Sangamon Sun

Village of La Grange Board of Trustees met June 10.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

1. CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Board of Trustees of the Village of La Grange regular meeting was called to order at 7:31 p.m. by Village President, Thomas Livingston. On roll call, as read by Village Clerk John Burns, the following were:

PRESENT: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Kotynek, Kuchler and McCarty, with President Livingston presiding.

ABSENT: Trustee Holder

OTHERS: Village Manager Andrianna Peterson 

Village Attorney Mark Burkland 

Public Works Director Ryan Gillingham 

Community Development Director Charity Jones 

Assistant Finance Director Joe Munizza 

Police Chief Kurt Bluder 

Acting Captain Brian Sible

President Livingston asked Village Clerk John Burns to lead the audience in reciting the pledge of allegiance.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

President Livingston welcomed new Trustee Beth Augustine to the Village Board.

President Livingston expressed condolences on behalf of the Village on the passing of Village Attorney Mark Burkland's mother.

President Livingston thanked Pet Parade Charities and the LGBA for the planning and hard work that went into the 73rd annual La Grange Pet Parade and Carnival over the June 1 weekend. As always, the Pet Parade and weekend activities were a wonderful way to showcase our truly special and dedicated community. Special thanks also to Village personnel for all of the planning and coordination provided prior to and during the event.

President Livingston also thanked the La Grange Garden Club for helping to design and plant the beautiful planters throughout downtown. The plantings are the crow to the streetscape and there is immense pride and sincere appreciation for their hard work.

President Livingston thanked the American Legion for a meaningful Memorial Day ceremony. The ceremony recognized La Grange area residents who gave their lives in service to our country from the Civil War to the present.

President Livingston announced that he wished La Grange "Happy Birthday”. La Grange will be 140 years old on Tuesday as it was incorporated on June 11, 1879. President Livingston announced that a small celebration would take place after the meeting with representatives from the LGBA and Historical Society. The LGBA is planning a month long community-focused birthday celebration in August. Additional information will be provided as plans evolve.

President Livingston announced that Terrence Vavra was selected as the next Chief of the La Grange Fire Department. Chief Vavra has 40 years of experience in the fire service, most recently as the Fire Chief for the Norwood Park Fire District and previously as the Chief of the Buffalo Grove Fire Department. Chief Vavra was selected from a group of highly talented and qualified individuals. The Village Board has been kept apprised of the recruitment process and their feedback has been valuable to the process. Chief Vavra is scheduled to be appointed and sworn in as Fire Chief at the Monday, June 24 Village Board Meeting.

President Livingston announced that after a highly engaged community process, the Village has focused on a primary and secondary brand logo and tagline. The one word heard again and again from the community when describing La Grange was “vibrant”. President Livingston thanked the CEDC, brand task force, Village Board, consultants and for their efforts in identifying a unique and fresh identity for La Grange.

A. Presentation – Superintendent Kyle Schumacher and Brian Anderson - School District 102

Superintendent Kyle Schumacher and President Brian Anderson presented information regarding the programs and future plans of School District 102.

President Livingston thanked Mr. Schumacher and Mr. Anderson for the presentation. He stated that the high quality schools in La Grange, along with Metra and our vibrant downtown, are noted by realtors as major drivers of maintaining property values.

B. Resolution - Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Illinois being the First State to Ratify the 19th Amendment

President Livingston asked Trustee Augustine to read the Resolution into the record. President Livingston thanked the League of Women Voters.

Trustee McCarty made a motion to approve the Resolution seconded by Trustee Gale. Motion carried on a voice vote.

C. Appointments and Re-Appointments

President Livingston asked that Clerk Burns read into the record the recommended appointments and re-appointments for the advisory boards and commissions.

Trustee Kotynek made a motion to approve the appointments and re-appointments seconded by Trustee Gale. Motion carried on a voice vote.

D. Trustee Assignments

President Livingston asked Clerk Burns to read the Trustee Assignments into the record.

President Livingston thanked the Village Board for their good governance.

E. Re-Appointments - Liquor Commission

President Livingston asked that Clerk Burns read into the record the recommended re appointments for the liquor commission.

Trustee McCarty made a motion to approve the re-appointments seconded by Trustee Gale.

F. Discussion - Video Gaming Act

President Livingston opened the discussion by stating that the Village opted out of gaming when it first became legal in the state approximately one decade ago. Last year the CEDC, and then more recently the Village Board (in March), discussed the topic of video gaming generally. As gaming has been operational in Illinois for many years, more information regarding the impacts (positive and negative) are known and therefore may warrant a second look. President Livingston noted that there is no vote scheduled at this time, but discussion is welcome.

President Livingston stated that some businesses may be impacted by loss of customers to other adjacent communities who have gaming. On the other hand, concerns regarding aesthetics and related matters have been raised. He asked staff and the Village Attorney to develop a highly restrictive ordinance as a starting point for conversation.

Village Attorney Burkland explained that the Illinois Video Gaming Act provides for gaming, however there are three primary areas for a municipality to consider in order to govern gaming in a particular community. These are 1) general police powers to protect health and safety; 2) the Act itself, which contains certain standards; and 3) the Illinois Liquor Control Act.

In order to successfully develop a policy regulating video gaming, the three areas would have to be blended in a way that best fits the community. Some major topics of discussion include the allowable number of terminals, spacing standards, signage, licenses and security, aesthetics, location of the terminals within a restaurant, liquor controls, administration and enforcement.

Trustee Kotynek asked if the new gaming related legislative measures had an impact on the discussion. He also noted that his primary concerns when considering the matter were enforcement, benchmarking with peer communities, financial considerations and the governance of funds. Attorney Burkland responded that the new legislation regarding sports betting is unrelated. Ms. Jones stated that she did not believe that the Village's typical peer communities had gaming. Locally, both Brookfield and Countryside had gaming but La Grange Park and Western Springs did not.

Trustee Kuchler asked about the estimated revenues. Ms. Jones indicated that the estimates are based on 15 establishments with gaming using the statewide and local geographical revenue averages.

Trustee Augustine asked about next steps. President Livingston responded that it is the first time that the item is being discussed at this level of detail and it was important that initial thoughts could be shared in an open discussion along with hearing community feedback.

Trustee Gale suggested that the CEDC consider the matter further and provide feedback. While understanding the financial benefits, he stated that he was unsure about fit. He also suggested that the financial tradeoffs be compared against the regulatory costs

Trustee Gale inquired as to how the revenue is generated and Community Development Director Jones responded that the video game terminals print out a receipt that is redeemed at a machine which dispenses cash similar to an ATM.

Trustee Gale asked the Police Chief if any law enforcement issues have been reported in the surrounding towns. Chief Bluder responded that in speaking with other agencies he has not heard of many issues, but it can be a concern.

Trustee McCarty asked about the timeline for new businesses to wait before receiving a gaming license. Director Jones reported that the restriction prevents the emergence of businesses that are primarily interested in gaming. The draft provisions prohibit gaming cafes plus require a residency requirement.

Trustee McCarty noted that there has been a major expansion in gaming and he is not sure about how that impacts competition. Trustee McCarty inquired if a referendum is needed for implementation. Village Attorney Burkland responded that there is no requirement for a referendum to implement gaming but there has been one in a community to eliminate it.

Trustee Gale inquired as to how many restaurants are currently interested and what kind of individuals would be using the machines at those establishments. Ms. Jones responded that we do not know how many businesses would be interested but for illustration purposes we assumed 15. She noted that generally gaming cafes target certain demographics but she had not seen data on customer demographics for gaming in other business types.

Trustee Kuchler stated that he has seen gaming evolve into a more accepted facet of the restaurant industry as time has gone on. However, he stated that allowing 15 establishments to receive a gaming license seems too high. If implemented, he would like to see the liquor license allowing gaming be increased to $10,000. With a higher fee, additional requirements may not be necessary as they would dissuade those using gaming as their main business model. For example, it may not be necessary for a three year hold to deter the gaming cafes. However, he did stress that strict signage outside of the establishment would be key.

Resident Steve Palmer stated that waiting ten years and watching other towns was beneficial. Competition is high in the restaurant industry and asked that the conversation continue. Restaurants would not want anything detrimental, but it could be an asset.

President Livingston thanked everyone for their input.

MANAGER'S REPORT

Manager Peterson announced that IDOT continues to make progress on the resurfacing of La Grange Road. It is anticipated that the work south of 47th street will be completed within the next several weeks. The work north of 47th Street will begin soon thereafter. The work is expected to be completed in September, 2019 and the Village is working closely with IDOT on facilitating this project.

Manager Peterson announced that work on the reconstruction of the Village Hall surface parking lot at the corner of Harris and Sixth Avenue began this week. The reconstruction of Lot 8 is scheduled to begin next week. For more information regarding the status of a number of construction projects currently active in La Grange, please visit the Village's website.

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

Laurie Braun, Co-President of the League of Women Voters, thanked the Village for approving the Resolution celebrating the 100th anniversary of Illinois being the first state to ratify the 19th Amendment.

CONSENT AGENDA AND VOTE

A. Ordinance - Plat of Resubdivision for 117 and 125 S. 7th Avenue / Scott Sanders, Brightleaf Homes, LLC

B. Ordinance - Amendment of Chapter 115 of the Code of Ordinances Regarding the Sale, Use and Possession of Tobacco and Alternative Nicotine Products

C. Award of Contract - (1) Construction of FY 2019-20 Neighborhood Street Resurfacing Project; (2) Construction Engineering Services Agreement (3) Preliminary / Construction Engineering Services Agreement for Motor Fuel Tax Funds; (4) Resolution for Improvement Under the Illinois Highway Code

D. Award of Contract - 2019 Lane Marking Program

E. Professional Services Agreement - Hitchcock Design Group - Central Business  District Streetscape Improvements - Schematic Design Proposal

F. Engineering Services Agreement - 2019 Sewer Televising Program

G. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Monday, May 13, 2019

H. Consolidated Voucher 190527

I. Consolidated Voucher 190610

A motion was made by Trustee Kotynek and seconded by Trustee Gale to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.

Trustee Augustine stated that in consideration of her relationship with the Village Prosecutor, she recused herself from each item on the voucher related to the Village Prosecutor.

Approved by a roll call vote:

Ayes:  Trustees Augustine, Gale, Kotynek, Kuchler, and McCarty

Nays: None

Absent: Trustee Holder

CURRENT BUSINESS 

A. Ordinance – Variation - Maximum Building Coverage / Katherine and Scott Lutzow, 229 South Ashland Avenue

President Livingston asked Clerk Burns to introduce the item. Clerk Burns stated the petitioners, Katherine and Scott Lutzow, owners of the subject property at 229 S. Ashland Ave., wish to construct an addition to the rear of their home. The construction as proposed would cause the building coverage on the property to exceed the maximum allowed building coverage of 30 percent, as provided in Paragraph 3-110E1 of the La Grange Zoning Code. The exceedance would be 193.33 square feet (3.12%) over the limit.

On May 16, 2019, the Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing on this matter. At the hearing, one member of the public spoke in favor of the application. No persons spoke against the application. After hearing testimony and deliberating, the Zoning Board of Appeals voted 4-0 to recommend approval of the variation as presented. The Zoning Board of Appeals found that the historic house's existing basement stairs represented a unique physical condition. The Zoning Board of Appeals found the requested variation would allow the renovation of a historic house and that strict adherence to the Zoning Code would deprive the petitioners of substantial rights commonly enjoyed by others.

Trustee McCarty stated that a variance has previously been granted for the home in order to extend the height of the garage. At that time, the petitioners were told that no additional variations would be granted and he believes that the findings of fact are incorrect and inconsistent. As the lot is 50 x 150, it is not a unique lot in La Grange. He believes that this is a self-created issue that could have been solved if they had reduced building coverage when they previously modified their garage. To provide an extra 250 feet is not a right that the Village has to provide and if issued would instead be a special privilege that would result in a size equal to an extra bedroom.

Trustee Kuchler stated that while he was persuaded by Trustee McCarty, the unanimous direction from the Zoning Board must also be considered.

Trustee Augustine stated that she is concerned with the inconsistency of past determinations. She believes it is a small increment but also not a hardship. She noted it is hard to bring older houses up to date. She suggested more education to the ZBA to avoid similar instances in the future.

Trustee Gale also agreed with the need for consistency but indicated that the variation is de minimis and practical.

A motion was made by Trustee McCarty and seconded by Trustee Kotynek to approve the ordinance for variation for maximum building coverage / Katherine and Scott Lutzow, 229 S. Ashland Avenue as presented.

Approved by a roll call vote:

Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Kotynek and Kuchler

Nays: Trustee McCarty

Absent: Trustee Holder

B. Award of Contract - Advanced School Crossing Sign / Flasher Installation Along Ogden Avenue

President Livingston asked Trustee Gale to introduce the item. Trustee Gale stated that in 2010 the Village requested that a permanent 20 mph school speed zone be implemented along Ogden Avenue between Park Road and Spring Avenue due to the multiple schools within the corridor that are adjacent to the roadway. IDOT denied the request stating that this stretch of Ogden Avenue does not meet their standards for a school speed zone.

As a next step, the Village sought approval from IDOT for the installation of a flashing yellow beacon mounted above the advanced school crossing signs on Ogden Avenue at Dover and Ashland Avenues. These flashing signs would be activated during school hours to alert motorists of the school zone, similar to the school zone flashers installed on Willow Springs Road adjacent to LTHS South Campus. Funding for the initiative was also identified for the project as a result of a grant provided by State Representative Jim Durkin.

In November 2018, a task order engineering agreement was executed with KLOA to complete the plans and specifications for this project. The plans and specifications were subsequently approved by IDOT in March, 2019. The scope of the work consists of the installation of solar powered flashing beacons on the advance school crossing signs on Ogden Avenue at Dover and Ashland Avenues. Work is anticipated to be completed by September, 2019.

A motion was made by Trustee Gale and seconded by Trustee Kotynek to approve the awarding of contract for the advanced school crossing sign/ flasher installation along Ogden Avenue.

Approved by a roll call vote:

Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Kotynek, Kuchler and McCarty

Nays: None

Absent: Trustee Holder

C. Special Event - 45th Annual Downtown La Grange Craft Fair

President Livingston asked Trustee Kotynek to introduce the item. Trustee Kotynek stated that the La Grange Business Association has requested permission to hold the 45th annual La Grange Art and Craft Show on Friday, July 12th, Saturday, July 13th, and Sunday July 14th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. The Craft Fair will include 200 exhibitors located on the east and west sides of La Grange Road, Harris Avenue, Village parking lots #3 and 4, and Madison Avenue.

The Craft Fair brings thousands of visitors to La Grange and has been ranked as one of the top 100 best juried craft shows in the country. As in the past, the LGBA intends to hire Craft Productions Inc. as the event organizer.

A motion was made by Trustee Kotynek and seconded by Trustee Gale to approve the special event – 45th Annual Downtown La Grange Craft Fair.

Approved by a roll call vote:

Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Kotynek, Kuchler, and McCarty

Nays: None

Absent: Trustee Holder

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA

Jeff Cogelja of 231 S. Ashland requested that the Village Board consider the matter of the legalization of hens again.

President Livingston thanked Mr. Cogelja for his comments.

TRUSTEE COMMENTS

Trustee Kuchler expressed appreciation for those involved in the Pet Parade for a job well done and thanked all of the volunteers who made it possible.

Trustee McCarty thanked the Board and Commissions of the Village for all of the work that they do. He reminded everyone that an Environmental Quality Commission meeting is coming up this Thursday regarding recycling and how to optimize it.

9. CLOSED SESSION

None.

10. ADJOURNMENT 

At 9:21 p.m. Trustee Kotynek made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Gale. Approved by a voice vote.

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