Illinois Valley Times

City of LaSalle Finance Committee met Aug. 19

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

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

ROLL CALL

Present: Chairman Ptak, Alderman Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane

Absent: NONE

Others Present: Finance Director John Duncan, Deputy Clerk Brent Bader, Economic Development Director Curt Bedei, Director of Public Works Kevin Fay, City Engineer Brian Brown, City Treasurer Virginia Kochanowski

A quorum was present.

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the minutes from August 5, 2024.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

The Finance Committee had some back-and-forth debates on whether or not to give the $3,000 annual renewal membership for the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce. Alderman Lavieri argued that the organization represents the community and promotes local businesses, making the fee fair. Alderman Bacidore argues the Chamber has not advertised or sponsored any events in the past 12 months, questioning the value of their services. Alderman Ptak countered Alderman Bacidore’s statement by emphasizing the importance of building relationships and being part of the community. Economic Development Director Curt Bedei mentioned that IVAC is under the economic development umbrella and one of their main focuses is on business building and relationships of education. He mentioned how they do offer many services to business owners and to entrepreneurs looking to open up a business. Alderman Crane read that they have not advertised or sponsored for the City of La Salle in the last 12 months. Ptak and Bedei was unsure if this was accurate. Alderman Crane would like to see the organization advertise and/or sponsor events in the city of La Salle like Celebrate La Salle and BBQ & Blues. Bacidore still disagreed and asked for the organization to attend the meeting next time a donation is asked and to justify their membership fee. Bedei mentioned that he didn’t let the organization know that this item was even on the agenda and maybe someone would have attended if he did mention to them in time.

Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept the request for $3,000 regarding annual renewal of membership with Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce. 

ROLL CALL

AYES: Aldermen Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Chairman Ptak

NAYS: Alderman Bacidore, Thompson, Crane

Absent: NONE Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 5-3

The Committee had no questions on the bills.

NEW BUSINESS

Finance Director John Duncan stated that as of December 31st, the city’s current health insurance will expire. The current policy with automatically renew with BCBS but the city does like to go out for alternate bids. Duncan mentioned that the current agency will compare two or three companies for the city, but they can go out for additional bids if they feel that they need more bids.

Alderman Lavieri mentioned that sales tax on food will be disappearing at the state level. Cities are allowed to put up to 1% back on and he believes that La Salle needs to consider doing such a thing, even if its a ¼ or ½ percent. He believes that this should be something to discuss in the future.

There were no questions or comments from the public.

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

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

ADJOURNED 6:13 pm

https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2024-09/8-19-24.pdf