LaSalle budgets for plow-truck replacements, demolition grants and downtown TIF projects

City staff reviewed planned street-department spending, TIF capital items and a possible property purchase for Public Works storage as part of the draft appropriations discussion.

Street and public-works items highlighted in the draft include a $300,000 vehicle purchase line (budgeted to replace aging plow trucks), an uplift in building maintenance (including a projected $15,000 new salt-shed covering) and $20,000 budgeted for demolition work tied to a grant. Public-works staff said the demolition funds will be used for properties such as 716 Buckland Street, which has been added to the demolition list.

"We were just given an extra extended funds to to demo, I think it's 716 Buckland Street that has been on the on on Dennis's, list," one staff speaker said when describing demolition plans.

Duncan and staff also reiterated that the Safe Routes to School sidewalk project has a $200,000 grant award but that the city budgeted $250,000 as total project costs because construction prices have risen since the grant was awarded; staff said no physical work has yet been invoiced for the current phase and the project is expected to be let in August for fall construction.

TIF funds remain incomplete in the draft because the city is still awaiting revenue numbers from the county and the TIF administrator. Staff identified TIF capital lines that would be used if revenues are confirmed: TIF 1 capital improvements (Oak Ridge Drive, Cannon Parkway), a rotary-park transfer from TIF 1 to cover OSLAD match costs, and a large downtown TIF (TIF 5) allocation that includes $620,000 for First Street reconstruction, $70,500 for sidewalks, and other downtown streetscape work.

Duncan said First Street reconstruction is contingent on water/main replacement timing: "We're working at we have water main issues, so I've ... pushed First Street off until we get that water main replacement done," a public-works staff member said, describing coordination between utility replacement and roadway reconstruction.

Staff also mentioned a potential purchase of a vacant property adjacent to the Public Works garage (previous sale in 02/2019 for roughly $130,000 was cited as historical context) to expand on-site equipment storage and avoid outdoor storage that accelerates wear.

Ending: No appropriation votes were taken; staff requested aldermanic direction on priorities and said final TIF revenue numbers will be plugged into the ordinance once received.