LaSalle County staff told the Land Use Committee on Sept. 3 that they have signed administrative citations and are pursuing enforcement and other options for two problematic properties, including one in Wedron and another near Sheridan. The committee heard that cleanup and legal steps are underway, but that formal remedies can carry legal and political complications.

Jeremiah (staff member) said he had been working on the cases and had signed administrative citations related to EPA complaints. “I've signed off on administrative citations already with with regard to complaints to the EPA,” Jeremiah said, adding that he had made those matters a priority since joining staff.

Committee discussion covered both enforcement mechanics and financial assistance options. Brian (staff member) told the group there are demolition funds tied to foreclosure filing fees that can support abandoned‑property demolition but noted a key limitation: “you actually have to have control over all those properties when you when you apply,” he said, meaning the county must have or be able to obtain legal control of properties quickly to be competitive for that grant funding.

Members and staff also discussed the political and legal sensitivity of moving toward government acquisition of private land. Jeremiah warned that compelling ownership or taking control can escalate to eminent‑domain litigation: “If you're gonna go that route, you're getting into the level of eminent domain, you're getting into that level of litigation where you're actually compelling ownership to the government of people's property and that level of what, initially what everybody's concern was,” he said.

The committee did not vote on acquisition or litigation but discussed sending a state's attorney letter for certain properties if voluntary compliance is not achieved. Jeremiah said he has “kind of a tentative plan in place” for one property and is developing further steps for the other, including options stronger than an initial compliance letter if necessary.

Ending: Staff said they will continue enforcement (administrative citations are already signed), coordinate with the sheriff’s office and consider legal steps; the committee asked staff to continue developing options and report back at a future meeting.