Illinois Valley Times

City of LaSalle Finance Committee met Jan. 20

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Pro-Tem Chair Lavieri called the Meeting to order at 6:00 pm

ROLL CALL

Present – Aldermen Bacidore, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Crane

Excused Absence – Alderman Thompson, Chairman Ptak

Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to make Alderman Lavieri Pro-Tem Chairperson.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

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

A quorum was present.

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Crane to approve the minutes from January 6, 2024.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Pro-Tem Chair Lavieri began the discussion in regard to a monetary donation for the Illinois Food Pantry. He stated Chairman Ptak was opposed to moving forward with this donation at this time. Alderman Jeppson agrees with Ptak and would be ok with passing over this for two weeks.

Alderman Bacidore is concerned because it does keep getting passed over and never formally discussed. Deputy Clerk Brent Bader explains the original communication about discussing the next year’s budget and potential donations.

Finance Director John Duncan mentions the need to have the budget appropriations and the larger donation discussion by the first meeting of July. Alderman Bacidore expresses concerns about people going hungry and suggests a $5,000 donation.

Alderman is in favor of a donation but suggests discussing it further at the budget meeting. 

Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman to give $1,000 to the Illinois Valley Food Pantry immediately.

Finance Director Duncan clarifies that they have not given to the food pantry regularly in the past. Alderman Crane stated that this donation is taxpayer’s money.

ROLL CALL

AYES: Aldermen Bacidore, Reynolds, Jeppson, Herndon

NAYS: Alderman Lavieri, Crane Absent: Chairman Ptak, Alderman Thompson

Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 4-2

It is noted that the matter will be revisited in the future.

There were no questions on the bills.

OLD BUSINESS

Alderman Herndon inquires about the status of insurance and the timeline for Alderman Thompson’s return. Finance Director Duncan explained the importance of the June renewal for insurance commissions. It was discussed the need for full year of commission from June to June.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Brianne Hicks thanked Alderman Bacidore for speaking up for the residents in need.

Alderman expressed similar sentiments about the importance of supporting local residents. Alderman Lavieri mentioned the budget deadline of May 1 and the need to set aside funds beforehand.

There were no questions or comments from the public.

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

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Pro-Tem Lavieri adjourned the meeting at 6:10 p.m.

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