Village of La Grange Board of Trustees met June 22.
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 meeting was called to order at 7:35 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 and McGee with President Kuchler presiding
ABSENT: Trustee McCarty
OTHERS: Village Manager Andrianna Peterson
Village Attorney Mark Burkland (arrived at 7:50 p.m.)
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 stated that he has determined that it would not be practical or prudent to host an in person meeting at this time. He announced that the meeting would be broadcasted on cable, on YouTube, 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.
2. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
President Kuchler expressed appreciation to residents and businesses for continuing to adhere to the Governor's order to remain physically distanced and to wear face coverings. It is exciting to see the support for our retailers and restaurants which have done a great job providing welcoming shopping and dining areas while still adhering to the health and safety parameters under Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois Plan. Governor Pritzker reported today that the State is on track to reach Phase 4 of the Plan on Friday, June 26. New guidance under Phase 4 for various businesses was issued Monday, June 22. The Revitalization Phase of the Restore Illinois Plan includes gatherings of up to 50 people, businesses reopening and increased capacities. Indoor dining can reopen with groups of 10 or less, with tables spaced 6 feet apart and with minimized standing areas. Health and fitness businesses may resume indoor operations at 50% capacity. Retail operations will maintain the current 50% of occupancy and movie theaters will be allowed to operate at a lesser of 50 guests or 50% of overall theater space capacity. We must all continue to social distance, frequently wash our hands and cover our faces to maintain progress in overcoming COVID-19.
The Village's COVID-19 plan provides for the Village Hall to begin reopening with proper health and safety measures after the State reaches Phase 4 under the Restore Illinois plan. Online Village service options will remain available and are encouraged. Residents are also encouraged to please contact the Village Hall via phone or email with any questions. More information regarding the reopening of the Village Hall and guidance for gatherings of under 50 people or less under Phase 4 will be provided on the website and social media as more information becomes available.
Village President Kuchler asked Trustee Holder to introduce Adam Maycock, Interim CEO at Amita Hospital. Trustee Holder stated that Mr. Maycock has been the COO of Amita since January 2017 with direct responsibility for support services and operations.
Adam Maycock, Interim CEO of Amita Hospital, thanked the Village Board for inviting him to attend the meeting. He stated that his previous history with Amita Hospital has left him familiar with the almost 65 years of history of the La Grange Hospital and their mission. He advised that the number of both COVID-19 admissions and discharges are decreasing rapidly into the single digits. Currently, visitor restrictions are still in place but the Hospital is looking at ways to provide some flexibility and scheduled surgeries have increased. Mr. Maycock advised that weekly status calls with area municipalities will continue to monitor the status of COVID-19.
Mr. Maycock encouraged residents who can donate blood to find local blood banks and seek out donation opportunities. He also advised residents who are in need of emergency care to not delay as COVID-19 treatment areas are separated from other hospital areas. Mr. Maycock expressed his thanks to be a part of the community and executive leadership during this time of transition.
President Kuchler thanked Mr. Maycock, his team and the Amita Hospital employees. The Village Board and La Grange community appreciates all of their good work.
President Kuchler announced that the stormwater management task force has been meeting weekly to evaluate stormwater management throughout the Village. Their work is ongoing and more information will be provided in the future. More information regarding stormwater management including Frequently Asked Questions is located on the Village website
President Kuchler thanked the La Grange Business Association and other partners for organizing a safe Outdoor Farmers Market each Thursday morning from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the north side of the Village Hall. He also expressed appreciation to the LGBA for this summer's public art exhibit – “La Grange Rolls With It”. Whimsically painted wheeled party carts are on display in front of businesses. For a fun twist this year, a scavenger hunt has been added so you and your family can find items hidden on the carts. Three winners will be randomly selected to win $100 in La Grange Business Gift Certificates. For a map of the carts and scavenger hunt entry form, please visit the LGBA website at www.lgba.com.
President Kuchler announced that the Village's current participation rate for the census is 73.4%. According to Lyons Township, La Grange continues to be ranked eighth out of 17 Villages in the Township. A complete count is critical to La Grange receiving its fair share of necessary funding for services and projects that benefit La Grange. Please complete the Census today online at my2020census.gov or by phone at 1-844-330-2020. Households that have not responded online or by phone to the Census will receive an in-person follow-up from a Census worker starting in early August. For more information, please visit the Village website at www.villageoflagrange.com/census.
President Kuchler announced that La Grange is proud and fortunate to have residents willing to serve on our voluntary Boards and Commissions. Village governance relies on the active participation of residents volunteering their time and effort to sustain the quality of life in La Grange. Residents are encouraged to apply to serve on our Boards and Commission and become involved with Village Government. More information regarding our Boards and Commissions is available on the Village's website. Please submit an email to mkuchler@villageoflagrange.com or to apeterson@villageoflagrange.com with background and a letter of interest for consideration.
MANAGER'S REPORT
Village Manager Andrianna Peterson announced that the Village's refuse contract will change from Republic to Flood Brothers on August 1. Under the new program, residents will still be able to choose to dispose of their waste using the sticker program or a two-wheeled cart program in a variety of additional size options. Residents eligible for curbside refuse pick-up should have received a letter from Flood Brothers and the Village with initial information introducing Flood Brothers and describing two-wheeled cart options. Information has been included on the Village's website, including a video describing two-wheeled cart sizes, to assist residents choosing the two-wheeled cart option. Flood Brothers has advised that the on-line system to create a profile is not fully available and requests that residents call their Customer Service Department at 630-261-0400 to receive an access code for online sign up. Residents can also sign up by calling Flood Brothers, sending in the paper form or e-mailing Flood at lagrange@floodbrothersdisposal.com. More information regarding the new program, including Frequently Asked Questions, will be provided over the next few weeks.
Ms. Peterson noted that residents with autopay options from Republic Services may have received a bill that extends beyond July 31. Residents on auto-pay should have received a phone call from Republic to disregard any bills issued in error and stating that no late fees will be assessed. Replacement bills will be provided to cover the period ending July 31. For residents that receive a paper bill, please disregard the bill and a new statement will be issued to reflect payment only until the end of July. For specific questions regarding Republic billing, please contact their customer service department at 708-345-7050. Billing through Flood Brothers for residents selecting a two wheeled cart option will begin in mid-August and will be billed quarterly. For more information regarding the Village's refuse program, please visit the Village's website.
Village Manager Peterson announced that the Village Hall will be closed for services on Friday, July 3 in observance of the Independence Day Holiday. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, July 6. Online options are available on the Village's website. A full complement of emergency response personnel will be available throughout the holiday.
READING OF PUBLIC COMMENTS SUBMITTED TO VILLAGE
Village President Kuchler asked Village Manager Peterson if any comments had been received. Village Manager Andrianna Peterson advised that two comments had been received and proceeded to read the submitted comments
Alexandra Richardson of DxU Architects, submitted comments thanking the Village Board for considering their Design Review Permit for Fannie May.
John Pappas, 504 7th Avenue, submitted comments thanking the Village Board and staff for their work in negotiating and implementing a new Refuse Contract with Flood Brothers Disposal Company. He noted that recycling and sustainability are important to him and he appreciated the many new options provided to residents at a lower cost through the new contract.
CONSENT AGENDA AND VOTE
A. Ordinance – Design Review Permit #112 – 2 South La Grange Road, Fannie May
B. Highway Authority Agreement – 408 E. Cossitt – No Further Remediation
C. Ordinance – Property Disposal – Police Department
D. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Monday, June 8, 2020
E. Consolidated Voucher 200622
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 Augustine inquired if Item A - Design Review Permit #112 for Fannie May would be switching from the classic Fannie May branding and if so, if we were aware of other locations switching their façades as well. Community Development Director Jones advised that Fannie May had applied for a design review permit as there was wear on the current façade and they wished to update the design and look comparable to the materials that were used in the original installation. Fannie May is also remodeling the interior of the store.
Trustee Holder inquired if Fannie May was a corporate or franchise location. Ms. Jones responded that she believed it is a corporate location and noted that the proposed remodeling was being driven by corporate.
President Kuchler inquired if the awnings would be removed as part of the update. Ms. Jones responded that they would be removed and that the existing awnings are low and difficult to address during winter snow removal activities.
President Kuchler inquired if the signage would be updated at the location. Ms. Jones responded that the signage would be updated but it does not require a design review permit because the submitted plans comply with our Zoning requirements. The proposed signs are anticipated to remain similar to the current signage.
Trustee Holder inquired as to the three colors utilized in the rebranding specifically asking where the black would be located. Ms. Jones responded that the trim at the top will be black and it will include a border line between the first and second floors.
A motion was made by Trustee Holder to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, seconded by Trustee Kotynek.
Approved by a roll call vote:
Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Holder, Kotynek and McGee
Nays: None
Absent: Trustee McCarty
CURRENT BUSINESS
None,
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
Trustee Kotynek thanked President Kuchler for his hard work. He noted that President Kuchler assumed the role of President recently and he handled hurdles that have risen in the last three months extremely well. Trustee Kotynek thanked him for his leadership and noted that he was doing a great job balancing the responsibilities.
Trustee Holder echoed Trustee Kotynek's comments and thanked President Kuchler for the fine job he has been doing these past three months. He also thanked Trustee McGee for jumping into the Trustee role and providing guidance, leadership and words of strength, especially during the recent demonstrations.
Trustee Augustine voiced her support for President Kuchler, Trustee McGee and staff. She also thanked the La Grange Hospital for their leadership and investment in La Grange. In addition, she thanked Fannie Mae for their continued investment in La Grange.
President Kuchler thanked Trustee McGee, Amita Hospital and Fannie Mae.
CLOSED SESSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:16 p.m. Trustee Kotynek made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Holder.
Approved by a roll call vote:
Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Holder, Kotynek and McGee
Nays: None
Absent: Trustee McCarty
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