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Committee approves mowing contracts; staff reports park repairs, telephone pole replacements and Starlink internet order pending tax‑exempt clarification
Summary
LaSalle County property committee approved mowing contracts for Shabana and Catlin parks, heard that two aging telephone poles will be replaced and that Pheasants Forever will assist seeding natural areas; staff said a planned Starlink internet installation for park facilities is pending confirmation of tax‑exempt purchase status.
The LaSalle County property committee approved mowing contracts for Shabana and Catlin parks on March 14 and heard a report from parks staff about planned projects including telephone pole replacements, tree clearing, seeding of natural areas and a pending Starlink internet order for park facilities.
Parks staff said two telephone poles—one by the pond and one in a wooded area—are at the end of their useful life and contractors recommended replacement. Staff said a tree contractor will remove two dead ash trees and a nearby maple to clear the area and provide access for new poles. Staff also reported having removed trees last year to give clearance for lines and said the new poles will be set higher to raise a power line that runs across a pond.
Staff said they are working with John Garrity of Pheasants Forever to seed natural areas in both parks; Garrity and Pheasants Forever offered equipment and seed donations. “They have machines to seed both parks…sounds like they're gonna donate some seed too,” staff said.
The committee approved a mowing contract with Gavin's Lawn Care to resume mowing at Catlin (last mowed in 2021) and Shabana parks; staff said the contractor increased per‑mow pricing by $25 from prior rates but that the contract terms were otherwise unchanged.
Staff also briefed members about a planned Starlink internet installation to improve connectivity at park facilities. Staff said Starlink requires payment to complete the order and that the county is awaiting confirmation it can make a tax‑exempt purchase; staff discussed temporarily placing the order on a county credit card if necessary or making a check payment to avoid sales tax until Starlink confirms tax‑exempt status.
The committee voted to approve the mowing contracts by voice vote. No formal dissent was recorded.
Staff said a modular building project—still under design—includes a handicap ramp; staff are coordinating with a special‑needs school in LaSalle/Peru to assess demand. Staff also mentioned adding concrete pads for benches and using concrete to weigh down park garbage cans.
Committee members asked when bench pads would be poured; staff said estimates are in hand and work could begin as soon as weather allows.
