Illinois Valley Times

City of LaSalle City Council met March 31

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL

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

Excused Absent – Alderman Crane

Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Thompson to allow Alderman Crane to attend the meeting remotely.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

ROLL CALL

Present – Mayor Jeff Grove, Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Ptak, 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, Attorney Pat Hermmann, City Engineer Brian Brown, Police Chief Mike Smudzinski, Fire Chief Jerry Janick

A quorum was present.

COMMENTS

Mayor Grove opened the floor for public comment, allowing residents to share their thoughts and concerns.

Breane Hicks expresses concerns about the city’s transparency, favoritism, and lack of response to resident concerns. Breane Hicks also highlighted issues with the community cleanup effort and the chicken and duck ordinance. She questioned the legitimacy of the ordinance changes and the lack of official complaints. Breane Hicks criticized the city’s prioritization of safety and transparency. 

Finance Director John Duncan stated that Ms. Hicks three minutes were up for her public comment portion.

Dena Hicks wished everyone luck in the upcoming election. Dena Hicks continued by criticizing the city’s enforcement of ordinances. She listed multiple ordinance violations by her Alderman, including parking and abandoned vehicle citations. Dena Hicks emphasized the need for trustworthy Aldermen who follow the law. Mrs. Hicks called for better enforcement and transparency in the city’s ordinance enforcement.

Finance Director John Duncan stated that Mrs. Hicks three minutes were up for her public comment portion.

PRESENTATION

Chris Vaske from the Rotary Park Foundation presented information about their upcoming music and art festival. The festival is scheduled for May 24th and 25th this year. Steve Westerman presented the city with a $5,000 check which was donated to the city and the Rotary Park fund from last year’s event.

Mayor Grove thanked the foundation for their efforts and contributions.

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 March 17, 2025. 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 Thompson to approve the request from La Salle Rotary Park Foundation for a Special Event Permit to allow the use of cityowned property at Pulaski Park from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025 and Sunday, May 25, 2025 for La Salle’s Music & Art Festival.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: NONE Abstain: Alderman Lavieri

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0-1

Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the request for a 2025 Raffle License from Voluntary Action Center, a 2025 Raffle License from Help Rachel Sienkiewicz Kick Cancer, and a 2025 Raffle License from LPHS Foundation for Educational Enrichment. 

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

Moved by Alderman Jeppson and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the request from Mike Pyszka Jr. of La Salle Girls Softball to hold a Tag Day Collection on Friday, May 2, 2025 and Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the intersection of 11th and Bucklin Streets and Chartres and 24th Streets.

Deputy Clerk Bader stated that the council can approve this request on that basis that if it does go opposed to some ordinance than the council can reconsider and discuss again.

Some of the times that were requested were outside of the standard times that have been granted. The city will ask for those times to remain within the times that have been set before.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: NONE Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 8-0

Moved by Alderman Thompson and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to approve the request from Chad Gilbreth of Edward Jones for a Special Event Permit to allow the use of city-owned property on the sidewalk in front of 425 1st Street for an Open House Meet and Greet event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2025.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: NONE Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 8-0

Chad Gilbreth thanks the City of La Salle for their support as he has been in the downtown for 8 years with his business.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Moved by Alderman Bacidore to table the recommendation of the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee regarding a request from John Eliuk for Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) throughout the City of La Salle including the crosswalk of St. Vincent Avenue and Roosevelt Streets. This will be discussed in two weeks again when more information will be available in regard to cost.

Moved by Alderman Bacidore and seconded by Adlerman Thompson to accept the recommendation of the Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee to deny the request from Johannes Bus Service to create a four-way stop intersection at the 6th and Crosat Street  intersection. The council denied the four-way stop request but agreed to put up “School Zone” signage to slow traffic down.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

The recommendation from Streets, Alleys, and Traffic Committee regarding replacing a streetlight at 5th and Crosat Streets was discussed and no action was taken on this matter tonight.

OLD BUSINESS

Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to authorize Pay Request #1 for Municipal Well & Pump totaling $277,900.65 for work completed to date on 2024 Water System Improvements/Deep Well Drilling project. Each and every alderman has a copy.

City Engineer Brian Brown explained the cost involved and the grant information from the USDA.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Ptak Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 8-0

Alderman Herndon discussed the stoplight on Marquette and First Street that was brought up under public comment. He also mentioned the defamation of character claims that were mentioned during public comment also. He stated his full name to be Therold R Herndon.

Alderman Thompson wanted to state that there are many different committees in which alderman are and are not part of. The city can share these committees and its members if anyone is interested. Deputy Clerk Bader stated that the city can make cards available for all the committees and its members. Bader also stated that the committees are listed on the city’s transparency binder in the lobby as well on the city’s website.

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

Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Ptak to approve an ordinance related to authorizing renewal and update of agreement with 120Water, Inc.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: None Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 8-0

Economic Development Director Curt Bedei mentioned that the city was hoping to continue their relationship with 120Water. The city met their deadline with 120Water but the city is still looking into unknown locations for meters. This will still be a lengthy process, and they are currently working with 120Water to develop strategies to do such a thing.

APPROVAL OF BILLS

Moved by Alderman Ptak and seconded by Alderman Lavieri to accept, pay, and file the bills from March 31, 2025: Total Submitted: $786,547.16 (Total Payroll $214,266.32, Bills to be Paid $329,164.56, Total Bills Paid $243,116.28). Each and every alderman has a copy.

ROLL CALL

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

NAYS: NONE Absent: NONE Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 8-0

Police Chief Mike Smudzinksi provided a detailed report on a recent critical incident that occurred in the city over the weekend which involved multiple agencies. He praised the response and collaboration of various law enforcement and emergency services. The chief highlighted the importance of the drone and the support from the community and other agencies. He expressed gratitude for the safe resolution of the incident and the professionalism of all involved.

Mayor Grove praised Police Chief Smudzinski for his handling of the critical incident and his negotiation skills.

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

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion is carried.

ADJOURNED 7:00 pm

https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2025-04/3-31-25_0.pdf