LaSalle, IL – March 3, 2025 – During the public comment session at the LaSalle City Council meeting, residents raised multiple concerns regarding city operations, financial expenditures, and community safety. Speakers called for greater transparency, financial accountability, and improved city services.

Key Issues Raised During Public Comment:

1. Street Sweeping Efficiency & Scheduling
   Residents questioned the inconsistent street sweeping patterns, noting inefficient operations such as repeated cleaning of small areas while neglecting others. A request was made for clarity on the official route and schedule.
   
   

2. Fiber Optic Internet Expansion
   The city was asked to provide an update on the previously proposed fiber optic internet project. Residents sought clarity on whether contamination concerns were still delaying the project or if progress was expected.
   
   

3. Development Projects: Thornton’s & Marijuana Farm
   Questions were raised regarding the status of the Thornton’s development project and a previously discussed marijuana farm. No recent updates had been provided to the public, despite previous city discussions.
   
   

4. Financial Transparency: Celebration of Lights Costs
   Residents demanded a full cost breakdown of the Celebration of Lights event, beyond just reported donations. Concerns were voiced over a lack of accountability for city expenditures on the event, with a resident citing a previous $315,000 infrastructure project at Rotary Park as an example of unclear financial reporting.
   
   

5. Contractor Payments & City Services
   Questions arose regarding the city’s contract with Ivan and Sons, which is responsible for holiday light installation and removal. Additional scrutiny was placed on payments of $18,000 for garbage burning and $4,000 for yard waste burning, with residents questioning why city employees could not handle these tasks to save taxpayer dollars.
   
   

6. Safety & Infrastructure Concerns
   
   

   • A request was made to review the durability and safety of public swing sets after concerns about exposure to the elements. Residents challenged the city’s reliance on visual inspections instead of structural integrity testing.

   • The malfunctioning traffic light at 1st & Marquette Street in downtown LaSalle was also addressed, with a recommendation to replace it with a four-way stop due to its long-standing operational issues.

7. Community Cleanup & Park Development
   Residents inquired whether the city would continue the annual community cleanup initiative and requested updates on planned improvements for local parks outside of Rotary Park. Additionally, a question was raised about potential collaboration with Carus Chemical for the redevelopment of the Kaskaskia and Maytag buildings.
   
   

8. Ordinance Enforcement & Fairness
   Concerns were raised about the city’s inconsistent enforcement of ordinances. A specific request was made for a response regarding proposed amendments to the chicken and duck ordinance, as well as why some residents face enforcement while others do not.
   
   

9. City Spending on Failing Events
   A resident questioned why the city continues to pay for advertising the Celebration of Lights event, citing an annual financial loss of over $100,000.
   
   

Public speakers urged city officials to provide clear answers and take action to improve transparency, efficiency, and community services.

THEY CONTINUE TO NOT ANSWER.