Illinois Valley Times

City of LaSalle City Council met Sept. 3

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

A regular meeting of the La Salle City Council of La Salle, Illinois was held, Tuesday, September 3, 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 6:36 p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

MOMENT OF SILENCE

Mayor Grove wanted to hold a moment of silence for former Mayor Paul Murphy, Ron Senica, and Beth Snyder. Mayor highlighted their contributions to the community. Alderman Crane also asked for a moment of silence for Joe “Augie” Bornack.

ROLL CALL

Present – Mayor Grove, Aldermen Bacidore, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane

Absent – Alderman Thompson

Others Present: Deputy Clerk Brent Bader, Economic Development Director Curt Bedei, Director of Public Works Kevin Fay, City Attorney James McPhedran, City Engineer Brian Brown, Police Chief Mike Smudzinski, City Treasurer Virginia Kochanowski, Fire Chief Jerry Janick

A quorum was present.

PRESENTATION

Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to allow Economic Development Director Bill Zens from the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce to present to the council.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

Economic Development Director Bill Zens provided an update on the chamber’s activities, including changes to their mission, vision, and core competencies. He discussed how the chamber now focuses on four pillars: member marketing, professional and personal development, advocacy, and networks and events. He discussed how the chamber does provide letters of recommendation and support for grants and community backing. He did also mention how the chamber is working on a program at the high school level to encourage entrepreneurship and keep young people in the community. 

Alderman Crane did ask about the Chamber promoting more for the city. Mr. Zens did acknowledge that the last event he did enter too late to promote but he reminded the city and the council to reach out to them anytime that are looking for promotions or sponsorships.

COMMENTS

Mayor Grove said this time will be for the public to comment and wants all to get their three minutes to themselves, he may address comments made here elsewhere during the meeting.

Breane Hicks asked the council if their public comments ever get brought up outside of the meeting or ever brought up again. She also asked for an update on the curb painting, park equipment, the fence capping and a city-wide trash cleanup. Ms. Hicks also raised concerns about the recordables at Carus Chemicals. She questioned city enforcement of property maintenance and also the status of the new street sweeper.

Dena Hicks questioned the process of any ordinance change. She also asked about the mayor’s salary and if it is something that he gives back to the city. She was still also curious as to the contractor’s shared expense in regard to the driveway repairs that were recently done to some homes.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman to Lavieri to accept and place on file minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held August 19, 2024.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING PETITIONS:

Alderman Ptak asked about how Status Networks out of Peoria is able to install fiber optic in the downtown. Alderman Crane mentioned that there is an I-fiber line on Bucklin. Economic Development Director Curt Bedei mentioned that Status Network was in an agreement with Ficek Electric.

Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve the request from Status Networks to break ground in the 100 block of Bucklin Street and nearby alley to install fiber optic for Auditorium Ballroom, 109 Wright Street.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Thompson Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and Alderman Herndon to approve the request from Starved Rock Country Community Foundation for a 2024 Raffle License. 

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

Moved by Alderman Ptak and Alderman Reynolds to approve the request from the Detour Tap to install a double-facing, non-illuminated banner sign at 328 3rd Street Suite A.

Deputy Clerk Brent Bader mentioned that this sign has been up and the owner was unaware about the sign permit. The owners did then fill out the form to have it approved.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Thompson Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

APPOINTMENTS/RESIGNATIONS

Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept the resignation of Chris Builta from the La Salle Public Library Board of Trustees.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept the appointment of Emily Schaub to the La Salle Public Library Board of Trustees.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Thompson Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept the appointment of Jim Cleary to the Zoning and Planning Commission.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Thompson Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

STANDING COMMITTEES

Moved by Alderman Bacidore to table the recommendation of the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee regarding adding a handicapped parking space at 15 4th Street.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

Moved by Alderman Bacidore to table the recommendation of the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee regarding adding a handicapped parking space at 41 4th Street. 

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

OLD BUSINESS

Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Crane to authorize Pay Estimate #6 for Otto Baum Company, Inc. Totaling $140,829.11 for work completed to date on Masonry Restoration project.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Thompson Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Crane to authorize Payment for John Pohar & Sons totaling $22,700 for work completed on Ditch Cleaning from Richard Hallett Road to Oak Ridge Golf Course project.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Thompson Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Bacidore to authorize Pay Request #2 & Final for Cruz Concrete, Inc. Totaling $76,151 for work completed to date on the 2024 National Fitness Campaign (NFC) Pad & Sidewalk Program.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Thompson Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

Mayor Grove wanted to see the council’s interest on seeking a RFP for the old City of LaSalle Public Works Building. Bedei stated that the city has not received any calls regarding any proposals. He has taken many on tours of the building, but he believes the price may be a bit steep. Alderman Lavieri would like to see a good offer for a project just like was done on Bucklin and 3rd and the Auditorium Building. He believes the city would then be able to come down in price a bit. Attorney McPhedran stated that there would have to specific specs and language written up if so and this can be done.

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to give permission to Curt Bedei to seek out the Request for Proposal (RFP) guidelines for the old City of La Salle Public Works Building at 500 2nd Street. 

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Thompson Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

Deputy Clerk Brent Bader stated that he did reach out to the Bureau of Air in regard to the latest concerns with the air monitor out at Rotary Park. He informed the council that they mentioned how the air quality lately may have been impacted by the Canadian wildfires. He also mentioned the Bureau of Air’s availability to answer residents’ questions about air quality.

City Engineer discussed a little research that he did in regard to the higher readings late at night and early in the mornings. He mentioned how there is an inversion of air that occurs over night when the sun is down and unable to break down the pollutants like it can be done during the day.

Alderman Jeppson noted that there are many factors that go into air monitor readings from heat and humidity to industry to pollution. He appreciated that Bader took the time to call the IEPA.

NEW BUSINESS

The council considers amending the zoning ordinance to further regulate solar developments within a mile and a half of La Salle city limits.

Additional notice that the Planning Commission will consider amendment to LaSalle Zoning Ordinance regarding further regulation of solar developments, including within the extraterritorial jurisdiction within a mile and a half of LaSalle City Limits.

Attorney McPhedran stated that this will be discussed at an upcoming planning commission meeting. He stated that the city may be also putting out a public notice regarding consideration of regulating wind energy sources within the city.

Alderman Jeppson asked if this would only pertain to commercial property. Attorney McPhedran believed the council to only be discussing it for commercial use because the city was already aware of the central concern being not roofed mounted. He also mentioned that it will be discussed and investigated on what the city can do in the mile and half range. This will be discussed at Planning Commission on the 16th on September.

Mayor Grove mentioned that BBQ & Blues and Jazz in the Street will be coming up for downtown La Salle on September 13th and 14th that will be put on by the La Salle Business Association. There will also be fireworks on Saturday the 14th.

DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL

ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS:

Mayor Grove began the discussion in regard to the current city’s food truck vendor permit and license amount. He suggested that the city cuts the current amount in half from $600 to $300. He also stated that the amendment ordinance clarified that if one would want to hire out a mobile food vendor then there is no need for a permit or license, unless one is selling product.

Alderman Herndon asked if the city knew the other amounts for permits and licenses from other communities. The mayor and Deputy Bader were unaware of actual amounts. Alderman Ptak wanted to clarify with Deputy Clerk Bader that food vendor would no longer have to register with the city if the food vendor was hired for a private party. Deputy Brent Bader stated that was correct.

Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve an ordinance further amending Title XI: Business Regulations of the La Salle City Code regarding further regulating Mobile Food Vendors within the City of La Salle. Each and every alderman has a copy.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Thompson Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

Mayor Grove mentioned that this ordinance was brought upon recently to revisit due to neighborhood complaints. He stated that the city has many that take care of their coops and many others that do not. Mayor Grove also stated that those who currently hold a permit would be grandfathered in and a coop would be able to remain. Alderman Crane stated that he gets many calls in regard to others violating this current city ordinance. It was discussed and clarified that anyone without a permit and have chickens would be excluded. Deputy Bade did mention that if this ordinance does pass, the current license holders would be notified and would have to register one final time with the city to be on record. Alderman Lavieri believes that new residents’ license should be accepted as long as they follow the rules. Chief Mike Smudzinski mentioned that there at least four different calls since the beginning of the year in regard to chicken coop complaints, two of them being a complaint in regard to a stench and citations have been issued for some of these complaints.

Alderman Crane wanted to verify if this would be for grandfathered in and allow new to apply for permit. Attorney McPhedran stated that this current ordinance would be to grandfather in the existing, but no new others would be allowed. Crane feels that if it is good for one, then it is good for all.

Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Salle, and also amending Ordinance 2329, related to Nuisances and further regulation of the Keeping of Chicken  Hens and Female Ducks within the City of La Salle. Each and every alderman has a copy.

ROLL CALL

AYES: Aldermen Reynolds, Jeppson, Herndon, Ptak, Mayor Grove

NAYS: Alderman Lavieri, Crane, Bacidore Absent: Alderman Thompson

Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 5-3

Attorney McPhedran stated there is a rule that if four aldermen vote on something requiring a majority of the Council, noting Alderman Thompson’s absence and that the Council sometimes tables items at this time, the Mayor can vote in such circumstances to break a potential tie or wait until Alderman Thompson is there.

Mayor Grove was ok voting Aye but he does not remember needing to vote on a 4-3 vote in the past.

APPROVAL OF BILLS

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept, pay, and file the bills from August 19, 2024: Total Submitted: $1,215,194.37 (Total Payroll $208,798.17, Bills to be Paid $242,690.02, Total Bills Paid $763,706.18). Each and every alderman has a copy.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: 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

7:28 pm

https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2024-09/9-3-24_0.pdf