LaSalle County public meetings in 2023

Circuit Wide Probation Committee

The Circuit Wide Probation Committee will meet to discuss department reports, including statistics and monthly/quarterly/annual reports, and address business items such as county issues, legislation, and budget. The agenda is largely procedural with recurring items.

• Review of monthly statistics and reports
• Discussion of county issues
• Legislation updates
• Budget review

The Circuit Wide Probation Committee met multiple times between December 2022 and August 2023. The committee primarily approved routine bills and various periodic reports, including the FY 2022 annual report and a semi-annual report.

• Approved FY 2022 annual report (All-None)
• Approved quarterly report (All-None)
• Approved monthly report in March 2023 (All-None)
• Approved semi-annual report (All-None)
• Approved payment of bills at all meetings (All-None)
• Approved monthly reports and statistics in August 2023 (All-None)

County Board

The LaSalle County Board held its first two meetings of the December 2022-2023 session, swearing in new members and electing a Committee on Appointments chair. The board approved four land-use ordinances: a special use for a salvage yard, a variance for a building setback, a special use for accessory housing, and a special use for a solar farm. It also approved appointments to several county boards and an amendment to the American Rescue Plan ordinance for school resource officers.

• Approved special use permit for Wess Whittaker to convert a non-conforming scrap yard to legal special use at 1365 N 45th Rd, Earl Township
• Approved variance for Wess Whittaker to reduce south front yard setback from 100 ft to 0 ft at 1365 N 45th Rd, Earl Township
• Approved special use permit for Linda Sanches to place accessory housing in A-1 district at 2955 N 3109th Rd, Miller Township
• Approved special use permit for New Leaf Energy Inc. to place a solar farm in A-1 district at 1887 N 20th Rd, Grand Rapids Township (19-7 roll call vote)
• Approved ordinance amending ARP Ordinance #22-136 for School Resource Officers

Finance & Fee Committee

The LaSalle County Finance Committee will meet to discuss and potentially act on several financial items, including a presentation on bond repayment options, updates on a consultant for the nursing home, and the Health Department lease. The committee will also consider budget amendments, fee changes, and American Rescue Plan (ARP) contracts, including a coordinator contract increase. Previous meeting minutes and bills will be approved.

• Vezzetti Capital Management presentation on bond repayment options
• Consultant for Nursing Home RFP update
• Health Department lease discussion and potential forwarding to full board
• ARP Coordinator contract increase from $30.00 to $35.00 per hour
• Assessment fees and software discussion due to PTAX ruling

The committee approved transferring $350,000 from the public safety tax to the general fund for a new Coroner office in Oglesby. Other key actions included approving an ARP coordinator pay raise and authorizing a $260,000 allocation for Catlin Park improvements. The committee also approved several budget amendments and quarterly reports.

• Approved $350,000 transfer from public safety tax to general fund for Coroner office (5-1)
• Approved increase in ARP coordinator pay from $30 to $35 per hour (All-None)
• Approved $260,000 ARP allocation for Catlin Park playground and ADA bathrooms (All-None)
• Approved hiring one maintenance employee for use in the Jail (All-None)
• Approved part-time temporary help for Public Defender's office (All-None)
• Approved $29,438.40 transfer for Court Security tasers and vests (All-None)
• Approved $18,000 transfer from ARP to Finance Emergency fund (All-None)
• Approved $166,602.60 transfer from ARP to Capital Improvements (All-None)

Health Department Board

The LaSalle County Board of Health held multiple meetings in 2023, approving routine items like bills and minutes, and taking significant actions such as accepting a new lease agreement for the health department building at $60,000 per year, approving the audited fiscal numbers, and releasing most executive session minutes. The board also discussed the end of COVID emergency orders, the Carus Chemical fire response, and welcomed new staff members.

• Approved new lease agreement for health department building at $60,000/year from Jan 2023 to Nov 2028
• Approved audited fiscal numbers and posting with FY21 Annual Report
• Released all executive session minutes except March 2001, Nov 2002 special, and Dec 2002
• Approved 2022 unaudited Annual Report
• Discussed end of COVID emergency orders on May 11, 2023, impacting vaccines, test kits, Medicaid, SNAP, and WIC

Tourism Committee

The LaSalle County Tourism Committee met monthly from December 2022 through April 2023, approving tourism funding requests for local events, reviewing budgets, and discussing ongoing projects like the Matthiessen Annex development and the American Rescue Plan grant. The committee also approved bills totaling over $94,000 across meetings and received updates on the MPP Grant and brochure production.

• Approved bills of $20,774.94 plus $2,994.00 handdrawn in December 2022
• Approved bills of $51,330.01 in February 2023
• Approved bills of $22,599.94 in March 2023
• Approved funding for 2023 LaSalle County Junior Fair, Hegeler Carus Mansion, Mendota Sweet Corn Festival, I&M Canal, Burgoo, Wild Bill Days, Kites in Flight, Camp Tuckabatchee, Starved Rock Summer, and Streator Food Truck Festival
• Tourism was granted $150,000.00 from the American Rescue Plan

Health & Safety Committee

The LaSalle County Health & Safety Committee is meeting to review workplace safety incidents, discuss old and new business, and plan upcoming trainings. The agenda includes updates on emergency procedures, building inspections, and CPR training, as well as new items like a blood drive and defensive driving courses. The committee also reviews workers' compensation claims and safety concerns.

• Workers' compensation claims: 12 in 2022 vs 26 in 2021
• Safety incentive: $25 Target gift card awarded to Ron Gbur
• Defensive driving classes scheduled for February 2023
• Narcan training scheduled for January 31, 2023
• Safety concern: election materials hazard remediated

The committee established a weekly departmental safety inspection program starting August 18, 2023. Other actions included scheduling a blood drive for July 27, 2023, and conducting a tornado drill on March 22, 2023. The committee also coordinated defensive driving and active shooter training for employees.

• Launched 'Find It, Fix It Friday' departmental safety inspections (8/18/23)
• Scheduled 2023 Blood Drive for July 27, 2023
• Approved $25 gift card incentives for quarterly safety training participants
• Conducted tornado drill on March 22, 2023
• Held defensive driving classes for 111 employees
• Placed 'No Smoking' signs at Governmental Complex entrances
• Approved use of digital 'Maintenance Work Order Request' shortcuts for reporting hazards
• Scheduled Employee Appreciation Luncheon for September 14, 2023

Highway Committee

The LaSalle County Highway Committee held multiple meetings in 2023 to manage road and bridge projects, approve monthly bills, and award contracts. Key actions included approving bridge repair agreements with Grundy and Bureau counties, purchasing new trucks, and forwarding resolutions for seal coating and federal participation to the full County Board. The committee also discussed various road projects and equipment replacements.

• Approved bills totaling $98,638.08 (Fund 005), $62,572.89 (Fund 06), $11,578.85 (Fund 007), $25,534.16 (1750 Fund), and $82,633.93 (TWP MFT)
• Approved purchase of 2 F150 pickup trucks from Morrow Brothers for $67,536.00
• Forwarded Resolution #23-08 for Grundy County bridge repair (Structure No. 032-5405 over Waupecon Creek) and Resolution #23-09 for Bureau County bridge repair (Structure No. 050-3434 over Brush Creek)
• Discussed resolutions for intergovernmental agreements with Earlville, Sheridan, and Mendota for seal coating and cape sealing
• Considered various equipment purchases including plows, spreaders, a maintenance service truck, and a truck lift

The committee approved the purchase of two F150 pickup trucks and authorized several utility permits. Two resolutions for bridge repair agreements with Grundy and Bureau Counties were forwarded to the full County Board. The committee also reviewed and released specific executive session minutes.

• Approved purchase of 2 F150 Pickup Trucks from Morrow Brothers for $67,536.00
• Approved bills totaling $288,319.81 across five funds
• Approved Utility Permits #22-58, #23-01, #23-02, #23-03, and #23-04
• Forwarded Resolution #23-08 (Grundy County bridge repair agreement) to County Board
• Forwarded Resolution #23-09 (Bureau County bridge repair agreement) to County Board
• Approved release of June 15, 2022 executive session minutes
• Maintained confidentiality of executive session minutes from April 24, 2000 and September 26, 2012

Salary & Labor Committee

The LaSalle County Salary & Labor Committee approved several personnel actions, including wage increases for nursing home RNs and LPNs, and replacement hires for the Coroner, Public Defender, Sheriff, and Recorder offices. The committee also reclassified two probation officer positions and discussed a failed motion to give all nursing home staff a $5/hour raise.

• Approved $5/hr wage increase for RNs and LPNs at the nursing home
• Approved hiring two part-time admin clerical positions at $14/hr for Coroner's office
• Approved reclassification of two probation officer positions with retroactive pay to 12/1/2022
• Approved replacement hires for Sheriff's Dispatcher ($19.25/hr) and Patrol Deputy
• Approved hiring an Index Clerk at $13/hr for Recorder's office

Health Insurance Committee

The LaSalle County Insurance Committee met to review health insurance reports, approve bills, and hear a presentation on 2023 benefit offerings. The committee approved payments totaling over $1 million, including prepaid bills, and accepted the November 2022 health insurance report from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. The meeting included discussion of partial self-funding components and pharmacy indicators.

• Approved bills totaling $4,013.80, $677.44, $209.18, and prepaid bills of $150.00, $797,984.35, and $266,143.15
• Accepted and placed on file the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Report for November 2022
• Heard presentation on 2023 benefit offerings for active employees by The Horton Group
• Discussed partial self-funding components: actual claims, specific/aggregate, and administrative costs
• November 2022 medical claims: $642,015; Rx claims: $129,582; YTD medical claims: $6,415,501

County Property Committee

The LaSalle County Property Committee met multiple times in late 2022 and early 2023 to manage county buildings, parks, and grounds. They approved a $105,160 contract for window glazing at the Governmental Center, discussed demolition and playground equipment bids for parks, and held executive sessions to discuss property sales and leases. The committee also reviewed and approved monthly bills for various county departments.

• Approved $105,160 contract with Koolmaster Co. for insulated glazing replacement at 707 East Etna Road
• Received bids for window glazing: Koolmaster $105,160, The Glass Shop $50,500 (withdrew due to error)
• Discussed house demolition at Catlin Park; one quote received for $25,000, committee voted to rebid
• Held executive sessions to discuss setting price for sale/lease of county property and potential real estate purchase
• Approved monthly bills including $86,836.25 for buildings and grounds in January 2023

The County Property Committee approved several infrastructure contracts, including window glazing, fire escape painting, and boiler replacement. The committee also authorized a mowing contract for Shabbona Park and approved the 2024 budget for forwarding to Finance. Additionally, the committee reappointed Maintenance Director Bob Kaminski to a three-year term.

• Approved Koolmaster bid for Window Glazing Project Phase 1 ($105,160.00)
• Approved Bowne Painting for Downtown Courthouse Fire Escape painting
• Approved Commercial Mechanical bid for Boiler Replacement Phase II
• Approved Gavin's Lawn Care mowing contract for Shabbona Park
• Approved Illinois Valley Excavating bid for building demolition
• Approved Corn Belt bid for park electricity
• Approved 2024 budget for forwarding to Finance
• Reappointed Bob Kaminski as Maintenance Director with a $100,000.00 salary

Regional Superintendent of Schools (Schools Services / Health Department) Committee

The Regional Superintendent of Schools, School Services, and Health Department Committee met multiple times in 2023 to approve routine bills, review department reports, and discuss legislation. The most significant action was the unanimous reappointment of Carol Neurohr as Director of School Health Services for three years, with a recommended salary of $50,000 for the 2023-2024 budget year.

• Reappointed Carol Neurohr as Director of School Health Services for 3 years
• Recommended $50,000 salary for School Health Director for 2023-2024
• Approved bills totaling $5,598.76 (Dec 2022), $2,226.88 (Feb 2023), $1,901.48 (Apr 2023), $2,370.45 (Jun 2023) for ROE
• Approved bills totaling $1,288.10 (Dec 2022), $1,261.42 (Feb 2023), $627.09 (Apr 2023), $1,293.24 (Jun 2023) for School Services
• Held executive session on employee appointment/performance (June 2023)

Nursing Home, VAC, and ROE Committee

The LaSalle County Nursing Home & VAC Committee held multiple meetings from December 2022 through May 2023, approving routine bills and reports for both the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) and the LaSalle County Nursing Home (LCNH). Key decisions included purchasing a new handicap-accessible van for $56,842, approving a new kitchen cooler for up to $7,900, and forwarding a full-time Benefit Liaison position to the Salary and Labor committee. The committee also discussed capital improvements like sidewalk and courtyard repairs, front door safety upgrades, and replacing lights with LEDs.

• Approved purchase of new van for $56,842 (Voyager, 6-month delivery)
• Approved new kitchen cooler up to $7,900
• Forwarded Benefit Liaison full-time position ($41,000 with benefits) to Salary and Labor
• Approved front door safety project with Seico for $10,600
• Approved bills for VAC and Nursing Home at each meeting, including hand-drawn amounts

Insurance Trust Committee

The LaSalle County Insurance Trust Board is meeting to review monthly financial reports, claims, and consider approving a contract with Advanced Ergonomics to evaluate county positions for pre-employment testing. The board will also hear reports from administrators, claims adjusters, and financial advisors, and may enter closed session to discuss litigation, claims reserves, and collective bargaining.

• Approval of Advanced Ergonomics contract to re-analyze positions for post-offer/pre-employment protocols
• Review of monthly financial variance, trend analysis, and claim reports
• Payment of CCMSI invoice for $6,666.67 for third-party administration services
• Payment of Nugent Consulting invoice for $8,150 for consulting services
• Payment of ICRMT invoice for $144,852 for annual premium installment

License Committee

The LaSalle County License Committee is handling routine licensing matters, including new liquor licenses, renewals, and amusement/video gaming licenses. They also discussed raising the one-day event fee, but a motion to set it at $50 was denied. The committee is also adjusting the commissioner list and reviewing the budget.

• New liquor license applications from Prismatic Cafe and Starved Rock Bar were presented
• Motion to raise one-day event fee to $50.00 was denied (2-3 vote)
• 2023-2024 liquor license renewals due 6/30/23, about 15 received by June
• Chairman Don Jensen to remove his name from commissioner list and redistribute locations
• Budget 2024 accepted and forwarded to Finance Committee

Oversite-Landfill Committee Agendas and Minutes (PDF)

The LaSalle County Oversight-Landfill Committee met quarterly in 2023 to approve minutes, quarterly/annual reports, and tonnage reports for the landfill. The meetings included discussions on landfill inspections, litter issues, and a possible tour. All motions were approved unanimously.

• Approved quarterly/annual reports for the landfill
• Approved tonnage reports for 2022 and 2023
• Discussed litter from trucks and roadside debris
• Noted tonnage decrease due to City of LaSalle waste drop-off location change
• Mentioned 18 years of landfill capacity remaining

Across three meetings in 2023, the committee approved the landfill quarterly/annual reports and tonnage reports. Members discussed landfill inspections, wind-blown debris, and a potential landfill tour for the county board.

• Approved Jan 23 quarterly report (All-None)
• Approved Jan 23 tonnage report (All-None)
• Approved April 24 quarterly report (All-None)
• Approved April 24 tonnage report (All-None)
• Approved July 24 quarterly report (All-None)
• Approved July 24 tonnage report (All-None)

Committee on Appointment & Legislation & Rules

The LaSalle County Committee on Appointments and Legislation & Rules met multiple times from December 2022 through February 2023. It forwarded several appointments to county boards and drainage districts, discussed the Board Rule Book, and approved resolutions opposing state bills and supporting agriculture and St. Margaret's Health-Peru. The committee also reviewed WebEx voting rules and amended the Full Board session schedule.

• Resolution opposing HB5855/SB2226 forwarded to Full Board
• Resolution Pro Agriculture forwarded to March 13 Full Board meeting
• Resolution regarding closing of St. Margaret's Health-Peru forwarded to Full Board
• Appointments to BEST, CASA, Health Department, 708 Board, Tri-County Council, and drainage districts
• Amended 2022-2023 Full Board session schedule approved

The Committee on Appointment and Legislation & Rules approved numerous appointments for fire protection districts, drainage districts, and county boards. It also forwarded resolutions opposing HB5855/SB2226 and supporting agriculture and the reopening of St. Margaret’s Health-Peru to the Full Board.

• Approved resolution opposing HB5855/SB2226 (All-None)
• Approved Pro Agriculture resolution (All-None)
• Approved resolution supporting reopening of St. Margaret’s Health-Peru (All-None)
• Approved amended 2022-2023 Full Board session schedule (All-None)
• Approved IT Policy for Board member laptops (All-None)
• Forwarded LaSalle County Board Rule book to Full Board (All-None)
• Approved Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement for CDBG funds (All-None)
• Approved appointments for various fire, drainage, and health boards (All-None)

Public Safety Committee

The LaSalle County Public Safety Committee met on February 2, 2023, to review and approve bills, hear reports from the Sheriff, Coroner, Animal Control, and EMA, and discuss several operational items. Key actions included approving jail management positions and salaries, discussing a fence project, and considering a resolution to amend the Animal Control rabies registration fee schedule. The committee also approved out-of-state travel for EMA.

• Approved jail management positions and salaries after executive session
• Discussed fence project at jail, walkthrough to be redone
• Resolution to amend Animal Control Rabies Registration Fee Schedule
• Approved EMA out-of-state travel and expenses over $600
• Approved bills: Sheriff $124,707.18 (Dept 001-052), Coroner $14,421.78 (Dept 001-020), Animal Control $2,308.64 (Dept 037-000)

The committee approved forwarding a request for $100,000 to the Full Board for improvements to the Coroner's office at 520 W. Walnut St. Other actions included approving various department bills and forwarding personnel and budget requests to the Salary and Labor and Finance committees.

• Forwarded $100,000 for Coroner's office improvements to Full Board (6-1)
• Approved $1M Port Security Grant application for mobile command post (Aye-All)
• Approved Jail management positions and salaries (Aye-All)
• Forwarded request for Taser and outer vest carrier purchases to Finance (Aye-All)
• Approved $3,250 estimate from J.H Petty for building feasibility study (Aye-All)
• Forwarded Drug Overdose awareness week resolution to Full Board (Aye-All)
• Approved 'I am Responding' contract for $365 (Aye-All)
• Forwarded 2024 budgets for Coroner and EMA to Finance (Aye-All)

Taxes, Election & Geographic Information System (GIS) Committee

The LaSalle County Taxes, Election & GIS Committee met three times (Dec 2022, Jan 2023, Feb 2023) to review and approve departmental bills, reports, and resolutions. Key actions included approving tax sale certificates, forwarding a fee increase for assessment copies, and passing resolutions for the 2023 election cycle. The committee also held an executive session on employee compensation and forwarded salary adjustments to the Salary and Labor Committee.

• Approved Certificate of Purchase resolutions for parcels in Manlius and Bruce townships (Dec 2022)
• Approved surrender of tax sale certificate for parcel in Groveland Township (Dec 2022)
• Forwarded assessment copy fee increase (from $0.25 to $1.50) to finance (Dec 2022)
• Approved County Clerk Annual Report and forwarded to Full Board (Jan 2023)
• Approved 2023 Election Cycle resolutions for office hours, polling places, and authorized personnel (Feb 2023)

Land Use & Oversite Committee

The LaSalle County Land Use & TIF Committee met to review monthly reports on construction permits, enforcement inspections, and IEPA inspections, and to discuss the budget. They also considered a resolution for an electronics recycling contract with A-Team Recyclers and reviewed the comprehensive plan draft. The meeting included updates on zoning text amendments and TIF districts.

• Approved bills totaling $2,663.81 (hand-drawn) for December 2022
• Approved bills totaling $9,475.75 (hand-drawn) for January 2023
• Recommended resolution for A-Team Electronics Recycling Contract
• Discussed zoning text amendments with State's Attorney's office
• Reviewed draft comprehensive plan; error noted on page 4-8