LaSalle City Council Pushes Vague Ordinance Changes, Retroactive Slot Machine Penalties with No Public Oversight 

HICKS INVESTIGATIVE NEWS 

LaSalle, IL — April 28, 2025: The LaSalle City Council met Monday night in a session that once again highlighted the administration’s ongoing resistance to public transparency. While agenda items touched on ordinance changes, permit enforcement, and financial penalties, nearly all details were locked behind closed-door packets not made available to the public.

Council members repeatedly cited their internal meeting packet—used as the sole source of details and guidance for votes and discussion—but failed to summarize its contents for residents in attendance or watching remotely. This tactic continues to deny the public the ability to meaningfully participate in governance.

Slot Machine Crackdown Announced with No Notice or Process

Mayor Jeff Grove used the meeting to announce that local establishments operating slot machines would be held retroactively accountable for licensing “mistakes.” Grove stated bluntly that businesses would be made to “pay for their mistakes,” referencing the city’s intent to collect back pay and issue fines against operators who allegedly failed to comply with permit procedures.

The administration did not present any report detailing which businesses are being targeted, how far back the city intends to go, or whether appeals will be allowed. Residents noted that such after-the-fact enforcement actions—especially without notice or due process—could devastate local small businesses.

Building Inspector to Enforce Financial Ordinances?

In a confusing turn, Mayor Grove also floated the idea that the city’s building inspector should be responsible for enforcement related to slot machine regulations. No ordinance was introduced to support this delegation of authority, and no plan was outlined for training or oversight.

Opaque Packets Continue to Obstruct Public Participation

Despite numerous past complaints, the City continues to withhold the full meeting packet from the public. Council members referred to its contents throughout the evening without summarizing or explaining what it contained. Without access to the same materials, residents are left unable to evaluate decisions or hold their elected officials accountable.

This meeting reinforces concerns that the City of LaSalle is operating under a shadow government model—where real decisions are made behind closed doors and the public is only fed vague references and rushed votes.