Illinois Valley Times

City of LaSalle City Council met Jan. 20

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

A regular meeting of the La Salle City Council of La Salle, Illinois was held, Monday, January 20, 2025, 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

Mayor Grove asked for a moment of silence in honor Martin Luther King, Jr.

ROLL CALL

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

Excused Absent – Alderman Thompson, Alderman Ptak

Others Present: Deputy Clerk Brent Bader, Finance Director John Duncan, Economic Development Director Curt Bedei, City Attorney James McPhedran, Police Chief Mike Smudzinski, Fire Chief Jerry Janick, City Treasurer Virginia Kochanowski

A quorum was present.

COMMENTS

Dena Hicks raises concerns about the loss of another police officer. She also discusses the chicken and duck ordinance, noting the lack of a ban selling eggs. She also mentions the ordinance with sound levels and the inconsistency in sound pressure levels for different zones. Dena Hicks questions the change in plans for Rotary Park, from a baseball complex to Christmas lights, and seeks clarification on the decision-making process. Finance Director Duncan informed Dena Hicks that her three minutes were up for her public comment portion. Dena Hicks stated that she found in minutes that the amount used for the Rotary Park lights labor was $50,000.

Brianne Hicks brings up the issue of the vacant Kaskaskia building, highlighting ordinance violations and the city’s failure to enforce its own regulations. Ms. Hicks also asks if a curb needs to be cut for a driveway or entrance.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Crane to accept and place on file minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held January 6, 2025. Each and every alderman has a copy.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

Mayor Grove reminded all to speak into their microphones.

DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING PETITIONS AND/OR PRESENTATIONS:

Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to approve the request from IV Chem to install a non-illuminated, double-facing ground sign at 302 Civic Road.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Ptak, Thompson Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 6-0

Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the request for a 2025 Raffle License from Mort’s Pub in support of LaSalle Veteran’s Home.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the request for a 2025 Raffle License from Starved Rock Runner, LTD., St. Hyacinth’s Church, and Illinois Valley Associations of Realtors.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Bacidore to approve, accept, and place on file the Building Inspector’s Report for December 2024 showing total fees collected of $2,350 with total value of construction of $146,970. Each and every alderman has a copy.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

COMMUNICATIONS

Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve and place on file the Illinois Department of Revenue report showing sales tax collected for October 2024 of $101,089.30 and Home Rules Sales Tax of $90,897.79 for a total of $191,987.09.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

APPOINTMENTS/RESIGNATIONS

Police Chief Mike Smudzinski acknowledges the resignation of Sgt. Chris Haas, detailing his career history and contributions to the La Salle Police Department. Mayor Grove expresses gratitude for Haas’s service and wishes him well in his retirement.

Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Crane to accept the resignation of Sgt. Chris Hass from the LaSalle Police Department. 

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Ptak, Thompson Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 6-0

Mayor Grove inquired about the department's staffing status and the process for replacing retiring officers. Chief Mike Smudzinski confirms that the department is fully staffed and discussed the importance of having qualified candidates for future promotions.

Mayor Grove asked to appoint Sam McNeilly to the Planning Commission who is also currently on the Zoning Board.

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Herndon to appoint Sam McNeilly to the Planning Commission.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Ptak, Thompson Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 6-0

Police Chief Mike Smudzinski recommends the promotion of Luke Radtke to the position of Sergeant, highlighting his qualifications and readiness for the role.

Alderman Crane approves the promotion, with a discussion on the importance of mentorship and preparing younger officers for leadership roles.

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Herndon to approve the recommendation of the Police Chief and the Board of Fire and Police Commission for a promotion of Luke Radtke to the position of Sergeant from the Sergeant’s Eligibility List.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Ptak, Thompson Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 6-0

Mayor Grove emphasizes the need for younger officers to look up to and learn from their peers and superiors.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Alderman Lavieri discusses the recommendation of the finance committee to donate $1,000 to the Illinois Valley Food Pantry.

Alderman Bacidore advocates for a larger donation, emphasizing the importance of supporting those in need.

Mayor Grove and the council members discuss the balance between immediate needs and long-term budget considerations. Mayor Grove also reminds the council that this money that is discussed for donations is the taxpayer’s money. He thought that it would be beneficial to revisit this discussion in May during the appropriations meeting to set aside a larger amount to help out various groups within the city.

Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to approve the recommendation of the Finance Committee regarding a monetary donation of $1,000 to the Illinois Valley Food Pantry with plans to revisit

Alderman Crane explained his reasoning for his nay vote.

Alderman Bacidore questions the amount and states that the city council approved a $2,500 donation to NCAT which is another local service.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: Alderman Crane Absent: Alderman Ptak, Thompson Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 5-1

SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Economic Development Director Curt Bedei provides background on the program, Rivers Edge Redevelopment Zone. He also provided some of the benefits for developers, including tax incentives and property tax abatements. There would be no cost to the city to apply for this program.

Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Crane to approve the recommendation of the Economic Development Committee regarding submitting an application to the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity for inclusion in the Rivers Edge Redevelopment Zone.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Thompson, Ptak Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 6-0

Economic Development Director Curt Bedei explains the Illinois Finance Authority Pace Program’s focus on energy efficiency and its potential benefits for developers, sharing examples from other municipalities.

Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to approve the recommendation of the Economic Development Committee on whether to continue to pursue participation in the Illinois Finance Authority Pace Program, including, but not limited to, continuing to pursue potential adoption of an ordinance.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Thompson, Ptak Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 6-0

Mayor Grove shares his appreciation for Curt and the Economic Development committee for all their work.

NEW BUSINESS

Alderman thanked the police and fire departments and public works for their hard work during this recent cold weather.

Mayor Grove also mentioned a water main break at the intersection of Illinois and Roosevelt Road, advising caution for the residents in the area.

APPROVAL OF BILLS

Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to accept, pay, and file the bills from January 20, 2025: Total Submitted: $852,674.76 (Total Payroll $225,892.38,

Bills to be Paid $486,454.66, Total Bills Paid $140,327.72). Each and every alderman has a copy.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Thompson, Ptak Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 6-0

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

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

ADJOURNED 6:48 pm

https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2025-02/1-20-25_0.pdf