[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6188166,"mediaKeyId","5064092-3fa4b1811b6cb23e9920d63af9e1e7ad","parentId",5064092,"title","Council hears update on lead service-line inventory; city pursuing federal grant to replace lines","audioSeconds",220,"startMs",2516000,"endMs",2736000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5064092-3fa4b1811b6cb23e9920d63af9e1e7ad&start=2516&end=2736","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5064092-3fa4b1811b6cb23e9920d63af9e1e7ad/thumbnail_2516000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6188166/LaSalle/LaSalle-County/Illinois/Council-hears-update-on-lead-service-line-inventory-city-pursuing-federal-grant-to-replace-lines","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6188166-5f43bf9d7617a9a20ba407a9c7e80a60/orig.mp4?Expires=1773614534&Signature=dcbqJbeviHIY6VFPFIjZqZFrqQ3-VLpPb2O1aUx2E3f7dVB6NJcmcU-1b8tjAyRJ-3wWSTsnPrFQUFv7dZpBIta8prlJG532FsEfktb6p0fNS0LcdZWmpm8BC4CfkKeUUmdZKJYvbZsCDlKjKMoKqj73el-Iyc0rVdymRl9tUrXAy5joKg9Jx-iwvaRHZlPjXU3nJ7Sx-Jyo2cP71sLx6G~oRJLl-GKBJhxj-2ggbT3yP-iAodBEN62Sa1uI-5DORzK-0o9rDgkyvQPQxiWEug5QgKN3lvH1PZAT2FahYZT7ek5o58wLzmB4bRYbz9E8YY2BnrKuk8WkbuwprKvmgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of LaSalle, IL","date","2025-06-24T12:57:36Z","article","City staff updated the LaSalle City Council on work to locate and replace lead water service lines, saying the city is midway through a meter-replacement program that has identified roughly half of private-side connections and that the city has applied for federal funding to replace an initial 350–500 known lines.

Details from staff
The city said it has engaged a vendor to maintain a database of known and suspected lead service lines and to help with surveys; that vendor performed the initial inventory and will continue to assist in tracking and mapping the lines. Staff said the city has been replacing meters and that the meter work helps identify private-side service-line materials. The city described a federal grant program—supported at the application stage by U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth’s office—that could fund replacement of several hundred lines; staff said the next decision round is expected in March and, if approved, construction would follow.

Why it matters: replacing lead service lines is part of public-health compliance and can qualify the city for low-interest or forgivable EPA loans and grants; the work affects homeowners whose private side service piping may need replacement as well as public-side work the city must coordinate.

What remains to be done
Staff said they are still investigating unknown connections and are asking residents to volunteer information or to contact the city to request testing of their service line. They reported there are roughly 4,000 service locations to check and that the city is about halfway through the meter replacement program. The city said no large-scale construction has begun; current work is investigatory and preparatory until grant approval and funding are secured.

Provenance: discussion occurred during old-business updates; staff described the inventory, grant submission and the ongoing meter replacement program.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","6-23-2025 City of La Salle City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","City staff told the LaSalle City Council they are midway through a meter-replacement and inventory program to identify lead water service lines and that the city has applied for federal funding to replace an initial batch of known lines.","taxTitle","LaSalle, LaSalle County, Illinois","taxId",70412,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6188176,"New billiards and entertainment business asks council to amend gaming ordinance to allow more pool tables",2887,219000,3106000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5064092-3fa4b1811b6cb23e9920d63af9e1e7ad&start=219&end=3106","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5064092-3fa4b1811b6cb23e9920d63af9e1e7ad/thumbnail_219000.jpg","/articles/6188176/LaSalle/LaSalle-County/Illinois/New-billiards-and-entertainment-business-asks-council-to-amend-gaming-ordinance-to-allow-more-pool-tables","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6188176-6c0a334387579890c945b8051083c669/orig.mp4?Expires=1773614534&Signature=BFvPQnp7BO6nkscByRF0oJ0Lzj-1hpPnGGEPlSzPU2I8MeodXnc4v3kya~ESXABijVeDl7JEATGfo8A1gluv6V65l7EfERum5Sik3QroV6NVfDHZHfSersySsP5161Oj7CZ8PQPeGXMxeExzgJ3yAjvpnyhaefb-eucnfXWkp5rPn6UFeptEEHh40JtopR--FEVX2iOUn-7AsiJPnw4Z9DXlWd58CvYypbCGryni2xm0~vKYmQlYuAUY0ftPxyTKoQcq5sVgi~rMKQtBhApMJ-i22ma7U~DcISBLYGhfdcFZBXUXqDepf-WS5jX8-SlrmY8Hfl8RELHN-fIrHuT0zg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Amber French, one of the owners of Bakeshop Sports Bar & Grill, asked the LaSalle City Council to consider changes to the city’s gaming ordinance so her proposed business at 235 Third Street can operate as a combined restaurant, family entertainment venue and billiard hall.

French said the building is about 28,000 square feet and she envisions a family-friendly restaurant area plus a separate bar and a dedicated billiard/gaming area that would, when hosting professional events, require far more than the two pool tables currently allowed under the city’s gaming code. She told the council she plans for tournament play and described needed equipment counts — “21 seven-foot tables and 11 nine-foot tables” — to meet pro tournament minimums.

Why it matters: the business would require a local ordinance change to host pool-tournament play and to operate both family-oriented spaces and 21-and-older areas in the same facility. The council directed staff to draft potential ordinance language for consideration at the next meeting and asked French to bring business documentation.

Council and staff discussion
City staff told the council the current municipal gaming ordinance allows a maximum of two pool tables per establishment and earlier provisions may also require signed parental waivers for minors inside a billiard hall. The city attorney and other staff said the ordinance dates back a decade or more and might need updating; staff also noted the council will need to check state gaming statutes for any preemption or related restrictions.

French said she has been working with city staff on liquor-license and procedural steps and that she will provide a business plan and other requested details at the council’s next meeting. The council indicated support for drafting amendment language and asked French to return with documentation in two weeks.

Attributions and quotes
- \"We plan on being a family friendly establishment... We plan on being a full bar restaurant,\" Amber French said when describing the planned uses.
- On the number of tables required for pro events, French said, \"21 seven-foot tables and 11 nine-foot tables.\"

Next steps
Staff offered to draft ordinance language and review state gaming statutes; the council asked the city attorney and relevant staff to prepare a proposed amendment for consideration at the next meeting. French was asked to provide a business plan and additional materials for that meeting.

Provenance: the topic began during public comment (Amber French’s remarks) and concluded with the council asking staff to prepare draft ordinance language and asking the owner to return with a business plan.","An entrepreneur seeking to open a large restaurant-and-entertainment venue in downtown LaSalle asked the council to consider amending the city gaming ordinance to allow more than the current two pool tables per establishment.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6188181,"Council authorizes negotiations on proposal to redevelop former Public Works building at 500 Second Street",1371,505000,1876000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5064092-3fa4b1811b6cb23e9920d63af9e1e7ad&start=505&end=1876","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5064092-3fa4b1811b6cb23e9920d63af9e1e7ad/thumbnail_505000.jpg","/articles/6188181/LaSalle/LaSalle-County/Illinois/Council-authorizes-negotiations-on-proposal-to-redevelop-former-Public-Works-building-at-500-Second-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6188181-529d05c4b6027ccdd43fae3f13654121/orig.mp4?Expires=1773614534&Signature=fcCVdsyUbSANCRTTM1JlVW5XmfEhffuGVkoJpyFJw3apFuFIz0qFGV5DRN22R3JZXHKse5iF~uEfcyiYru2mQ0g3bDAMFYjiGsVNEJdsup~dYyG~3k7AK65gjskSdqRu0fJvlf1pE9TiTUBOvDv9-mJgMIhrEAnMO3CoK3EuX2B-SX8wdwFsR3JgG98gs3lHO4n6BElMEdTCgsvT3qrcUnM3I9FrMLJ0f8jNVxMzDCgNjwSb3yljcSDX8YLqiUBXLP-U3iav~9tPI9Gvf1RlUav9GiYAy8nLGSWyAVHVlMRoB2hKirDNB3pHxZoDrhuO3nnXs~HzbcuZiaNjrEWvQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Nathan Wasson of Glenstone Development presented a proposal to acquire and redevelop the city-owned former Public Works building at 500 Second Street, and the LaSalle City Council on a unanimous roll call authorized a committee to negotiate terms with him.

Wasson told the council the project would convert roughly 20,000 square feet of garage space into climate-controlled self-storage (about 230 units) and use a corner 5,000-square-foot former showroom for first-floor retail, a coffee shop and shared offices. He estimated the total conversion at about $2,330,000 and said the purchase price in his letter of intent is $260,000, to be financed by “a purchase money note from the city and forgiven once the project is completed, if completed within 2 years.” He proposed a 90-day due-diligence period followed by a 30-day closing window.

Why it matters: the building has been city-owned for roughly two decades and sits in downtown LaSalle; council members said putting the property back into productive use could improve downtown appearance and generate property-tax revenue. Wasson said he plans to use Illinois RERZ (River Edge Revitalization Zone) and federal and state historic tax credits to help finance the work, and he asked to be able to apply for the city’s façade grant program, funded by TIF, to prioritize streetscape improvements along Second and Right streets.

Most important facts
- Purchase price in the LOI: $260,000, financed by a city purchase-money note that Wasson said would be forgiven if the project is completed within two years of sale.
- Estimated construction cost to convert the building: $2,330,000 (Wasson’s estimate).
- Proposed uses: first-floor coffee shop/retail and offices; climate-controlled storage across two floors (about 230 units); freight elevator to replace an existing ramp; removal of certain interior elements.
- Financing: Wasson said he has a term sheet from lenders and expects to syndicate historic tax credits (he described the state credit payout as a one-year payout and the federal credit as a five-year payout).

Council action and next steps
The council voted to appoint a negotiation committee to work with Wasson and city staff to try to reach terms. The motion to appoint a committee (including aldermanic members and named city representatives) passed on a roll call; the council instructed the mayor and the director of economic development, with input from city legal counsel and the finance director, to continue negotiations and return with a formal agreement if one is reached. The council also noted that other proposals remain possible while negotiations proceed.

Questions and concerns raised
- Several council members pressed for security in any sale so the city can enforce development commitments. Wasson said he proposed an unsecured purchase note with a personal guarantee rather than a city mortgage, arguing that senior construction financing typically must be senior to any city mortgage; he said the parties would need to negotiate whether the city would require a mortgage or other security to preserve “teeth” in an agreement. The council agreed those details must be negotiated.
- Some public-comment speakers and one alderman raised concerns about Wasson’s prior work with other developers; Wasson said he is “staying in LaSalle and Peru” and described himself as the sole local investor in the project, adding that tax-credit investors would be syndicate investors without operating control.

Timeline mentioned
Wasson said he would like to start construction this year if negotiations and due diligence can be completed quickly and aims for aspects of the exterior to be finished in the same year, with broader project opening in 2026 if financing and approvals proceed on schedule.

What the resolution/committee authorizes
The council’s motion authorized city representatives (mayor, director of economic development, city attorney/legal counsel and the finance director) to negotiate terms with Wasson and return to the council with proposed agreements for final action.

Provenance: the topic began with the agenda item presentation and concluded with the council’s motion and roll call authorizing negotiations; the council returned the item to staff for negotiation and future council consideration.

","The LaSalle City Council unanimously authorized a committee to negotiate terms with Nathan Wasson of Glenstone Development on a proposal to acquire and redevelop the city-owned former Public Works building at 500 Second Street.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6188171,"LaSalle police chief to retire Oct. 10; mayor names incoming commander to start in October",103,3317000,3420000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5064092-3fa4b1811b6cb23e9920d63af9e1e7ad&start=3317&end=3420","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5064092-3fa4b1811b6cb23e9920d63af9e1e7ad/thumbnail_3317000.jpg","/articles/6188171/LaSalle/LaSalle-County/Illinois/LaSalle-police-chief-to-retire-Oct-10-mayor-names-incoming-commander-to-start-in-October","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6188171-c6dacd7db6b1669025f7e3f0eff0eef3/orig.mp4?Expires=1773614534&Signature=lxDki8-K5V3CRFLAoPHjfAamZBC~YEdcNv3RWb4SkngIX15rzsCtAIWqIJeG0MPaZZ~yt6IwqCCtIBxy7vMtYU6UWPWnSH9-4~stK2pdELe~VZG0nLzdSxEGfKVc7cHzIl-3aAPTkun2tKTJwLhacWU3yeXEcrPJRipMbJlQ7dOM58dBjsF9fwI9f7a0cwkkcO5TWQ8ZM3o1auCIDUrhVKUtOxAvLJKgVSq3kEPiUlqokaxDfRTlrbcfgX9fXq0b0ny3omX2XSNa~aoh9fD6KVYdcZTK6sN-jgvDzfF-L1NYzq~t1NHubytg67pbQAKkjWMhjaQovSDFH--hpNWN~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","LaSalle Police Chief Sojinski notified the city council that his final day will be Oct. 10, 2025, and Mayor announced an internal candidate from outside the city will join in October to overlap with the departing chief.

The mayor told the council that Jason Stubler, described as a LaSalle native and currently a commander with another department, will join LaSalle as chief-level leadership on Oct. 6 so he can work alongside Chief Sojinski before Sojinski’s resignation becomes effective. The mayor said the city will complete appointment formalities closer to the transfer date.

Why it matters: the city is planning a leadership transition in its police department with two months of overlap promised by the mayor so the incoming commander can learn local operations before the outgoing chief leaves.

Other personnel and operational notes
Council members and staff praised Chief Sojinski’s years of service. The mayor said the city expects a period of overlap to allow knowledge transfer. Separately, staff noted the department secured a grant that covered body cameras, squad cameras and storage—city staff reported a grant award of approximately $45,001 that paid for these mandated equipment purchases, leaving only equipment docking stations (about $900) as an outstanding local expense.

Provenance: remarks appear in the new-business and staff-update portions of the agenda; the mayor announced the successor’s start date and described transition arrangements.","Police Chief Sojinski told the council his final day will be Oct. 10, 2025; Mayor announced Jason Stubler, a LaSalle native and current commander elsewhere, will join the department Oct. 6 and shadow the chief ahead of the transition.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council hears update on lead service-line inventory; city pursuing federal grant to replace lines

New billiards and entertainment business asks council to amend gaming ordinance to allow more pool tables

Council authorizes negotiations on proposal to redevelop former Public Works building at 500 Second Street

LaSalle police chief to retire Oct. 10; mayor names incoming commander to start in October