Illinois Valley Times

City of LaSalle Finance Committee met Aug. 18

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Ptak called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL

Present: Chairman Ptak, Aldermen Demes, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon (arrived 6:05 p.m.), and Crane

Others Present: Deputy Clerk Brent Bader, Finance Director John Duncan, Economic Development Director Curt Bedei, City Engineer Brian Brown, and Police Chief Mike Smudzinski

A quorum was present.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Demes to approve the minutes of the Finance Committee meeting from the August 4, 2025, meeting.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Executive Director Bill Zens updated the committee on the Chamber’s activities indicating there are approximately 420 members, 57 of them with La Salle addresses. The Chamber is working to expand membership and has sponsored numerous events including a Meet the Mayors forum and a downtown La Salle shopping experience for a group that came from Peoria on a bus; the group enjoyed the trip and plans to return. He continues to encourage La Salle businesses to expand their hours to generate more foot traffic and revenue. The horse drawn rides through the Celebration of Lights facilitated by the Chamber were well received.

Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to recommend to the Council to approve renewal of the annual membership to the Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce at a cost of $3,000 and related matters.

ROLL CALL

AYES: Aldermen Demes, Thompson, Ptak, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, and Crane

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Herndon Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0-0

COMMENTS

Alderman Demes asked questions about various bills including traffic light repair (Perkins Electric), Smith Sales & Service ($8,700), and the software company that governs water metering.

ADJOURNMENT

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 6:08 p.m.

https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2025-09/8-18-25.pdf