Illinois Valley Times

City of LaSalle City Council met Nov. 25

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

A regular meeting of the La Salle City Council of La Salle, Illinois was held, Monday, November 25, 2024, at 6:40 p.m. with Mayor Jeff Grove with proper notices being duly and continuously posted.

The meeting was called to order at 6:40p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL

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

Absent – Alderman Ptak

Others Present: Deputy Clerk Brent Bader, Economic Development Director Curt Bedei, City Attorney James McPhedran, City Treasurer Virginia Kochanowski, Fire Chief Jerry Janick.

A quorum was present.

A moment of silence was held for a former La Salle Police Officer, the late Rodney Pietrowski

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.

La Salle resident Dawn Hicks asked for an update on CL Real Estate projects: the Maytag building and the Kaskaskia Hotel. She asked what the City is doing if the Celebration of Lights is “in the hole” and whether local businesses are supported by it.

Alderman Crane said the only business he’s aware of from the newspaper is that La Salle’s Casey’s sees an increase in traffic from the lights display.

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 November 25, 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 Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Crane to approve the request from Ameren Illinois to break ground at:

• 730 Lafayette Street to replace pole in alley.

• 1044 4th Street for partial gas retirement with demolition.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the request for a 2025 Raffle License from the LaSalle Excellence Foundation.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to approve the request for a 2025 Raffle License from the Illinois Valley Community College Foundation.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Herndon to send the request to Streets,

Alley, and Traffic Committee in regard to a streetlight on Sterling Street, just north of 11th Street.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

Alderman Crane asked if staff would reach out to Ameren Illinois for a proposal for the street light.

Alderman Crane asked if Alderman Thompson had any issues with the next request. He did not but only asked that Zonta Club maintain the signs.

Moved by Alderman Thompson and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the request from Kimberely Radek-Hall of the Zonta Club to place signs for their “Zonta Says No” campaign on Bucklin Street from Tuesday, November 26, 2024 through Tuesday, December 10, 2024.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

COMMUNICATIONS

Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept, approve, and place on file Illinois Department of Revenue report showing sales tax collected for August 2024 of $94,372.68 and Home Rule Sales Tax of $84,330.64 for a total of $178,703.32.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Ptak Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

STANDING COMMITTEES

Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to approve the recommendation of the Finance Committee regarding an Illinois Community Solar Subscription Agreement between the City of La Salle, Illinois and SunCentral LLC represented by Solar on Earth, Inc.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Ptak Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the recommendation of the Finance Committee regarding renewal of annual membership with North Central Illinois Council of Governments’ Economic Development District at a cost of $3,000.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Ptak Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to approve the recommendation of the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee to reach out to Ameren Illinois and get a proposal to add a streetlight on Rockwell Road at the U.S. 6 intersection.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Ptak Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the recommendation of the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee to deny a request to add a stop sign with flashing lights for traffic at the Pershing Road and Creve Coeur Street intersection.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Ptak Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

The Council mentioned a stop sign is already in place at the intersection without flashing lights.

OLD BUSINESS

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the authorization of Pay Request #21 for Vissering Construction Company totaling $148,550.65 for work completed to date on Aerobic Digester Conversion project.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Ptak Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

Alderman Thompson asked for an update on fiber optics with Geneseo Communications.

Attorney McPhedran said it’s his understanding they are investigating environmental factors with the City being in a superfund site. He confirmed they have not broken ground yet.

NEW BUSINESS

Mayor Grove read off a Thank You letter from former State Representative Lance Yednock.

Moved by Alderman Thompson and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to place the letter on file.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

Mayor Grove said the City’s new street sweeper should be delivered the second week of December. The delay has been caused by waiting on a camera for the vehicle.

Mayor Grove said the City is considering a change of insurance between two La Salle businesses. The insurance committee met and there will be no increases but the change of insurance decision came up at that meeting. There was a discussion whether the two companies can bid their work. Finance Director John Duncan researched the issue but, as the City is at $1 million they are not able to bid their work and only offer a straight fee. He said the agenda item will return at a later meeting when there is a full Council in attendance. Alderman Crane clarified that the City is looking to alternate insurance companies every few years.

Mayor Grove also noted that a previously set Planning Commission meeting has to be reset as a quorum could not be reached due to a medical emergency. He expects the meeting will be scheduled for January.

He also noted that next Friday may be the last week for the leaf vacuum. The schedule will now shift away from the schedule as they catch up on leaves.

DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL

ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS:

Attorney McPhedran said the following item gives the Mayor and Finance Director the authorization to enter into an agreement with the mentioned companies. His office will additionally provide input. Attorney McPhedran also clarified that this reflects a project already in process and a quick answer is needed so the project can be completed. Nathan McCarthy of Solar on Earth, Inc. agreed and noted it has already been approved by the State of Illinois.

Attorney McPhedran additionally went over items previously discussed at the Finance Committee meeting clarified if the City could expect its credits in the fall of next year as well as whether it can expect further details on the location of the site within Ameren’s zone when they are available as Mr. McCarthy is not currently certain. Mr. McCarthy agreed to both questions.

Mayor Grove added they have asked and will get more information for residents that wish to be involved individually and that this only represents municipal buildings at this time.

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve an ordinance authorizing an Illinois Community Solar Subscription Agreement between the City of LaSalle, Illinois and SunCentral, LLC represented by Solar on Earth, Inc. Each and every alderman has a copy.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Ptak Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

Mayor Grove said the Council authorized $75,000 of City payroll two years ago for labor towards the Celebration of Lights. He said that is always going to be reflected as a “negative” on  the budget as its money coming from the City towards the display but the display self-sustains itself through donations beyond that portion. He noted that City workers can’t be told to go home on “rain out days” but their work can be pivoted to the lights display and that portion is needed for City employees to direct a third-party company which mainly sets up the display now. That company is paid for through donations at the display. Year-to-year, the City has authorized $75,000 in City payroll towards the display, but last year only $27,000 was required and he believes even less will be required this year. He said the taxpayer portion will never be “fully in the black,” but the Council can choose to cancel that authorization and the lights display can cover that amount in donation money back to the City of La Salle if they want. Mayor Grove said the display is not losing money and has spoken to restaurants and gas stations that have seen increased business during the display. He said it’s not something they can directly capture to a specific value, but he can get their testimonies if needed. He said last year 21,000 cars came through and it’s good branding for the City of La Salle.

Alderman Reynolds said he volunteers at the display and has spoken to many, some from other states, that found La Salle through the display and come back every year. Alderman Lavieri said the event adds to La Salle’s quality of life and community pride. Mayor Grove said aldermen may not agree on it, but he would like to hear from them after the event concludes.

Alderman Bacidore referenced Mrs. Hicks’ earlier comments regarding the development of CL Real Estate and does not know why progress has stopped on the Maytag building as it was going good for awhile. He said he will call the Building Inspector about the building on First Street but with increased building costs he doesn’t expect the hotel will be completed. Alderman Herndon said its easy to be a “nay-sayer” in the crowd and he understands that, but the City has spent thousands in legal fees to go after the company. He said the City needs backing on the issue.

Attorney McPhedran said the City has hired independent counsel for those referenced projects.

Mayor Grove said we can all agree that Kaskaskia needs to be addressed and there is an open invitation to begin conversation on another agreement if they would like. Alderman Thompson asked for the item to be added to the next City Council agenda. He said the Council is “out of order” for discussing it after New Business. Attorney McPhedran said the Council has not adjourned but certainly cannot take action. Mayor Grove said they were trying to answer a question from earlier. Grove and Alderman Thompson continued discussion over whether or not the conversation should continue now or later.

Mayor Grove asked Deputy Clerk Bader to place the item on the next agenda and he confirmed he would.

APPROVAL OF BILLS

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept, pay, and file the bills from November 25, 2024: Total Submitted: $966,680.01 (Total Payroll $223,582.75, Bills to be Paid $267,732.40, Total Bills Paid $475,364.86). Each and every alderman has a copy.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Ptak Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

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

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

ADJOURNED 7:10 pm

https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2024-12/11-25-24_0.pdf