Village of La Grange Board of Trustees met Aug. 26.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
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, Holder, Kotynek and Kuchler, with President Livingston presiding.
ABSENT:
Trustee McCarty
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 Village Clerk John Burns to lead the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
President Livingston announced that as part of our “Be the Change, Travel Safe in La Grange” traffic safety campaign, he would like to remind the public that this past week marks the return to school for the elementary and high school students in La Grange. Traffic and pedestrian safety is a priority for the Village. This fall, new signs will be installed on Ogden Avenue reminding motorists to slow down and be aware of pedestrians within the school zone. IDOT has also installed new signage at La Grange Road and Ogden Avenue, reminding motorists not to block the pedestrian crossing. For more information regarding the campaign as well as motorist and pedestrian safety tips, please visit the Village's website.
President Livingston thanked the La Grange Business Association and the Park District of La Grange for the successful Endless Summerfest the weekend of August 2. These events take a lot of work and he thanked all the volunteers, public safety and public works personnel who worked to make the event happen.
President Livingston thanked the Village Board, La Grange Business Association, businesses and staff for the 140th Celebration held on August 8. The event included distinguished guests such as Congressman Lipinski who provided remarks which were entered into the Congressional Record honoring residents of La Grange on their 140ch Anniversary as a Village. Senator Curran and also past president Tim Hansen attended - along with Trustees and many volunteer Board and Commission members. President Livingston recognized Aracelys Bakery for the showstopper cake depicting the Village Hall and fountain, Float 416 for the balloon arch which graced our front doors and to Tate's, who designed a signature ice cream flavor – "Cossitt's Key Lime” to recognize the event. Many organizations that serve La Grange were also there including the Park District, Library and Historical Society. The MWRD will also be recognizing the Village's anniversary at an upcoming meeting on September 5.
President Livingston announced that at the May 13 Village Board Meeting, the Village Board approved a plat of subdivision for the new Mason Pointe development at the former La Grange Masonic Children's Home on 47th Street. He noted that it is not often that the Village Board gets the opportunity to name new streets in a community like La Grange. Ashley Avenue is named after Albert Ashley who was the first Grand Master (President) of the Illinois Masons and was responsible for moving the Children's Home from Chicago to La Grange over 100 years ago. Filson Avenue is named after William Filson who was superintendent of the Children's Home from 1959 to 1985 and was the Mason responsible for moving the children from the building at 338 9" Avenue (now Meadowbrook Manor) into the cottages to the south. The third street, Hansen Avenue, was named in recognition of Timothy Hansen, the Village's longest serving Village President. President Livingston stated that the Village Board wanted to recognize the efforts of these individuals in shaping La Grange's history and thank them for their service. President Livingston recognized Tim Hansen and also Jim Filson, the son of William Filson who were in attendance.
President Livingston recognized the retirement of Pastor Reverend Dr. Theodore Moran from the Davis Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church of La Grange. The Davis Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church is embarking upon 125 years of service to our community. He wished Pastor Reverend Dr. Theodore Moran congratulations on his retirement and to the church for their 125 years as a spiritual home and community anchor.
President Livingston announced that the Historical Society has several upcoming events including "Hometown Trivia - La Grange Then and Now” at Fourteen Sixteen restaurant rooftop on August 28 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the “Home and History” Tour on September 14 from 12 p. m. to 5 p.m. where guests visit five unique homes and historic buildings to learn the history of the properties, and “Discussion of Lost Found: The Legacy of USS LaGarto” on September 15 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information regarding these events, please visit the La Grange Historical Society website at www.lagrangehistory.org.
President Livingston stated that after consulting with the Village Board and the Community and Economic Development Commission, La Grange will stay opted out of video gaming for the foreseeable future. As the Village has already opted out, it does not require a second vote. The various discussion and input on this topic was appreciated and after the work of the Illinois Legislature to expand gaming State-wide it was reasonable to reassess. This is now considered a settled matter and the Village Board will not be setting a timetable at this time for future consideration.
A. Proclamation - CommUNITY Diversity Group 28th Annual Race Unity Rally
President Livingston asked John Burns to read a proclamation for the CommUNITY Diversity Group 28th Annual Diversity Days in La Grange beginning Friday, September 6. The weekend of events will include a free movie at the La Grange Public Library beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, September 6 and a Race Unity Rally at 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 8 in the La Grange Village Hall Auditorium.
Trustee Holder made a motion to approve the proclamation declaring Sunday, September 8 as Race Unity Day in La Grange, seconded by Trustee Gale. Motion carried on a voice vote.
B. Appointment - Peter O'Connor, Plan Commission.
Trustee Holder made a motion to approve the transfer of Peter O'Connor to the Plan Commission from the Zoning Board of Appeals, seconded by Trustee Gale. Motion carried on a voice vote.
C. Resolution of Appreciation - Retiring Police Sergeant Miles Odom
President Livingston asked Trustee Augustine to read the Resolution of Appreciation into the record. Trustee Holder made a motion to approve the Resolution of Appreciation for retiring Police Sergeant Odom, seconded by Trustee Kotynek. Motion carried on a voice vote.
D. Resolution of Appreciation - Retiring Police Sergeant Tom Cimbalista
President Livingston asked Trustee Kotynek to read the Resolution of Appreciation into the record. Trustee Holder made a motion to approve the Resolution of Appreciation for retiring Police Sergeant Cimbalista, seconded by Trustee Kotynek. Motion carried on a voice vote.
E. Resolution of Appreciation - Retiring Police Sergeant Erik Berg
President Livingston asked Trustee Kuchler to read the Resolution of Appreciation into the record. Trustee Holder made a motion to approve the Resolution of Appreciation for retiring Police Sergeant Berg, seconded by Trustee Kotynek. Motion carried on a voice vote.
F. Appointment and Oath of Office – Ken Uher, Police Sergeant
President Livingston invited Clerk Burns to administer the Oath of Office to Police Sergeant Ken Uher.
G. Appointment and Oath of Office - Adam Coleman, Police Sergeant
President Livingston invited Clerk Burns to administer the Oath of Office to Police Sergeant Adam Coleman.
MANAGER'S REPORT
Manager Peterson announced that the Village Hall will be closed on Monday, September 2 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, September 3.
Manager Peterson announced that in observance of the Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 2 residential refuse collection service will take place one day later than regularly scheduled during that week.
Manager Peterson stated that also due to the Labor Day holiday, the next free monthly brush pickup for La Grange residents will begin on Tuesday, September 3.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS None.
CONSENT AGENDA AND VOTE A. Ordinance – Design Review Permit #109 – 8 West Harris Avenue, The Darling Shop
B. Ordinance – Design Review Permit #110 - 8 West Burlington, Anecdote Home
C. Agreement – Metropolitan Mayors Caucus - Community Solar Clearinghouse Solution Program
D. Agreement - Loan Subordination – 715 S. Madison Avenue
E. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Monday, July 8, 2019
F. Consolidated Voucher 190722
G. Consolidated Voucher 190812
H. Consolidated Voucher 190826
A motion was made by Trustee Holder and seconded by Trustee Gale to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Trustee Kotynek inquired if the CDBG loan was the only loan on the property. Finance Director Cipparrone responded that it was and that it was a long term receivable.
Trustee Holder inquired if the Zoning code allows for solar panels. Community Director Jones stated that the Zoning Code allows for the use of solar panels with some limitations. The use of solar panels will be evaluated further with the comprehensive Zoning Code updates in the future.
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: Nays: Absent:
Trustees Augustine, Gale, Holder, Kotynek, and Kuchler None Trustee McCarty
CURRENT BUSINESS
A. Special Event - La Grange Business Association “West End Art Festival”
President Livingston asked Trustee Kuchler to introduce the item. Trustee Kuchler stated that the La Grange Business Association is seeking approval to conduct the 24th annual "West End Art Festival." The festival is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sunday September 8th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The event will celebrate performance and culinary arts in addition to the annual juried fine art show. The Art of Music Tent will feature live jazz entertainment throughout the weekend in coordination with WDCB Jazz Radio. The Culinary Arts Tent will offer cooking demonstrations from local chefs. Returning for its third year, the Art of Wine tent will offer wine tastings; participants will purchase an entry ticket entitling them to sample various wines and receive a souvenir glass. Free guided tours of the historic Stone Avenue Train Station will be led by the La Grange Historical Society on Saturday. On Sunday, Bottle and Bottega will offer guided painting classes in the style of Bob Ross inside the train station. The La Grange Art League and the Park District of La Grange will host interactive art activities and crafts for children throughout the event.
The 2019 Summer Art Series “Fun & Games in La Grange” will conclude with a live and silent auction of hand-painted game tables at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. Funds raised from the sale of the game tables will benefit area charitable organizations.
A motion was made by Trustee Kuchler and seconded by Trustee Holder to approve the special event – La Grange Business Association “West End Art Festival”.
Approved by a roll call vote:
Aves: Nays: Absent:
Trustees Augustine, Gale, Holder, Kotynek, and Kuchler Trustees Augustine ( None Trustee McCarty
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
A resident requested a stop sign at 7th and Cossitt as she is concerned that traffic in the intersection is speeding and there have been recent accidents.
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
Trustee Augustine and Trustee Holder thanked past elected officials for their contributions.
Trustee Holder noted that children were back in school and that the Village should consider additional enforcement efforts at the railroad tracks.
Trustee Holder also thanked those involved in Endless Summerfest.
CLOSED SESSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:22 p.m. Trustee Holder made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Gale. Approved by a voice vote.
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