LaSalle County public meetings in 2024
23 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
County Board
On December 4, 2023, the LaSalle County Board voted down two special use permits for commercial solar energy facilities (petitions 23-37 and 23-38) after tie-breaking votes by the chairman. The board approved special uses for a campground, a mobile home, and a private commercial airport with a well-study condition. It also ratified a collective bargaining agreement with the Metropolitan Alliance of Police Chapter #366 (Corrections) covering 2021-2026. A second meeting on January 11, 2024 includes student awards, mental health board contracts, and citizen comments on immigration and voter rolls.
- Denied: Two commercial solar farm special use permits (LaSalle Solar 7 LLC & 7B LLC) at SE corner of State RT 23 and N 20th Rd, Farm Ridge Township — tie-breaking votes defeated both.
- Approved: Campground special use (Petition 23-36) at E 2603rd and E 2653rd Rd, Mission Township.
- Approved: Mobile home special use (Petition 23-39) at 2418 E 2350th Rd, Fall River Township.
- Approved: Private commercial airport special use (Petition 23-40) in Osage Township with added well-study amendment.
- Ratified collective bargaining agreement with MAP Chapter #366 (Corrections), effective December 1, 2021 through November 30, 2026.
IT & Central Services Committee
The IT & Central Services Committee approved bills for Central Services ($25,899.72) and IT ($365.49), and placed department reports on file. They opened a $44,985 camera bid from Naviant to be reviewed by the State Attorney. The committee also held an executive session on security procedures and discussed new business items including election equipment, Comcast, and iFiber.
- Approved Central Services bills $25,899.72 and handdrawn $13,750.86
- Approved IT bills $365.49 and handdrawn $18,036.85
- Opened camera bid from Naviant for $44,985 (to State Attorney review)
- Held executive session for security procedures per 5 ILCS 120/2(c)8
- Discussed election equipment, Comcast, and iFiber services
Circuit Wide Probation Committee
The committee is reviewing monthly statistics, residential placement reports, and budget bills. Recent discussions have included state salary reimbursement and the closing of residential placement centers.
- Approval of monthly bills for the Circuit
- Review of residential placement reports and fund discussions
- Discussion regarding state salary reimbursement
- Report on the closing of residential placement centers
- Approval of annual, quarterly, and semi-annual reports
License Committee
The License Committee met multiple times between December 2023 and August 2024 to process liquor, amusement, and one-day event licenses. The body discussed license costs, state signage requirements, and citizenship requirements for liquor license applicants.
- Issued one-day event licenses to Camp Tuckabatchee and Woodsmoke Ranch
- Reviewed liquor license applications for Bright Diamond, Saffron at Skydive Chicago, and Small Memories Winery
- Discussed 2024-2025 Amusement/VGT/Distributor License paperwork and timelines
- Discussed state-required signage for establishments
- Reviewed the Liquor License Ordinance regarding US citizenship requirements
Finance & Fee Committee
The LaSalle County Finance Committee held meetings in December 2023 and January 2024. They approved an amended plan for disbursing American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds, discussed a $100,000 LATCF allocation, and reviewed an outside audit bid from Mack and Associates ranging from $79,000 to $83,505. The committee also addressed a new Sheriff's office position with a $10,000 budget increase and authorized the EMA director to apply for a grant.
- Approved amended LaSalle County Illinois Plan for Disbursing American Rescue Plan Funds
- Received $100,000 in LATCF funds, pending state attorney guidance
- Outside audit bid from Mack and Associates: $79,000 (2023), $81,220 (2024), $83,505 (2025)
- Sheriff's office new Records Civil Process Supervisor position with $10,000 increase; MOU created
- EMA director authorized to apply for Emergency Management Performance grant
Nursing Home, VAC, and ROE Committee
The committee reviewed and approved VAC and nursing home bills, discussed a code alert system, approved new ARP furniture for residents, authorized CMS regulation webinar training, considered sidewalk light repair quotes, and approved up to $4,000 for keypad security equipment. They also went into executive session on security procedures.
- Approved VAC bills totaling $14,789.50
- Approved nursing home bills totaling $162,492.18
- Approved ARP furniture choices for resident seating area
- Discussed sidewalk light repair: $4,495 if installed by contractor or $2,695 with maintenance assistance
- Approved up to $4,000 for keypad security equipment at the nursing home
Highway Committee
The LaSalle County Highway Committee will consider several resolutions, including appropriating Motor Fuel Tax funds for County Highway 12 and County Highway 55, and authorizing an engineering services agreement. Other business includes letting/award for satellite garage renovations in Leonore, fuel bids, purchase of two ¾-ton pickups, and approval of the 2023-2024 snow removal policy.
- Letting/award for Satellite Garage Renovations in Leonore
- Letting/award for Fuel Bids
- Letting/award for Two ¾ ton Pickups
- Resolution 24-01 – Supplemental resolution appropriating Motor Fuel Tax funds for County Highway 12
- Resolution 24-02 – Authorizing professional services agreement with Hutchison Engineering
Tourism Committee
The LaSalle County Tourism Committee approved a $100,000 MPP grant for 2024 and approved tourism funding requests for seven local events including Burgoo, Wild Bills Days, Junior Fair, Streator Food Truck Festival, Kites in Flight, Mendota Sweet Corn Festival, and Hegeler Carus Mansion. The committee also discussed development of trails and parking on newly acquired land and the use of $150,000 from the American Rescue Plan for tourism.
- Approved $100,000 MPP grant (with $35,000 for travels with Darley)
- Approved LaSalle County Historical Society Burgoo funding for billboard, social media
- Approved LaSalle County Historical Society Wild Bills Days funding
- Approved 77th Annual Mendota Sweet Corn Festival funding
- Discussed $150,000 American Rescue Plan allocation for tourism
Zoning Board of Appeals
The LaSalle County Zoning Board of Appeals recommended approval of two commercial solar energy facilities at the same location in Groveland Township, a campground in South Ottawa Township, an electronic message center sign for the Serena Fire Protection District, a front-yard setback variance in Ottawa Township, and a feed store in Utica Township. The board recommended denial of a special use for a mobile home over 10 years old in Northville Township. All recommendations go to the County Board for final decision.
- Setback variance approved for Rebecca Worth (2992 E 1508th Rd, Ottawa Township) reducing front yard from 70 to 55 feet
- Mobile home special use denied for Revocable Living Trust of Rita M. Kiefer (4609 E 29th Rd, Northville Township) after motion failed
- Electronic message center sign approved with dimming conditions for Serena Fire Protection District (2286 E US RT 52, Serena Township)
- Campground approved with six conditions for Trust #1075 (2401st Rd, South Ottawa Township) limited to 15 cabins and no RVs
- Two commercial solar energy facilities (LaSalle Solar 5 and 5C) at NE corner E6th and Base Rd, Groveland Township recommended for approval
Health & Safety Committee
The LaSalle County Safety & Health Committee will meet on January 10, 2024, entering executive session to discuss security procedures. Old business includes distributing emergency flip charts, reviewing egress from Room 250, and recapping the December Versiti blood drive (9 donors, negative feedback). No new business is listed. The monthly safety topic is slips and falls on flat, wet, and icy surfaces.
- Executive session under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)8 for security procedures
- Emergency Guidelines/Safety Procedures Flip Chart distribution to departments
- Versiti Blood Drive recap: 9 donors, negative feedback; next drive tentatively with American Red Cross in June 2024
- Workers’ compensation incidents: 2 claims in December 2023 (vs 3 in December 2022)
- Monthly safety topic – Slips & Falls; Flat, Wet & Icy Surfaces
Insurance Trust Committee
The LaSalle County Insurance Trust Committee will consider a resolution declaring the county a non-sanctuary county for asylum seekers. The agenda includes both informational presentation and a potential vote on the resolution. The committee will also review monthly financial and claim reports, and may approve monthly requisitions. An executive session is scheduled to discuss litigation, reserves, and collective bargaining.
- Resolution to declare LaSalle County a non-sanctuary county for asylum seekers (Item IV.a and V.b)
- Monthly Financial Variance, Trend Analysis & Claim Reports (Item V.a)
- Motion to approve monthly requisitions (Item VIII)
- Executive session for litigation, reserves, and collective negotiation (Item VII)
Health Insurance Committee
The committee approved several payments and accepted health insurance and OPEB reports. Members reviewed November 2023 medical and pharmacy claims and discussed the financial position of the County via the OPEB GASB 75 report.
- Approved bills totaling $92,168.11 and prepaid bills totaling $1,621,021.08
- November 2023 net monthly total claims of $807,909
- YTD 2023 medical claims of $7,057,738 and Rx claims of $1,442,165
- Acceptance of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Report for November 2023
- Acceptance of the OPEB Report (GASB 75)
Oversite-Landfill Committee Agendas and Minutes (PDF)
The LaSalle County Oversight-Landfill Committee met to review operational reports and financial adjustments. The body approved the quarterly/annual reports and landfill inspection reviews. Members also discussed updates to the Solid Waste management plan and Earth Day events.
- Approval of the 2022 Host Benefit Fee Rate Adjustment
- Approval of the LaSalle County Oversight-Landfill Quarterly/Annual Report
- Approval of the Landfill Inspection Review
- Discussion of a 5-year update to the Solid Waste management plan
Taxes, Election & Geographic Information System (GIS) Committee
This committee approved bills and forwarded several resolutions to the full board, including the surrender of 23 tax sale certificates across multiple townships and the reconveyance of two parcels. Resolutions for the 2024 election cycle set office hours, polling places, and authorized personnel at counting centers.
- Approved Treasurer bills totaling $187.12 (2023) and $44.68 (2024)
- Surrendered tax sale certificates for properties in Mendota, Earl, LaSalle, Ottawa, Manlius, Brookfield, Bruce, and Peru townships
- Reconveyance of parcels 21-01-111-015 (Ottawa) and 33-23-412-011 (Bruce)
- Forwarded resolution for 2024 election cycle County Clerk office hours
- Forwarded resolution for 2024 election cycle polling places and authorized personnel
Public Safety Committee
The Public Safety Committee will consider approval of bills and reports from the Sheriff, Coroner, Animal Control, and EMA. A notable item is an executive session under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)8 to discuss security procedures and the fence. No new ordinances or dollar amounts are specified in the agenda.
- Executive session for security procedures and personnel/equipment (fence)
- Review and approval of monthly bills for Sheriff, Coroner, Animal Control, EMA
- Reports from each department with no specific details listed
Health Department Board
The Board of Health reviewed departmental reports and approved the payment of monthly bills. Members approved an unaudited FY 23 Annual Report with an estimated spenddown of $532,319. The board also authorized the release of specific executive session minutes.
- Approval of FY 23 Annual Report with estimated spenddown of $532,319
- Completion of cubicle installation totaling $63,360 (90% grant-funded)
- Reopening of Streator WIC site
- Release of executive session minutes excluding select 2001 and 2002 meetings
- Reported monthly phone cost reduction of $278 following switch to T-Mobile
Committee on Appointment & Legislation & Rules
The Committee on Appointment and Legislation & Rules met to review board appointments and session schedules. The committee voted to forward several reappointments and an amended board session schedule to the Full Board for final approval.
- Approved amended 2023-2024 Tentative Full Board Session Schedule
- Reappointments for Mental Health Board 708: Susan Thornton and Dave McClure
- Reappointments for various drainage districts including Ophir, Victor-Adams, and Wallace
- Reappointments for Freedom & Earl and Utica, Waltham & Wallace Drainage Districts
- Reappointments for Meriden Earl Mendota and Town of Wallace Drainage Districts
Regional Superintendent of Schools (Schools Services / Health Department) Committee
The committee met to approve bills for the Regional Superintendent of Schools and School Services. Members reviewed monthly health service reports including student vision and hearing screenings. Discussions included legislation, the Mentor Program (ALOP), and graduation requirements.
- Approved Regional Superintendent of Schools bills totaling $24,224.17 on February 26
- Approved School Services bills of $227.80 and $260.96 on February 26
- Approved School Services bills of $1,047.25 on April 15
- Reviewed health reports for Dec 2023 through March 2024, including 1,320 vision screenings and 1,627 audiometric screenings
- Discussed HB4265 and the Mentor Program (ALOP)
Law & Justice Committee
The LaSalle County Law & Justice Committee met on December 26, 2023, to approve bills, review monthly reports from the State's Attorney, Public Defender, Circuit Clerk, Judiciary, Probation, and Detention Home. They also discussed a Juvenile Redeploy RFP and replacement employees for Probation. All motions carried unanimously.
- Approved State's Attorney office bills totaling $14,462.29 for FY2023 and $28,000 for FY2024
- Approved Judiciary bills totaling $44,558.22 for FY2023 and $86,998.07 for FY2024
- Approved Detention Home bills of $3,705.54 for FY2023 and $11,605.84 for FY2024
- Discussed replacement employee(s) for Probation/Detention Home
- Reviewed Juvenile Redeploy RFP with 2 bids received
Joint Emergency Telephone System Board (E-911)
The Board will discuss the 2025 JETSB budget and 2025 CD rates. Members will also review budget amendments, bills, and ongoing issues regarding county-wide CAD and radios.
- 2025 JETSB Budget
- 2025 CD Rates
- Budget Amendments
- CAD County Wide
- Radio issues
Joint Emergency Telephone System Board (E-911)
The Joint Emergency Telephone System Board is meeting to discuss administrative appointments and technical issues. The body will review budget amendments and bills.
- Appointment of Diana Stiles as Secretary for the JETSB with a retroactive stipend
- Discussion of CAD County Wide
- Discussion of radio issues
- Budget amendments presented by Julie Harris
Joint Emergency Telephone System Board (E-911)
The LaSalle County Joint Emergency Telephone System Board (E-911) will consider approval of March 2024 minutes (currently unable to locate), hear an audit presentation by Kim Bird of Hopkins & Associates, discuss the NG9-1-1 Expenses Grant for 2024-25, and approve bills covering April through July 2024.
- Audit presentation by Kim Bird of Hopkins & Associates
- Discussion of NG9-1-1 Expenses Grant for 2024-25
- Approval of bills from April 2024 through July 2024
- Approval of March 27, 2024 meeting minutes (unable to locate)
Salary & Labor Committee
The Salary & Labor Committee decided on several personnel changes, including a new supervisory role for the Sheriff's Department and compensation adjustments for nursing home staff. The body also held multiple executive sessions to discuss collective bargaining and specific employee compensation.
- Created Records Civil Process Supervisor position in Sheriff's Dept with a $10,000 wage increase
- Approved $17,000 salary increase for Nursing Home Director of Environmental Services
- Approved 30-day discretionary leaves for a Nursing Home Unit Attendant and Laundry Worker
- Amended the Collective Bargaining Agreement with FOP Lodge No. 167 (Court Security)
- Approved bill payments totaling $1,041,756.50 on Dec 27 and $1,230,162.16 on Jan 24