Illinois Valley Times

City of LaSalle Finance Committee met March 3

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairman Ptak called the Meeting to order at 6:00 pm

ROLL CALL

Present – Chairman Ptak, Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon

Excused Absence – Alderman Crane

Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to allow Alderman Crane to attend the meeting remotely.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

ROLL CALL

Present – Chairman Ptak, Alderman Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon, Alderman Crane (remotely via phone call)

Absent – NONE

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

A quorum was present.

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the amended minutes from February 18, 2025.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS/BILLS

Alderman Lavieri asked if the bill from Flock System was for the cameras. Finance Director John Duncan confirmed that the bill from Flock was for the License Plate Reader Cameras that are used to scan vehicles that come in and out of the city.

Alderman Jeppson suggested a 6-year financial outlook to improve city sidewalk and curbs. He would like to see a new fund established just for this purpose. Chairman Ptak did like the idea and discussed the high cost of funding sidewalks and curbs, noting that streets are prioritized over these infrastructure projects.

City Engineer Brian Brown provided and rough estimate of about $50/foot for curbs and suggested staging the work to manage costs. Brown explained the additional costs and regulations associated with using motor fuel tax for construction sections.

Alderman Thompson inquired about grants for school safety. City Engineer Brian Brown detailed the safe routes to school project, mentioning specific streets and issues with environmental regulations.

Chairman Ptak and Finance Director Duncan both agreed that appropriation time would be the right time to balance budget priorities.

Alderman Lavieri asked about the use of TIF funds for downtown projects and Duncan confirmed their use.

Alderman Jeppson stated that his idea for sidewalk funding would be residential neighborhood specific.

Alderman Crane also agreed with the sidewalk and curb idea and proposed using sewer funds to finance road and drainage projects but notes the lack of a sewer fund for the entire town.

Chairman Ptak acknowledged the higher costs but agrees with the approach.

Alderman Thompson introduced a proposal to limit charitable donations to a set amount per year to ensure taxpayer support. Thompson discussed the need for a clear policy on a charitable donation to avoid financial strain.

Alderman Lavieri supported the idea, mentioning past donations to local organizations.

Alderman Jeppson also agreed with the idea and also proposed setting an annual cap for all charities to ensure transparency and budget control.

Chairman Ptak suggested having a meeting to finalize the guidelines for charitable donations.

Alderman Lavieri mentioned interest in voting on insurance before the election to meet the insurance agencies’ requirements. Finance Director did mention that one of the  insurance companies did ask for the city to have this decision resolved by May or June because those are the months that they begin the renewal process.

Alderman Jeppson requested to continue the discussion on curbs and sidewalks in the appropriations meeting.

Alderman Lavieri noted complaints about curbs and sidewalks in various parts of the city. Alderman Thompson discussed past decisions that led to current infrastructure issues.

Alderman Herndon stated that the city has work hard on the police contract/pension since 2009.

Alderman Thompson mentioned the need for new developments to include curbs and sidewalks. City Engineer Brian Brown mentioned that it is in the city’s subdivision ordinance.

There were no more questions on the bills.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Dawn Hicks raised concerns about the condition of sidewalks and the need for improvements. Hicks also criticized the inconsistent approach to taxpayer money when considering donations.

There were no questions or comments from the public.

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

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Chairman Ptak adjourned the meeting at 6:24 p.m.

https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2025-03/3-3-25.pdf