Illinois Valley Times

City of LaSalle City Council met Nov. 12

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The meeting was called to order at 6:50 p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL

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

Absent – Alderman Crane

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

A quorum was present.

Mayor Grove reminded all to speak into microphones clearly for audio and video recordings.

COMMENTS

Mayor Grove stated that during this time of public comment, he would not be responding. However, there may be time throughout the meeting for the opportunity to answer any of those questions.

Brianne Hicks recognized Dennis Hocking, the new city building inspector. She also expressed her concerns about the street sweeper delivery and the flooding issues due to storm drains. Brianne Hicks also questioned the community cleanup frequency, the yard waste composting alternative, the chicken and duck ordinance changes, and the status of playground equipment.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to accept and place on file minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held October 28, 2024. Each and every alderman has a copy.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING PETITIONS:

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

• 537 Wright Street to replace a pole.

• 328 Joliet Street to replace primary riser pole.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

Moved by Alderman Thompson and seconded by Alderman Ptak to send the request to Streets, Alley, and Traffic Committee for a streetlight on Rockwell Road, south of U.S. 6.

Deputy Clerk Brent Bader mentioned that he did a picture of the location of the potential light. There was a discussion in regard to whether there is a current pole or not out there.

It is not believed that there is a pole in the potential location. This request came in from Leonard Keenan, from Rockwell.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

Moved by Alderman Thompson and seconded by Alderman Reyonlds to approve the request of the La Salle Business Association for a Special Event Permit to allow the use of City-owned property at the City’s Pocket Park on First Street to host a “KindlBar” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, November 30, 2024 during Small Business Saturday.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

Alderman Thompson is very pleased to see the LaSalle businesses utilizing this space.

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the request for a Secondhand Dealer License (Cash for Gold) from Robert Greiner of Jules Estate Buyers. This sounds to be located within “That Guy’s Secret”, but Deputy Clerk Bader was unaware of it was just a one-time event.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS

Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve, accept, and place on file the Monthly Police Income Report for October 2024 showing total fees collected of $7,894.50.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve, accept, and place on file the Treasurer’s Report for October 2024 showing total cash balances in La Salle State Bank of $11,111,398.39 and in Hometown National Bank of $8,317,619.14.

Each and every alderman has a copy.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve, accept, and place on file the Building Inspector’s Report for October 2024 showing total fees collected of $942.00 with total value of construction of $168,493.00.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

COMMUNICATIONS

Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to accept, approve, and place on file Thank You Letter from the Perfectly Flawed Foundation.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve the recommendation of the Finance Committee regarding purchasing iWorQ computer system to maintain vehicle and equipment database at a cost of $6,000 with $5,000 annual subscription thereafter.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the recommendation of the Finance Committee to renew the RMA Minimum/Maximum Contribution Agreement.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

Mayor Grove wanted to recognize all city employees for doing a great job working safely and keeping the city’s expenses down due to minimum accidents/injuries. Finance Director Duncan also mentioned that the city will pay this renewal this week which will make the city eligible for a 1% discount, about $3,600 savings.

Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Lavieiri to table the recommendation of the Finance Committee regarding potential action on the Health Insurance Renewal.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to approve the recommendation of the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee to move the No Parking Sign from driveway to the telephone pole regarding potential reconsideration of manner of addressing parking issues in the vicinity of the 100 block of Gunn Ave. This relocation of the sign will allow the residents to have two more parking spaces.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

OLD BUSINESS

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the authorization of Pay Request #2 for Universal Asphalt & Excavating, Inc. totaling $32,147.75 for work completed to date on Rotary Park Phase IV – Pickleball and Parking Lot Improvements project.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: NONE Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the authorization of Pay Estimate #8 for Otto Baum Company, Inc. totaling $9,731.19 for work completed to date on Masonry Restoration project.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

Mayor Grove mentioned the passing of Cindy Arbisi, long term city employee and expressed his appreciation for her contributions to the city.

Alderman Ptak asked Kevin Fay if he had any updates on the street sweeper. Fay mentioned that he had spoken with the salesman today. The company is waiting on some cameras for the sweeper and hope to be to the city by end of November.

Mayor Grove also addressed that aldermen are very good about clearing away any catch basins that may be clogged with leaves. The city also does plan on keeping the leaf vac out for a few more weeks because of it being a late fall. Branch pickup will be done Dec. 1st however.

Mayor Grove also addressed the concern about new park equipment. He stated that the parks department does not have too much currently in their budget to purchase new equipment. The city will also be looking to replace the yellow capping on the fields that will be used more next summer. They will prioritize which fields based on the new city baseball league organization between LaSalle, Peru, and Oglesby.

Alderman Herndon, 4th ward Alderman, mentioned that he has not received any email concerns.

NEW BUSINESS

Alderman Bacidore mentioned issues with vultures on the water tower and raccoons causing property damage. Mayor Grove said that the city could talk to the water tower company and see if they had any suggestions for the vultures.

Mayor Grove also acknowledged the lighting project that is underway outside the city hall.

Mayor Grove shared videos from the dangerous island at First Street and LaHarpe Street is no longer. It has been removed and concrete will be poured in its place tomorrow.

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

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve an ordinance authorizing the execution of the RMA Minimum/Maximum Contribution Agreement.

Each and every alderman has a copy.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

APPROVAL OF BILLS

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept, pay, and file the bills from November 12, 2024: Total Submitted: $850,198.28 (Total Payroll $231,834.69, Bills to be Paid $244,793.34, Total Bills Paid $173,570.25). Each and every alderman has a copy.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

City Engineer Brian Brown announced the start of the sewer televising and cleaning from Canal to 5th St., between Joliet and Union.

Deputy Clerk Brent Bader mentioned the upcoming Planning Commission meeting to discuss the Illinois Cement petition at 5pm next Monday.

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

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

ADJOURNED 7:20 pm

https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2024-12/11-12-24_1.pdf