Illinois Valley Times

City of LaSalle City Council met April 14

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

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

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

A quorum was present.

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the amended minutes from March 31, 2025.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS/BILLS

Alderman Lavieri raised a question about the food sales tax, noting the deadline is July

1. Finance Director John Duncan suggested the need to start planning the annual finance meeting and this grocery tax could be discussed at the same time.

NEW BUSINESS

The group discusses potential dates for the annual finance meeting, with May 19 at 5pm being proposed and agreed upon by all.

City Engineer Brian Brown discusses the cost of crossing guard equipment, including speed signs and flashing beacons, and their installation at various intersections. He noted that the cost of each flashing beacon is approximately $6,000, with additional costs for solar-powered equipment. Brown clarified that the equipment is not meant to stop traffic but to raise awareness and provide audible warnings to pedestrians and visual warnings to drivers.

It was asked if the city would be able to use the Safe Routes to Schools program and it is allowed for such a project, but the timelines did not match up for the bidding target  months. For this actual flashing beacon project at Oconnor and by Lincoln School, Brown believed that the city may have a potential donor to help support this project.

City Engineer also clarified that the speed signs that were discussed for this project would be permanent fixtures in comparison to the trailer speed sign that the city currently uses. Brown mentioned that he will be checking in and working with Chief to finalize the procurement of equipment, targeting the fall for installation.

The group agrees to have a rough outline of the equipment ready by May 19.

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 6:13 p.m.

https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2025-05/4-14-25_0.pdf