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Village of La Grange Board of Trustees met June 24.

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 7:30 p.m. by Village President, Thomas Livingston. On roll call, as read by Deputy Village Clerk Andrianna Peterson, the following were:

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

ABSENT: Clerk Burns and Trustee Kotynek

OTHERS: Village Manager Andrianna Peterson 

Village Attorney Mark Burkland 

Public Works Director Ryan Gillingham 

Community Development Director Charity Jones 

Finance Director Lou Cipparrone 

Police Chief Kurt Bluder 

Fire Chief Terrence Vavra

President Livingston asked Deputy Village Clerk Andrianna Peterson to lead the audience in reciting the pledge of allegiance.

2. PRESIDENT'S REPORT

President Livingston announced that the next Village Board meeting will take place Monday, July 8.

President Livingston stated that at the last meeting, the Village had a preliminary discussion regarding the various aspects of video gaming. The Village Board is continuing to review and listen to feedback.

A. Appointments and Re-appointments – Advisory Boards and Commissions

President Livingston presented the proposed transfer of Paul Kerpan to the Zoning Board of Appeals, the transfer of Tom Levato to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners and the reappointment of Peter O'Connor to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

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

B. Appointment and Oath of Office - Terrence Vavra, Fire Chief

President Livingston announced that with the retirement of Fire Chief Don Gay last month, the Village Board conducted a public search process for his replacement. All of the finalists were highly qualified and would have been an asset to the Village and the Fire Department. However, Chief Terrence Vavra was determined to best meet the Village's needs at this time. Chief Vavra possesses outstanding qualifications with significant expertise in training and modern fire principles. He is committed to staff development, community engagement and building upon the positive reputation that the La Grange Fire Department has both regionally and state-wide. He noted the members of the Fire Department and other esteemed Fire professionals from the region, who were in attendance.

President Livingston requested a motion for the approval of the appointment of Terrence Vavra as Fire Chief.

A motion was made by Trustee Holder to appoint Terrence Vavra as the next Fire Chief, seconded by Trustee Kuchler. Motion carried.

President Livingston asked Chief Vavra to step forward along with his family and he administered the oath of office.

President Livingston recognized former Village Presidents Asperger and Hanson, as well as former Trustee Langan and thanked them for attending the meeting.

3. MANAGER'S REPORT

Manager Peterson announced that work removing the existing public parking lot at Madison and Harris (Lot 8), including the asphalt surface and subgrade, began this week. Work also continued at the parking lot on Harris and 6th Avenues. Both parking lot projects continue to be on schedule with an anticipated completion at the end of July. Alternative parking areas are available and a free temporary valet station at Harris and Madison Avenues is being provided along with the two other free valet stations on Friday and Saturday evenings. More information regarding parking during the work is available on the Village's website and social media.

As IDOT completes the final surface course on La Grange Road south of 47th Street, IDOT has agreed to wait to begin milling operations on La Grange Road through downtown until after the Craft Show. This work is expected to begin the week of July 15 and take approximately two months to complete.

Manager Peterson announced that M/I Homes indicated that they will be ready to begin conducting mass grading of the former Masonic Home site the week of June 24 in order to build 12 new single family homes and 58 townhomes. Grading work is estimated to be completed at the end of July. Installation of the underground utilities are scheduled to begin the week of July 8 and conclude in mid-August. Paving of the roads within the subdivision are tentatively scheduled to begin at the end of July and be completed by September. M/I Homes is distributing notices to surrounding residents, notifying them of the upcoming construction activities and schedule. All construction traffic will enter and exit the site from Bluff Avenue, to minimize impacts as much as possible.

Manager Peterson announced that the Village Hall would be closed on Thursday, July 4, 2019 in observance of the Independence Day Holiday. A full complement of public safety personnel will be available in the event of an emergency. Regular business hours will resume on Friday, July 5, 2019.

4. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS None.

5. CONSENT AGENDA AND VOTE 

A. Ordinance - Plat of Resubdivision for 4 Calle View Drive / Douglas Brown

B. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Monday, June 10, 2019

C. Consolidated Voucher 190624

A motion was made by Trustee Holder and seconded by Trustee McCarty 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, Holder, Kuchler, and McCarty

Nays: None

Absent: Trustee Kotynek

6. CURRENT BUSINESS

None.

7. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA

Resident Tim Sheldon, 449 S. 7th Avenue, commented that an informal video gaming poll on the social media site "Next Door” had received responses from 155 respondents. 88% of respondents were against video gaming while 12% were in favor of video gaming.

Resident Tim Hanson, 74 S. 7th Avenue, commented that there is no lack of video gaming options in the area and when La Grange revitalized it was with the recognition of the values of quality and class. He does not believe that video gaming has a part to play in our community.

Resident Liz Asperger, 301 S. Waiola, agreed with resident Tim Hanson and stated that video gaming does not fit with the unique character of the Village of La Grange. She stated that La Grange has received many accolades for having the best suburban downtown and family friendly appeal. She thanked the Village Board for opening up the discussion to the community as it reflects good governance.

Resident Mark Langan, 601 9th Avenue, agreed with resident Liz Asperger that opening the discussion to the community demonstrates good governance. He stated that as a community La Grange is vibrant and family oriented which does not align with video gaming. Many

communities have demonstrated leadership by continuing to deny it.

President Livingston thanked the residents for coming in and providing feedback on this issue. He stated that the Village Board is continuing to listen.

8. TRUSTEE COMMENTS

Trustee McCarty thanked the residents for their comments in regards to video gaming.

9. CLOSED SESSION

None.

10. ADJOURNMENT

At 7:58 p.m. Trustee Holder made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Gale. Approved by a voice vote.

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