LaSalle council approves AT&T excavation and multiple solicitor permits; staff urges homeowner caution

LaSalle City Council voted Tuesday to approve several permits, including an AT&T request to dig in the alley at 901 First Street to install underground service and solicitor permits for two sales groups.

Council members approved the AT&T petition after a brief presentation from staff. The council then considered solicitor permit requests for Southwestern Advantage and for multiple individuals associated with a group described in the record as Spartan X. Council members moved and seconded motions to grant the permits; the Spartan X approvals were conditioned on completion of police background checks and payment of a $100 fee per solicitor.

Staff described Southwestern Advantage as a repeat applicant and said its representatives have appeared in prior years. On Spartan X, staff said the company submitted a roster of prospective solicitors; council approval was granted pending the police background checks. In the Spartan X roll call, at least one alderman recorded a Nay; the motion otherwise carried.

A city staff member told the council, "since it's very difficult, if not legally impossible, to stop solicitors from applying to the city, I highly recommend all citizens get a no soliciting sign." The staff member said residents may also ask to see a solicitor's permit or call the police department for verification of who is authorized to solicit in LaSalle.

The council recorded motions on the floor to approve the AT&T excavation request and to grant the solicitor permits. No public commenters spoke during the meeting.

The decisions are procedural approvals; council minutes will reflect that permits tied to background checks and fees were approved and that staff reiterated homeowner guidance on solicitors.