayor stated that the City does want to meet them but hope to also do the best they can on the tests also. Dyas does believe that the EPA is way behind on their standards and one issue is money. Dyas hopes that the EPA can get their stuff together and start to set the limits to where the residents want them to be and hope they can find a way to start helping the people out too.

Mayor Grove stated that they do send their test results to the EPA and hope they would be contacting them if numbers were out of line. Kevin Fay did state that they do test for PFAS and the city did meet their limit. Dyas wanted to just bring this up because he didn’t know if the city was going to go above the standard or just barely meet the standards.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Crane to approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held January 22, 2023. Each and every alderman has a copy.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

PRESENTATION

Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to allow Mike McClain of Geneseo Communications, Inc to present to the council regarding fiber service for residents.

Mike McClain, CEO Geneseo Communications, introduced himself and his colleagues, Shayne Winters, Chief Operating Officer, and Kay Croegaert, Vice President of Marketing.

Mr. McClain shared with the council his PowerPoint Presentation (Exhibit A). He first slide showed a map of how far Geneseo Communications stems out to, from Chicago to the Quad Cities.

Shayne Winters continued the presentation with the how the process works if one agrees to go with their Fiber installation. Mr. Winters explained how Fiber me Fast builds neighborhoods and then steps it takes from start to finish:

• Design engineer

• Permit and staking

• Install mainline

• Install fiber optic cable

• Connect homes and business to the network

• Service is installed

• The resident or business can now enjoy internet access at the speed of light.

Mayor Grove asked about the option of preregistering. Winters explained that it is best to preregister, whether you want the service now or possibly in the future. It is a little more work if a homeowner decides to do the Fiber service after the contractors have been in the neighborhood dropping boxes. He explained how they just did Coal Valley with 805 homes; 50 homes did not want it at the time. Now 20 of those homes called them back because they would like the Fiber service.

Winters also explained how there would be a Project manager on site between LaSalle and Peru.

Alderman Bacidore mentioned that he doesn’t have a computer but if it would be a good idea for him to have his home setup for it so when he does go and sell in the future, it will be there and set up for the future homeowner. Winters understood his question and said it would be a good idea to register. He said that there was no obligation to sign up for service. As long as the address is registered and in registration database, it will populate a list of homes that the contractors will put a drop to.

Alderman Jeppson asked if the company provides wireless modem and routers. Winters stated that they do have a 6850, which is a mid-grade router and are available to purchase. 9 out of 10 typical households will have a compatible router to use.

Alderman Ptak mentioned that there is fiber optic in the city that has been installed 10-12 years ago from a grant. McClain mentioned that this was iFiber.org and it was a government grant. Geneseo Communications does not tap into that. Geneseo Comm. does have their own line that runs down the railroad from Chicago to Omaha. McClain did mention that Peru built their own fiber and Geneseo will be leasing their fiber.

Alderman Crane mentioned that it takes iFiber a long time to come into town and locate. He asked how quick Geneseo would when they may need one called in for an emergency situation. Crane mentioned that it is usually a two-hour window but iFiber is unable to make that window time peroid most of the time. Winters mentioned how their techs are always on all and they all can locate. They currently have three in house locators. They plan to hire another locator. One currently lives close to Princeton area and would be ideal to dispatch him to the LaSalle Peru area.

Kay Croegaert spoke next in regard to the benefits of Fiber Technology delivered by GCI:

• 10 gigabit of service

• Get the speed your pay for

• No throttling, no sharing, no data caps

• Connecting with multiple devices

She mentioned how the average household has 22 connected devices according to Deloitte, the world’s largest CPA firm. She also mentioned how GCI would allow economic growth, quality jobs, future proof community to LaSalle. GCI encourages their customers to stream. She shared a streaming tool called stream@firemefast.com. She stated that having Fiber into the home will increase home value. She discussed GCI’s Pricing:

• Basic Plan $55/mo

• Starter Plan $45/mo

• Family Plan $55/mo

• Get a gig $65/mo

Croegaert also discussed how they are small and local. GCI plans to maintain the same service quality and GCI plans to open a local store front. She also discussed communication with LaSalle residents and business will include a combination of efforts: marketing, direct mail, target mass media, along with a 24X7 online registration via FiberMefast, which tells residents whether or not Fiber is available in the area. Alderman Ptak did ask about business rates. GCI does have an actual salesperson that works with businesses.

Alderman Jeppson asked additional fees added onto the package price. She mentioned how $65.00 for year one, and then $85/mo. for year two, and $100/month after the second year with the $9.95 tech fee that will be added for tech fees no matter what package you choose.

Alderman Ptak mentioned that it was hard to find the pricing that she was displaying, and Croegaert stated that the pricing would show, depending on the area that you were searching for service and based on registration. McClain mentioned that they will get a hold of Alderman Ptak tomorrow and share the pricing info with him.

Mr. McClain mentioned some reasons why the City of LaSalle should partner with Geneseo communications:

• Buried network

• Partner with and pay the city

• Local retail store front

• Local administrative support

• Right way fee and give remit to city

The city of LaSalle will receive 5% from every resident that goes with the GCI service. GCI calls it a right away fee, the 5%, that they build into every bill. GCI will remit these fees to the city once a quarter. Once a resident has the connection made to their house, they can upgrade at any time to 5gig or 10gig. Residents can preregister there home but never sign up for service if they decide not to. Residents can save $10/mo if they sign a contract, but it is not required.

Mayor Grove did ask about how many outages, in Geneseo in particular. McMclain mentioned how reliable fiber is, especially when buried. They stated that the outages that did occur were due to someone that didn’t locate properly and dug up their fiber. They mentioned that one incident took maybe 8 hours to restore. One incident happened when a contractor by Morris went underneath the railroad without a permit and cut their fiber, Verizon, and Mediacom cables too. This incident even put 911 down at the time.

McClain also showed the council the difference in the 1200 pair copper from ATT and the 192ct fiber from GCI. He stated that it was 16 tubes of 12 fibers and has exponentially more bandwidth.

John Duncan was curious if McClain had an estimate on what the total investment would be for GCI here in LaSalle. McClain felt like that number would be proprietary. Duncan asked how many households in Geneseo and how many households have their service. McClain thought 5500 homes with about 80% of them getting their service. Duncan was wondering if they had done any projections on LaSalle and what that would be for GCI. McClain stated that they were still working on such a projection. McClain stated that they would hope to get 50% to 60% over a seven-year window. Duncan also asked what the average monthly spend for residential households. McClain stated that between $65 and $75 ARPU (average revenue per user). Duncan figured if the city were to get 60% of the 4,000 households in LaSalle, which would be about 2,400. GCI would bring in about $180,000/mo and the city would receive 5% back to the city for the right away fee, which would be about $9,000. This could possibly generate $100,000/year. Duncan stated that the franchise fee for Comcast generates about $100,000/year in revenue. McClain reminded Mayor Grove that the city does not get a penny for internet. Duncan was interested at looking at Peru’s language agreement but knows that it will look different because they do have fiber that they will be leasing to GCI.

Resident Dawn Hicks interrupted asking about how far GCI buries their line. McClain stated that the main line going down the right away will be at 36 inches and the line coming off a house will be at about 24 inches and not less than 12 inches. She was asking this question because she knew of an issue in a suburb a few years back, which shut down the railroads for about three days. This was the incident that they just discussed as their last big outage. This outage was due to the contractor that did not have a permit or any locates. Mayor Grove thanked GCI for their time in their presentation tonight.

DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING PETITIONS:

Moved by Alderman Crane and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve the request from Ameren Illinois to break ground at:

• 546 Creve Coeur Street to retire gas service.

• 822 8th Street to retire gas service.

• 627 LaHarpe Street to retire gas service.

• 601 Todd Street to retire gas service.

• 756 Crosat Street to retire gas service.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Reynolds approve the request for:

• 2024 Raffle License from Peru Education Foundation

• 2024 Raffle License from Knights of Columbus #792

• 2024 Raffle License from Trinity Catholic Academy.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS

Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept, approve, and place on file the Building Inspector’s Report for January 2024 showing total fees collected of $9,650.75 with total value of construction of $15,359,596.00. Each and every alderman has a copy.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept, approve, and place on file the Monthly Police Income report showing total fees collected of $6,433.67. Each and every alderman has a copy.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept the recommendation of the Finance Committee regarding the purchase of office furniture from Hendrickson’s Peoria for the City Hall, $25,247.75, and the Police Department, $5,686.48.

ROLL CALL

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Thompson Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

OLD BUSINESS

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve authorization of Pay request #16 for Vissering Construction Company totaling $6,6633.00 for work completed to date on Aerobic Digester Conversion project. Each and every alderman has a copy.

ROLL CALL

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Thompson Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to approve authorization of Pay request #11 for Vissering Construction Company totaling $361,885.36 for work completed to date on Water Treatment Plant Improvements project. Each and every alderman has a copy.

ROLL CALL

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Thompson Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

NEW BUSINESS

Mayor Grove wanted to congratulate the 8th Grade LaSalle Lincoln Boys Basketball team for their junior high career. The boys lost their regional championship game to end their season. Alderman Jeppson stated that in the last 3 years of Junior High this team had only lost 5 games.

Mayor Grove stated that St. Hyacinth's church had reached out to him in regard to adding an additional handicap spot on Tonti Street. They asked for it to be right next to the one that they already have. This would be on Tonti Street, near the Northeast door that allows for handicap entrance. Alderman Bacidore stated that he will add this to the Streets, Alley, and Traffic Committee agenda in two weeks following the Finance Committee.

Alderman Bacidore asked how the council plans to move forward after tonight’s incident. He stated that the resident has now been escorted out twice and tonight it was more physical. Mayor Grove stated that he plans to confer with the city counsel. Alderman Bacidore feels that it is not right to allow him to continue to be in the city council meetings with all the swearing.

Mayor Grove stated that he knew this council to be one for understanding that people can make mistakes and they don’t hold that against them. Alderman Bacidore stated that it has been twice now however, and Mayor Grove understood his concerns. Grove stated that he will discuss with Attorney McPhedran. Attorney McPhedran stated that it is America and Mayor Grove also stated that the council honors freedom of speech. Mayor Grove stated that they will bring this back to the Council to discuss.

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

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve an ordinance approving small subdivision plat regarding David A. Raccuglia, as trustee, (901-907 First Street). Each and every alderman has a copy.

ROLL CALL

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Thompson Abstain: None

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

COMMENTS

APPROVAL OF BILLS

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept, pay, and file the bills from January 22, 2023: Total Submitted: $449,618.94 (Total Payroll $195,128.85, Bills to be Paid $149,255.19, Total Bills Paid $105,234.90). Each and every alderman has a copy.

ROLL CALL

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

NAY: None Absent: Alderman Thompson 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 7:38 pm

https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2024-03/2-5-24_0.pdf