LaSalle County public meetings in 2022
21 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Health Department Board
The LaSalle County Board of Health met multiple times from December 2021 through March 2022, approving monthly bills and COVID fund transfers. The department reported rising COVID cases, a shift to endemic management, new testing options with a $41 fee, and the end of the mask mandate in February 2022. The board also placed proposed bylaws on file and later approved existing bylaws.
- Approved payment of November 2021 bills and transfer of COVID funds (Dec. 2021 meeting)
- Department expanding COVID testing: adding PCR and ID Now rapid antigen test for $41 fee (Dec. 2021)
- Received $10,000 MRC Grant for volunteer convention (Jan. 2022 meeting)
- Governor ends mask mandate Feb. 28, 2022; positivity rate dropped from 16% to 4% (Feb. 2022 meeting)
- Approved existing Board of Health Bylaws until amended (Feb. 2022 meeting)
Salary & Labor Committee
The LaSalle County Salary & Labor Committee met three times (Dec 2021, Jan 2022, Feb 2022) to approve hiring replacements across several departments, set salaries, and discuss compensation for elected officials. All replacement requests were approved, including a wage increase for nursing home aides. Discussions on elected official salaries and board member compensation were held but no action was taken.
- Approved replacement of correctional officers at $25.02/hr and entry-level patrol officer at $27.07/hr ($56,305.60/yr)
- Approved C.N.A. wage increase to $20/hr subject to AFSCME agreement
- Approved replacement of MDS Coordinator at $65,000/yr
- Approved temporary auditor bookkeeper at $15.75/hr for 12 weeks
- Discussed but did not set salaries for elected officials or board member compensation
Tourism Committee
The LaSalle County Tourism Committee held multiple meetings from December 2021 to May 2022, approving funding for local events and tourism promotions, discussing a digital sign project, and reviewing budgets. The committee also considered contracts and campaigns, including a potential contract with Visit Northern Illinois and an EffecTV campaign.
- Approved $1,500 for commercials and up to $5,000 for indoor commercial and b-roll footage (Dec 2021)
- Approved funding for Streator 4th of July, I&M Canal Bike Share, I&M Canal Boat, I&M Canal Boat Discovery Challenge, Marseilles Renaissance Faire, Streator Walldogs Food Truck Festival, and Starved Rock Summer 2022 (Mar 2022)
- Approved funding for Mendota Sweet Corn Festival, Burgoo, and Wild Bill Days (Apr 2022)
- Discussed digital sign project, including bid process and potential Heritage Corridor involvement
- Reviewed budgets and approved bills, including $38,848.96 in Feb 2022
Committee on Appointment & Legislation & Rules
The LaSalle County Committee on Appointments and Legislation & Rules is deciding on several items, including an ordinance amending remote meeting attendance procedures, a resolution supporting law enforcement and demanding repeal of the Safe-T Act, and participation in a drug take-back program. The committee also reviews appointments to drainage districts and other local bodies, and discusses federal legislation affecting county offices.
- Ordinance amending remote meeting attendance policy
- Resolution supporting law enforcement and demanding repeal of H.B. 3653/Safe-T Act
- Resolution approving amended participation in National Prescription Drug Take Back program and drug disposal bin
- Ordinance amending park rules and regulations
- Reappointments to multiple drainage districts and fire protection district
Highway Committee
The LaSalle County Highway Committee is deciding on road maintenance contracts, fund appropriations, and equipment purchases. Key actions include awarding a $3.38 million seal coat bid, approving several resolutions for motor fuel tax funds, and authorizing the purchase of two new trucks.
- Awarded $3,383,320.45 bid to Pavement Maintenance Services for 2022 Seal Coat & A-3 Comb. Gr. 1 & 2
- Approved Resolution 22-04 appropriating Special Tax Matching and County Bridge Funds
- Approved Resolutions 22-05 through 22-09 appropriating Motor Fuel Tax Funds for various highway sections
- Approved Resolution 22-10 authorizing Federal Aid Agreement for rail crossing on C.H. 18 in Dayton
- Approved purchase of two 2022 Ford F250 trucks from Morrow Brothers for $53,075.00
Taxes, Election & Geographic Information System (GIS) Committee
The Taxes, Election & GIS Committee reviewed and approved budgets and bills for the Treasurer, County Clerk, Recorder of Deeds, GIS, and Assessment-Board of Review departments. They also approved a tax sale certificate for a parcel in Manlius Township and forwarded the County Clerk's annual report to the full board. The meetings included department reports and updates on elections and legislative matters.
- Approved tax sale certificate for parcel 24-18-220-008 in Manlius Township (Acct: 0921035G)
- Approved County Clerk annual report to be forwarded to the Full Board
- Approved bills totaling $129,497.12 for GIS (Dept. 035-000) in 2022
- Discussed replacement employee in County Clerk office and election petition deadlines
- Approved bills for Recorder of Deeds including $74,540.00 handdrawn in 2022
Health Insurance Committee
The LaSalle County Insurance Committee reviewed the November 2021 health insurance report from The Horton Group, which showed net monthly claims of $543,167 and year-to-date claims of $6.2 million. The committee approved prepaid bills totaling $778,728.28 and accepted the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois report for November. They also discussed whether to request the full claims report and whether the committee should approve workers' compensation bills.
- Approved prepaid bills: $1,100.13 (001-045), $8,298.28 (016-000), $482,301.77 (098-000), $287,028.49 (004-000)
- Accepted and placed on file the BCBS of Illinois report for November 2021
- Discussed requiring the full claims report from The Horton Group instead of a condensed version
- Discussed new state requirement to report mandated essential health coverages to employees
- Discussed whether the committee should approve workers' compensation bills
Health & Safety Committee
The LaSalle County Health & Safety Committee discussed adding prescription drug recycling drop boxes at the Governmental Complex and Downtown Courthouse, and reviewed a safety slogan contest. They also heard a report on workers' compensation claims, with 26 claims year-to-date in 2021 compared to 20 in 2020.
- Prescription Drug Recycling Program: additional drop boxes planned for East entrance of Governmental Complex and Downtown Courthouse
- 2022 Safety Slogan Contest: winner to receive a gift card
- Emergency Guidelines/Safety Procedures Flip Chart: quotes received from vendors, subcommittee to be formed
- Workers' compensation claims: 26 claims YTD 2021 vs 20 YTD 2020
- Active Shooter Training: departments encouraged to schedule training with Sheriff's office
County Property Committee
The LaSalle County Property Committee met three times from December 2021 to January 2022, approving bills, discussing park rule amendments (including alcohol at Catlin Park and shelter fees), and moving forward with a demolition project for a house on Catlin Park property. The committee also tabled a downtown courthouse generator bid pending city discussions, extended farm leases for two years, and discussed American Rescue Plan fund allocation.
- Motion to proceed with demolition quote and asbestos inspection for Catlin Park house (Dec. 30, 2021)
- Park rules amended to mirror state park criteria, including alcohol allowance at Catlin Park and deposit fees for shelters (Dec. 30, 2021)
- Downtown courthouse generator bid tabled until next meeting after City of Ottawa historic committee discussions (Dec. 10, 2021)
- Farm leases at Catlin Park and Etna Road extended two more years, forwarded to Full Board (Dec. 10, 2021)
- Resolution concerning sale of county property at 4464 E 1251st Rd, Earlville, IL on January 14, 2022 agenda
Nursing Home, VAC, and ROE Committee
The LaSalle County Nursing Home & VAC Committee approved a wage increase for certified nursing assistants to $20.00 per hour and authorized hiring additional unit attendants. The committee also approved bills for the Veterans Assistance Commission and the nursing home, and discussed using ARP funds for an air exchange project. An executive session was held to discuss employee matters.
- Approved CNA wage increase to $20.00 per hour
- Authorized hiring additional unit attendants
- Approved VAC bills: $10,989.52 (2021) and $4,550.00 (2022)
- Approved nursing home bills: $124,816.42 (2021) and $138,956.20 (2022)
- Discussed using ARP funds for air exchange project at nursing home
Public Safety Committee
The Public Safety Committee approved bills for the Sheriff, Coroner, Animal Control, and EMA departments, and forwarded a jail video surveillance upgrade to the 2022 budget. The committee also approved a replacement EMA Deputy Director with a salary range of $40,000-$50,000, to be forwarded to the Salary and Labor Committee.
- Approved Sheriff's bills totaling $75,419.32 for 2021 and $108,660.96 for 2022
- Approved Coroner's bills totaling $27,914.31 for 2021
- Approved Animal Control bills totaling $9,516.80 for 2021
- Approved EMA bills totaling $13.13 for 2021
- Approved replacement EMA Deputy Director with salary range $40,000-$50,000
Insurance Trust Committee
The LaSalle County Insurance Trust Board is meeting to review financial reports, approve claims and annual reports, and discuss risk management. The agenda includes presentations on the DEA drug drop box program, a planned blood drive, and a quarterly review of accounts. The board will also enter executive session to discuss litigation, claims reserves, and collective bargaining.
- DEA drug drop box program with locations at Courthouse, Jail, Sheriff's Office, and Governmental Center
- Blood drive sponsored with American Red Cross planned for April or May 2022
- Quarterly review of Chart of Accounts by County Auditor
- Annual Financial Reports by Vezzetti Capital Management
- Executive session for pending litigation, claims reserves, and collective negotiating matters
Land Use & Oversite Committee
The LaSalle County Land Use & TIF Committee met multiple times from December 2021 to March 2022, handling routine land use reports, zoning text amendments, and TIF matters. Key actions included forwarding zoning text amendments to the Zoning Board of Appeals, approving a subdivision variance for Perry, and debating the Safebuilt permit software contract, which was approved pending legal review. The committee denied a motion to deny Summit Ridge Energy's special use extension request, effectively allowing it to proceed.
- Approved subdivision variance SUB 22-01 Perry
- Approved Safebuilt, LLC permit software contract pending legal review
- Denied motion to deny Summit Ridge Energy special use extension
- Discussed hosting annual Household Hazardous Waste event on May 21
- Forwarded zoning text amendments on shipping containers and guest accommodations to ZBA
IT & Central Services Committee
The LaSalle County IT & Central Services Committee is meeting to review and approve monthly bills and department reports, and to discuss ongoing IT projects such as the .gov domain, fire suppression, and the Room 250 project. The agenda includes an executive session for security procedures and potential employee matters. The meeting is largely procedural, with routine approvals and status updates.
- Approval of Central Services bills: $27,261.88 (2022) and $0.00 hand-drawn
- Approval of IT bills: $822.04 (2022) and $10,676.40 hand-drawn
- Discussion of .gov domain process
- Status update on fire suppression and CIC issues
- New hire introduced: Nick as newest IT member
Finance & Fee Committee
The LaSalle County Finance Committee met multiple times from December 2021 through March 2022 to handle routine financial business, including approving bills, per diems, and budget items. A key focus was the American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds: the committee reviewed 12 proposals, selected Bellwether and Bakertilly as consultants, and developed an application process and plan for disbursing funds. The committee also discussed the county nursing home's finances, approved a $178,707.92 transfer to the disaster fund, and reviewed capital assets and grants.
- Approved Bellwether and Bakertilly as ARP fund consultants to forward to the State's Attorney and Full Board
- Approved transfer of $178,707.92 from general fund to disaster fund (dated 11-30-21)
- Discussed LaSalle County Nursing Home finances; committee wants to hire a company to review them
- Approved applying for Hazardous Material grant (80/20) and EMPG grant (50/50) for EMA
- Approved monthly per diem for Board Member Michael Kasap (District #12) for November, December, January, and February
Law & Justice Committee
The Law & Justice Committee met on December 28, 2021, January 25, 2022, and February 22, 2022, to review and approve monthly bills, reports, and personnel actions for the State's Attorney, Public Defender, Circuit Clerk, Judiciary/Probation, and Detention Home. All motions passed unanimously. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings.
- Approved State's Attorney bills totaling $11,082.67 (2021) and $36,471.56 (2022) across multiple meetings
- Approved Circuit Clerk bills including $8,414.50 (2021) and $10,055.46 (2022) in December, and $6,360.24 (2022) in February
- Approved Judiciary/Probation bills including $102,130.59 (2021) and $43,157.87 (2022) in February
- Approved Detention Home bills of $2,855.60 (2021) and $19,712.76 (2022) in December, and $12,168.73 (2022) in January
- Approved replacement employee requests for Probation and Detention Home, and forwarded annual reports to the Full Board
Zoning Board of Appeals
The LaSalle County Zoning Board of Appeals held meetings on December 15, 2021, January 19, 2022, and February 16, 2022. At the January meeting, the board recommended approval of a special use permit for Heartland Wind LLC's wind farm in Groveland and Osage Townships, with conditions including a $151,523 decommissioning bond per turbine. The board also recommended approval of a map amendment for Wolf Creek Acres LLC and a special use for a veterinary facility. The February agenda lists no specific items, only routine procedures.
- Heartland Wind LLC special use permit for wind farm (up to 35 turbines) recommended with conditions
- Decommissioning bond set at $151,523 per wind turbine
- Wolf Creek Acres LLC map amendment from A-1 to RR (E 16th and N 1590th Rd, Bruce Township)
- Hometown Bank Trust special use for livestock veterinary facility (Rt 71 and E 25th, Miller Township)
- Sunvest Solar extension request to January 10, 2023
Circuit Wide Probation Committee
The Circuit Wide Probation Committee meets monthly to review probation statistics, bills, and reports, and to discuss county issues, legislation, and budget matters. Recent meetings included approving annual and quarterly reports, discussing probation fees, electronic monitoring, and county car leases. The agenda is largely routine oversight of probation operations.
- Approved FY2021 Probation and Court Services Annual Report
- Discussed payment of Probation Fees by clients
- Discussed Electronic Monitoring line item
- Discussed options for purchase/lease of County Cars
- Reviewed AOIC Salary reimbursements
County Board
The LaSalle County Board met multiple times in December 2021 and January 2022. They discussed a motion to rescind the approved redistricting map (Exhibit A) and consider a new map (Exhibit B), but tabled the motion. At the January meeting, no action could be taken because the redistricting deadline had passed. The board also approved several resolutions, including road projects, a courthouse painting contract, and an ordinance on remote meeting attendance.
- Tabled motion to rescind redistricting map (Resolution #21-126)
- Approved $42,000 for bridge replacement on E. 1250th Rd., Earl Township
- Approved $39,915 for slope failure restoration on N. 2550th Rd., Peru Twp.
- Approved $136,690 contract for courthouse cornice/coping painting at 119 W. Madison St.
- Approved $20,000 contract with Bellwether, LLC for ARP consultation services
Oversite-Landfill Committee Agendas and Minutes (PDF)
The LaSalle County Oversight-Landfill Committee met quarterly in 2022 to approve minutes, quarterly/annual reports, and landfill inspection reports, all with no violations noted. They also discussed the 2022 Host Benefit Fee Rate Adjustment and other operational topics such as tipping costs and a possible surcharge for landfill drop-offs.
- Approved quarterly/annual landfill reports at each meeting
- Approved landfill inspection reports with no violations noted
- Discussed 2022 Host Benefit Fee Rate Adjustment (January meeting)
- Discussed reducing tipping costs and possible surcharge for landfill drop-off (October meeting)
- Approved special use for building office for hauling and transfer station expansion (July meeting)
Regional Superintendent of Schools (Schools Services / Health Department) Committee
This is a compilation of four 2022 meetings of the LaSalle County Regional Superintendent of Schools, School Services, and Health Department Committee. The committee routinely approved bills, monthly/quarterly reports, and discussed budgets, staffing, and legislation. Notable actions included approving COVID-related sick leave reinstatement, approving a new hire at $37,000-$37,500, and receiving a $320,000 Community Partnership Grant.
- Approved bills totaling $682.60 (Dec 2021), $1,463.87 (School Services), and various other amounts across meetings
- Approved job description for new hire at $37,000-$37,500 (April 2022)
- Approved motion to reinstate COVID-related sick days for 5 employees, 12 days total (June 2022)
- Received Community Partnership Grant of $320,000 (April 2022)
- Discussed ARP applications for HVAC, transport vans, scholarships, and alternate learning programs