LaSalle Insider

The city of LaSalle lost one of it’s biggest developers on Monday.  Ron Senica passed away.  He had been battling health issues for years.  Ron had been the biggest reason that the City has expanded to the East over the past twenty years.  He created the  residential subdivisions such as Golfview  Phase I and II and the  Oak Ridge Golf Course and Banquet Center . Oak Ridge Drive subdivision was a direct result of his development as well.  Many may not know or recall that if not for Ron and his family funding the expansion of the water line to Route 178 , J.C. Whitney and Conway Trucking would not be there today.  He truly believed in LaSalle  and its potential to attract businesses and residents if  the land was developed.

I knew Ron for over 35 years and had the opportunity to get to know him well  while serving as the alderman of the 4th Ward.  We had many conversations over the years and I will say not all were on a friendly basis.  Although he and I did disagree from time to time, I always respected his drive to get things done.  Ron was happiest when surrounded by family and friends and that was most of the time.  Even when diabetes took his legs from the knees down, Ron continued to push forward with his plans and didn’t allow health issues to slow him down.  His courage  was inspiring.

There is no dispute that Ron was a leader and his death will leave a void not easily filled.  This City should  never forget all that Ron and his family did to help make LaSalle  a better place for the rest of us.  Our sympathies and thanks go out to the Senicas .  Rest in Peace Ron….

I was somewhat shocked when I learned that we had received the grant for Rotary Park.  Being a member of the board I ,like other fellow members, assumed in this economy that our chances were slim and none with slim leaving the building!  Needless to say, it was the main topic of our meeting Thursday night.  A meeting that lasted over two hours and is in recess and will resume sometime in the near future.  The maximum amount we can spend under the grant is $800,000.  This is a 50/50 grant so the board/city must come up with $400,00 to realize the full amount.    It will be used for phase I of the park .  This will include the construction of a fishing pier, soccer field,walking/running paths, and a handicapped accessible playground.  The city will be able to use work in kind and material donations as part of the match of $400,000.  We would hope to go out for bid on the projects this Fall with construction starting next Spring.

The only bad news is that it looks highly unlikely we will receive the OSLAD grant for the infrastructure work that needs to be done.  This would be for water and sewer lines as well as electrical work.  Grading the park area and preparing the surface for the ball diamonds and parking areas would have been included as well.

We discussed the possibility of going for a Phase II grant opportunity but that will depend on whether the City can complete the necessary steps  to have our bid ready for a July 1st deadline.  It would require two public meetings as well as a resolution of support from the City for the grant application.  The purpose of going for this grant opportunity at this point is the news that relatively few applicants will be able to make the deadline of July 1st, therefore increasing our chances of receiving it.  We will have to wait and see what action ,if any, the Council takes on Tuesday’s meeting.

It is a very exciting time for the members of the Rotary Park Board. We  can now see the actual first steps of cinstruction in the very near future. So many people have had a hand in this process since it began.  All of them will share in the pride and joy that will come when we see the Park begin to take shape.

There is one individual who should be singled out at this point for his tireless efforts.  The chairman of the Rotary Park Board, Gary Gearhart.  Since this process began Gary has done whatever it takes to move the project forward.  The amazing thing is he refuses to believe that something can’t be done.  He has been the chief fundraiser and leader of the group and I would say if not for him we would not be as close as we are today to seeing this dream become reality.  He is relentless and greatly appreciated by all the members of this Board.

Here’s hoping we see changes starting very soon at our new Park!  Don’t forget you can help as well.  Besides money donations volunteer help is greatly needed and appreciated as well.  Just contact any board member for details….

There is a movement under way to make the Park Director’s position a full time one with benefits. Currently Don Baldin is the director and is paid a modest salary and no health benefits.  He submitted a resume when the position opened the last time and was hired over several other applicants.  When he decided to take the position he knew what he would be paid and accepted the dollar amount without complaint.

Ruth Spayer held this job for many years and was never paid more than a modest stipend and never any health or other benefits.  So why the change and why now?

In reality this job should be a part time position.  I would suggest a college student looking to learn more about park management as a part of their studies or a retired person looking for something to do who has a previous background in this type of work.

We are not a large metropolitan area in need a person for full time oversight of our current parks.  We have a park board along with personnel already on staff to handle these duties.

So why the change?

I have seen this happen before.  It’s more about the person in the job than the job itself.  The excuse will be that this person needs more money and/or benefits because of their life situation.   Those in control will trot out testimonials about what a great person and what a great job that individual is doing.  It would be a shame to lose them so why don’t we go ahead and expand the job to justify the increase in pay and benefits.

While I was on the Council we expanded a grass cutters job to one of management and increased a  twelve dollar an hour part time job to a full time position with benefits.  This was done temporarily to see how the position would benefit the City.  It was never reviewed and turned into a cost of over $50,000 per year which still exists today.  I voted against the measure when it first was suggested but was overruled by the balance of the Council.  I recall asking at the time why we were giving health benefits to a temporary test position and was told ” because he needs it”.

On another occasion we expanded the City Clerk’s hours to the minimum hours required to meet the full time designation for health care coverages. In this way we could extend the health coverages to that position at an additional cost to the tax payer of over $10,000.  We were told that the Clerk was already putting in that many hours so why not extend the coverage.  Again I voted against the change but was overruled.

Let me be clear that neither vote was due to any personal differences I had with those that would benefit from these changes.  I don’t blame them at all and applaud their ability to get  what they wanted.  My issue is with those elected officials who are charged with protecting the interest of the taxpayer first.  These individuals must make the choice between doing what’s right versus being loved by those they work with.  It’s easier to give in then to stand up for what’s right for the taxpayer.

We are living in unprecedented times.  I have never seen so many levels of government in such bad financial shape.  This is not the time to expand government….its a time to do with less and survive.  Peru is looking to raise the sales tax rate and also rates on liquor licenses.  Both issues will cost the taxpayer more. The sales tax revenue continues to fall here in LaSalle  and the State is looking to take even more from what’s left.  There is absolutely no reason to increase the pay of any job that we are not contractually obligated to do at this time!

If Mr Baldin needs an  increase in his pay or benefits I can sympathize.  I could use the same .  But we simply cannot add more expenses to a continually dwindling revenue at this time.

Please join me in letting our Council know as well as the Park Board that now is not the time to raise operating costs.

Vote No!

I read with interest the story on the council’s activity this past Monday night but came away with the thought that the paper missed something.  The coronation of a new “King of the Council”.  I am referring to Alderman Jim “Bass” Bacidore.  I think we should rename him “King Fish” for the way he leads the new Council.  Let me explain…

I should have realized this back during the “Big Snow” event of last Winter.  You recall it was Alderman Bacidore who single handily TOLD the city that the snow downtown needed to be moved PRONTO!  He got the Mayor to give the word to have a private contractor pick up and transfer the snow to the open lot at hegeler Park in the middle of the night.  Who cares how much noise they make in a residential neighborhood, after all Jim doesn’t live there!  I admit I should have seen the beginning of the new King then but I missed it.

Monday night after Alderman Tom Ptak explained to the Council that the State was moving to grab more of the sales tax revenue than it already gets from the city “King fish” decided that didn’t matter.  Sure the sales tax revenue was already dropping faster than the speed of sound and lower property assessments will mean less revenue to the city,the “King” wanted a new piece of equipment for the city and he wanted it now!

After debate on the floor from Alderman Ptak and the Mayor himself suggesting to hold off for now, Big Jim moved to buy the asphalt heating machine and received a second from Diz (whatever you say King) Demes.

What’s astounding is that all but Alderman Ptak voted in favor of Kingfish’s motion.  Now that’s kingly power no matter what anyone else says!!

So we now will have a piece of equipment we won’t really need till the asphalt plants quit for the year…usually in October.  Bravo!  well played Alderman!

If I were Mayor Grove and looking ahead to his opponent(s) in the next mayor’s race I would have to put  Alderman Bacidore at the head of the line as the man to beat…..but then if I were Alderman Bacidore why would I settle for Mayor  when I can be “KING”!

Well we finally did it…we are the worst State in the country when it comes to Business climate.  Between tax rates and workman comp rates and restrictions on business operations those in charge has made our State the least attractive.

Is it time to say goodbye to Governor Quinn, Representative Mautino and the rest of the Dems who currently run our State?

YES!!!!!

While States around us are advertising their business friendly atmosphere we have a Governor who must try to make deals to retain jobs that are already here.  Companies like Sears and Motorola have threatened to leave unless changes are made and I don’t blame them.  If , as Governor Quinn  has stated, that Illinois is not a bad place for business why are many threatening to leave or have left?   There is a way out of this mess but it will take elected officials with backbone and new ideas to change the tide.

Let’s start with the first question….Why do businesses have to pay taxes at all?   Stay with me here for a moment…when I say business I mean the corporate entity.  After all there are limited things that happen with the profits (if any) when they occur for companies.  The money either is reinvested in new equipment which is taxed…expansion of building…which is taxed…given in the form of compensation to employees or owners…which is taxed..or given to stockholders as a dividend which is taxed!   Why do the corporations need to be taxed as well?  Seems silly.  If you don’t actually tax the corporation’s profits you can do away with tax credits….those discounts given against the tax they normally would pay.

We would see a rush of businesses coming to our State overnight.  After all all corporations aren’t giant in the sense of BIG  Oil or BIG Banks or BIG insurance.  Many are small family held companies and farms.  All these companies hire people who get paid and spend their money for food , clothing, housing, entertainment…. all of which gets taxed one way or the other.

I guarantee the offset to the corporate tax take would be made up quickly by the influx of the other sources of tax revenue this idea would create.

Who’s with me on this?  Pat?     Frank?   Mike M?  any elected State officials?

And closer to home, our local officials better make sure they drop by our businesses already here and let them know they want to help in any way they can.  We need Illinois Cement, Carus, etc to stay and survive or we really will see the darkest days ahead…

Duties and Responsibilities of the Treasurer

Overview

Overall, the treasurer serves as a municipality’s cash manager.  In this role, the treasurer maintains custody of all municipal funds and possesses responsibility for the deposit, investment and disbursement of these monies.  The treasurer must administer the municipality’s resources to ensure the availability of adequate liquid assets to pay obligations as they become due.  In addition, the treasurer plays a principal role in municipal borrowing, manages tax title accounts and superintends tax foreclosure proceedings.

Bob “the Iceman” Ksiazkiewicz is your new LaSalle City treasurer after the resignation of Fran Baratta.  One of the first acts the Mayor did on Monday night after the new Council was seated was to appoint him to fill the remaining two years. My only question is “what’s the rush?”  Why wouldn’t you as Mayor seek out those individuals with a financial background and ask if they would be willing to serve?

We all remember what happened in Peru when Alderman O’Bierne won as treasurer and then quickly resigned that seat when he was told he would be responsible to actually perform those duties.  I respect Jack for doing the right thing and not just taking the money for a ceremonial position.

Does anyone think the “Iceman” will actually perform the duties of treasurer?…..really?

We are in a very difficult financial time in our City’s history and I would think the opportunity to add a financial mind to the mix and no additional cost would be welcomed.   But not Mayor Grove….he’s more likely to hire interns and pay 25K of taxpayer’s money  because its a chance for quality people at a reduced cost……oh…okay….what?

I don’t know if anyone would have been interested who would come from a financial background, but we will never know because Jeff filled the position without anyone in the public knowing.  In fact he did not even alert the outgoing aldermen  of the situation!

Let me also add that I don’t blame Bob for taking the job when Jeff offered.  If the Mayor is willing to give you a $4,000.00 annual stipend for just coming to a meeting every other week, why not take it?

I stated during the last mayoral race that I felt Jeff was not the choice to run a City during tough financial times…..his latest action just helps make the point.

Good luck city council…it could get very scary over the next two years….

How can I describe what may have been my last LaSalle City Council meeting? Many words come to mind….strange,odd, without class,without forethought,..all those words could be applicable and all would be the direct result of a Mayor who still doesn’t get it.  Let me explain….

Monday night was transition night as far as the alderman were concerned.  Alderman Diz Demes was to be reseated along with one  new member in each of the three other wards.  Traditionally the old Council starts the meeting and the alderman who are leaving are allowed to make comments along with hearing comments from other elected officials.  This was the eighth time I was a party to this transition meeting.  I never felt more embarrassment for my City than this past Monday night

After the roll call the Mayor was first to speak.  He mentioned it was tradition to hear from anyone who had anything to say prior to swearing in the new members.  Based on previous history it would have been proper for the Mayor to address the fact that some alderman  were leaving and that he would thank them for their service and comment personally on each soon to be former member.  He did not..instead he opened the floor for anyone to make their remarks.  Alderman Green was first to thank several parties for his time in office first and foremost his wife and family.  I followed (my actual remarks are at the end of this article)  and then outgoing appointed alderman Demi Salazar.  Alderman Tom Ptak had some nice words for Alderman Green and myself as did Fire Chief Andy Bacidore.  The Mayor’s only contribution was asking for a round of applause and then directing that the oath of office be taken by the new members.  So why do I say I was embarrassed for my city…because of the poor manner by which Alderman Green was sent packing after twenty years of service to the City of LaSalle.

I don’t know if it was due to Alderman Green questioning some of the actions the Mayor wanted to take over the past two years or simply because Mayor Grove still doesn’t totally understand the job of being Mayor.  Regardless the Mayor should have presented Alderman Green with some form of recognition for his twenty years of service to the City.  I don’t care if it was a plaque, watch,or framed letter….Alderman Green deserved to be honored separately from myself and appointed alderman Salazar.  The lack of attention to this fact shows a lack of respect and class on the part of this Mayor.  Their are few alderman in the history of this City who have served that length of time on the Council.  Of those I was around for , all were recognized beyond just a “round of applause”.

There was a gathering at the Knights of Columbus after the meeting in honor of  Alderman Green and many of us stopped by to offer our thanks.  Mayor Grove was not in attendance.  I understand he was attending a party for the newly elected and re-elected members at another bar.

I hope someone has pointed out to Mayor Grove that his actions or the lack of action was well noted by many current members of the Council as well as other current appointed officials of the City.

Mayor Grove currently has served the City a total of eight years.  If he loses his re-election bid (or chooses not to run again) I hope those in charge show more gratitude  for his service than what he showed Alderman Green…..I don’t think they could show less……..

(Note below are my comments  from Monday night in their entirety..one correction I would like to add is I left out former Alderman Bill Pride as a member I previously served with..I apologize for this oversight Bill and it was not intentional)

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank a few folks I have had the privilege to work with while in office these past 12 years.  In late 1996  I stopped down to city hall and had a conversation with then City Clerk Fran Baratta. After answering all my questions about the duties and requirements of an alderman she nudged me to take out a petition. I have never regretted that decision and I want to thank her for that.   Since that time I have served with 21 different alderman and each one offered a different prospective to the issues of the day. I enjoyed serving with them all.  So to Mike,Phil,John,Jim,Diz,Dennis,Jimmy P,Tom,Al,Steve,Doc,Demi,Paul,Terry,Pat,Iceman,Boo , George are current Mayor Jeff and the late Jojo and Bud…thanks for having me.

Thanks also to Former Mayor Art, Former Treasurer Romie, as well as our current clerk Ginny for their conversations and insights offered me over the years.

I have spent a lot of time in Joanne’s office in the last 14 years and appreciate her allowing me to plop in her office unannounced with questions

I’ve enjoyed Jim’s perspective and legal guidance on council issues as well as issues of the day. I have excused the fact that he is a Cub’s fan.  Thanks Jim…

I am proud of the professionalism that both Andy and Rob bring to their departments and I feel our city is in good hands with these men in charge.

Sam, Mike, Dave and all the city staff have always been there whenever I had a question or problem and I want to thank them as well.

I have tried to do what was best for the city whenever an issue came before me for a vote  and I feel good about the decisions I’ve made but if I could go back there is one correction I would make….

Given the opportunity I would change my vote of no confidence, with regards to former City Engineer Pam Broviak.  She did not deserve it.  At the time the majority of us questioned why things weren’t getting done as fast as we felt they should. What I did not take in to account was the number of jobs she was performing at the time.  Jobs that today are filled by many people…. besides city engineer, that of building inspector, grant writer, economic director,(and soon an additional person will be added to that department) as well as our IT person which we have outsourced to a private firm.  Instead of questioning why things weren’t getting done fast enough, with her workload we should have been asking  how she got so much done! My decision was wrong and I would like to go  on record as publicly saying so.  I have had a conversation with Pam and have told her as well.

I don’t know at this time if I will ever serve again in public office, so to the citizens of the Fourth Ward thank you for allowing me to be your alderman 12 of the last 14 years.

It has been an honor to serve my city and I wish nothing but the best for its future.”