Sangamon Sun

Village of La Grange Board of Trustees met April 27.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

The Board of Trustees of the Village of La Grange special meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m. by Village President, Mark Kuchler. On roll call, as read by Village Clerk John Burns, the following were:

PRESENT:

Trustees Augustine, Gale, Holder, Kotynek, McCarty and McGee with President Kuchler presiding.

ABSENT:

None

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 Kuchler thanked Trustees for attending the meeting and stated that the meeting was being held by telephone as a result of Governor Pritzker's emergency Coronavirus related actions to ease the standards for municipal open meetings as a result of the unusual and difficult circumstances. He announced that the meeting would be broadcasted on cable, on Facebook and on the Village website. Residents were encouraged to submit public comments on the agenda via email or telephone prior to the meeting.

President Kuchler welcomed new Trustee Shawana McGee to the Village Board.

2. PRESIDENT'S REPORT

President Kuchler stated that Governor Pritzker has announced his intention to extend the Stay-at-Home Order through the end of May. There was a legal challenge to his Order, and the Village will monitor the outcome. The final text of the Order has not yet been provided. We understand that the extension will require face coverings to be worn in a public place anytime that six feet of distance from others cannot be maintained. Face coverings will be required in indoor places such as grocery stores and pharmacies. The requirement applies to all individuals over the age of two who are medically able to tolerate a face covering or mask. If you must visit an essential business, it is important that you maintain distancing and wear face coverings as recommended to protect yourself and others. The CDC reports that even those who do not have symptoms can transmit the virus and the La Grange Hospital continues to encourage residents to stay at home and follow the state orders. The cloth face coverings recommended are not N-95 nor surgical masks but can be fashioned from household items using common materials. A number of COVID-19 videos have been posted to the Village's cable television channels including how to make your own face covering.

President Kuchler announced that the extension of the order also allows non-essential businesses to offer curbside pick-up and delivery options beginning May 1. Our restaurants have expressed their deep appreciation to area residents for the outpouring of support during this time. Please continue to support La Grange businesses through curbside pick-up and delivery options as often as possible. As we settle into the month of May, it is critical that everyone continues to practice physical distancing while still maintaining social connections with families and communities. The Village website includes a number of options available for residents that want to volunteer or help during this crisis. This is an extremely challenging time for everyone, and while our routines are being tested, requiring us to adjust to new norms, he urged residents to please take comfort in knowing that their diligence in adhering to the Orders was saving lives. President Kuchler stated that he is extremely grateful and proud of our residents, businesses, medical professionals, first responders and the La Grange community for how we are handling the crisis together. He also thanked staff for going above and beyond during this time.

President Kuchler asked Trustee Holder to provide an update regarding the AMITA La Grange Hospital. Trustee Holder noted that there have been three million confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide and stressed that continued social distancing is necessary. He noted that between 25%-50% of positive tests may be asymptomatic which is why it is essential that we practice social distancing to avoid spreading it. Trustee Holder stated that the CEO of the La Grange Hospital expressed deep appreciation to the residents of La Grange for their support and encouragement during this time. He stressed that the Hospital has continued to provide a safe environment for testing and treatment by utilizing masks, hygiene and appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

In the past two weeks the situation has been relatively stable at the Hospital. The Illinois Department of Public Health has stated that over the next few months, elective surgeries will be able to be scheduled. The Hospital is working on developing antibody testing and slowing the spread is still critical as we try to avoid a renewed surge in cases.

President Kuchler thanked Trustee Holder for the information and stressed that La Grange is proud of the highly ranked Hospital in our community.

President Kuchler announced that on May 1, the Lyons Township Area Communications Center (LTACC) and its member communities, will be migrating to a new emergency notification system called Rave Alert, Smart 911. If you are not already signed up for the new system, please do so as soon as soon as possible. Rave Alert/Smart 911 is a free service that allows individuals to receive alerts to the public during emergencies. Subscribers receive customizable community notifications regarding severe weather, safety, health and more. To subscribe to the free service, please visit the Village website.

President Kuchler announced the Village's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (also known as our annual financial audit) for the year ending April 30, 2019 was awarded the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by the Village. Receipt of the Certificate of Achievement recognizes that the Village has met the high national standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive spirit of full disclosure to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users to read the financial statements. This marks the 25th consecutive year the Village has received this prestigious award.

President Kuchler announced that Deputy Chief Andy Peters will be retiring on May 15 after almost 25 years of dedicated service to the Village of La Grange. Deputy Chief Peters has served in many different roles through his career with the La Grange Police Department including as a DARE Officer, Squad Leader, Patrol Sergeant, Police Pension Board member, department instructor and most recently as Deputy Chief. He has also received the Chief's Award of Valor and the Michael P. Gordon Memorial Foundation's True Blue Award for his actions during the Harris Bank Robbery in October, 2005. Deputy Chief Peters served in the United States Air Force and also with the Cook County Sheriff's Department before coming to La Grange. His commitment to public service is evident and to be commended. We appreciate and thank Deputy Chief Peters for his service to La Grange and congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement.

MANAGER'S REPORT

Village Manager Andrianna Peterson announced that as a water supplier, the Village is required to provide an annual report to residents detailing information about the source of our drinking water, water testing results, and other pertinent information. Safe, clean drinking water is a significant priority of the Village. We are pleased to report that the Village has met all of the standards established by regulatory agencies. The report has been posted to the Village's website under “Water Services” and a link is also provided on water billing directing water customers to the report.

Manager Peterson announced that the Ashland Avenue Railroad Crossing Replacement Project previously planned by the BNSF Railroad to begin this week has been postponed to the week of May 1 to May 9. The crossing will be closed during the work and motorists are asked to follow signage directing them to alternative crossings such as Kensington Avenue to the west and La Grange Road to the east. For more information, please visit the Village website,

READING OF PUBLIC COMMENTS SUBMITTED TO VILLAGE

None.

CONSENT AGENDA AND VOTE 

A. Purchase – Parking Department Vehicle #510 – Police Department Vehicle

Ordinance - Disposal of Vehicle

B. Purchase – Replacement of Squad #500 Administrative Vehicle - Police Department

C. Purchase – Small Skid Steer and Pickup Truck – Public Works Department

Ordinance - Disposal of Vehicle

D. Purchase – Type III Ambulance – Fire Department

Ordinance – Disposal of Vehicle

E. Agreement - Engineering Services – 2020 Sewer Televising Program

F. Agreement – Professional Services Extension – Traffic Engineering Services

G. Resolution - Approving and Authorizing the Execution of an Updated Version of an

Intergovernmental Agreement Entered into by the Villages of La Grange, La Grange Park, and Western Springs Relative to an Intergovernmental Agreement Cooperative Venture known as the Lyons Township Area Communications Center for Operation and Maintenance of a Combined Dispatch and Communication System

H. Resolution - Budget Amendments for Fiscal Year Ending April 30, 2020

I. Ordinance – Disposal of Surplus Property – Police Department

J. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Special Meeting, Monday, April 13, 2020

K. Consolidated Voucher 200427

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.

Trustee Holder thanked the staff for investing in hybrid vehicles in the Police Department.

Trustee Holder inquired as to why the Village chose to extend the Agreement regarding Professional Services for Traffic Engineering rather than locking in the agreement for a longer time. Public Works Director Gillingham responded that the contract is negotiated without a specific project in mind and it sets terms and conditions only.

Trustee McCarty commended staff on extending vehicle life through good care as it results in for a longer life span of a vehicle. He also noted that moving to a Prius for the parking division is a great choice as it is environmentally friendly.

A motion was made by Trustee Holder to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, seconded by Trustee McCarty.

Approved by a roll call vote:

Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Holder, Kotynek, McCarty and McGee

Nays: None

Absent: None

CURRENT BUSINESS 

A. Resolution - Approving the FY 2020-21 Operating and Capital Improvements Budget

President Kuchler asked Trustee Augustine to introduce the item. Trustee Augustine stated that the budget is the Village's most important policy document as it sets forth the Village's spending priorities over the next 5 years and how those priorities will be funded. The budget process began in November 2019 with a pre-budget development workshop that included pension funding and consideration of the preliminary property tax levy, adoption of the final 2019 property tax levy in December, a workshop to discuss

Since the budget workshop in March, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a growing impact on the national, state and local economy. As a result, it is anticipated that Village revenues will be negatively impacted by the outbreak. At this time the overall impact and changing economic conditions resulting from COVID-19 remain unknown. As there continues to be uncertainty about the duration and impact of the pandemic on the local economy, major changes to the proposed operating budget discussed at the budget workshop on March 7 are not recommended at this time.

After receiving feedback from the Village Board, the scheduled increases for parking violations/fines and residential/commuter parking decals included in the preliminary budget are proposed to be postponed due to the financial impact from the COVID-19 virus on Village residents.

As capital improvements continue to remain a strategic priority for the Village Board as well as the focus of feedback from concerned residents, we are not at this time recommending deferring the neighborhood road projects that are identified in the FY 2020-21 budget. As requested by the Village Board at the Budget Workshop, we are recommending that if favorable bids are received from the street resurfacing program this year, any available remaining funding would be identified for street patching as an alternate bid item.

The Village will continue to seek reimbursement and financial assistance from Federal and State government sources using all programs available. It is important to note that this funding is not guaranteed and therefore we cannot rely on receipt of funding at this time. However, we are monitoring efforts by the Illinois Municipal League as they pursue funding allocations for municipalities. We will also continue to closely monitor the changing conditions and will provide the Village Board with updated recommendations and revenue projections from the Illinois Municipal League as they are received. The Village Board has the ability to adjust the budget during the year as more information regarding the impacts of the crisis are known.

The other adjustment reflected in the proposed budget is the reduction in health insurance expenditures from a 2.9% increase to 1.1% based on the final premium renewal, which positively impacts all Village operating departments and Enterprise Funds. If it is the consensus of the Village Board in the future to revise the FY 2020-21 budget to reflect known conditions or updated information related to the COVID-19 virus; or increase/decrease operating and/or capital expenditures, a budget amendment can be approved at a later date during the new fiscal year.

The budget reflects a projected surplus of $10,990 in the General Fund at the end of the fiscal year ending April 30, 2021. Partially offsetting the surplus is a proposed expenditure related to the Comprehensive Plan update, reduced interest income projections, and reduced state simplified taxes. At the end of FY 2020-21, we anticipate a fund balance of 59.7%. To offset General Fund expenses in the aggregate, the budget reflects the use of the Village's IRMA credit (Excess Surplus Fund) in the amount of $25,000 for each of the next five fiscal years.

Trustee McCarty thanked staff for their work on the budget, especially with the unique challenges that have been presented with the COVID-19 crisis.

A motion was made by Trustee Augustine to approve the FY 2020-2021 Operating and Capital Improvements Budget as presented, seconded by Trustee Kotynek.

Approved by a roll call vote:

Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Holder, Kotynek, McCarty and McGee

Nays: None

Absent: None

TRUSTEE COMMENTS

Trustee Gale welcomed new Trustee Shawana McGee and stated that he was looking forward to working with her on the Village Board.

Trustee Augustine thanked both Department Heads and staff for their hard work. She stated that their behind the scenes' efforts are seen and appreciated. She also welcomed Trustee McGee to the Village Board and is excited to see how she will continue to serve the Village in this new capacity.

ADJOURNMENT 

At 8:21 p.m. Trustee Kotynek made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Holder. Approved by a voice vote.

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