Village of La Grange Board of Trustees met July 13.
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 7:34 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 McCarty with President Kuchler presiding
ABSENT: Trustee McGee
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 welcomed the Village Board back to in-person meetings and thanked Trustees for attending the meeting which has been modified to adjust for social distancing and the wearing of face coverings. He reminded everyone to stay six feet apart and wear a mask at all times while in the Village IIall. The video of the mccting was broadcasted on cablc television, YouTube, and will also be available on Facebook and posted to the Village website. Residents were encouraged to submit public comments on the agenda via email or telephone prior to the meeting. President Kuchler noted that Trustee McGee was unable to attend due to a family emergency.
2. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
President Kuchler reported that on Friday, July 10, a domestic homicide occurred at 355 Bluff involving an adult son who fatally shot his mother's long-time boyfriend. DeAngelo Hughes was charged with first-degree murder and is being held at the Cook County jail without bond. The Village also experienced several vehicular accidents over the weekend, including one at the intersection of Harris Avenue and La Grange Road where a car drove up onto the corner near Starbucks. This is the second time in the last few weeks that the Village had an accident at that corner. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured and the Village will study the intersection to determine if additional safety measures are warranted. In the meantime, he urged everyone to please slow down when driving in La Grange.
President Kuchler reminded residents that everyone must continue to wear face coverings to protect themselves and others when in public. La Grange residents and businesses are doing a great job, however, it is important that we all continue to stay the course and work together so that our first responders and hospitals can maintain operations and are not overwhelmed. He asked Trustee Bill Holder to provide an update regarding the hospital.
Trustee Holder thanked President Kuchler and noted that Amita Hospital has been in the community for 65 years. He noted that Interim CEO Adam Maycock was officially named CEO on Sunday, July 12. The hospital has observed that the number of both COVID-19 admissions and discharges have decreased into the single digits. He urged residents to continue to stay vigilant and careful, respecting the distance that others deserve in order to keep the curve flat in Illinois and avoiding the surge other States are currently experiencing. He urged residents to use the resources of the hospital and their physicians if they are needed and stressed that procedures to keep patients distanced from COVID-19 patients are in place.
Trustee Holder also reported that there is confusion surrounding the number of reported cases within La Grange. He explained that cases are reported by zip code and while La Grange falls within the 60525 zip code, so do several other municipalities and unincorporated La Grange Highlands, which brings the total population to over 30,000 people, twice the amount of the La Grange population of 15,440. He also noted that while nursing homes report daily, the State is not required to update their website as frequently. He asked that residents keep these factors in mind when reviewing the number of cases reported.
President Kuchler thanked Trustee Holder and the Amita Hospital employees. He noted that the Village Board and La Grange community appreciates all of their good work.
President Kuchler announced that the Village's current participation rate for the census is 73.8%, essentially a “C” grade. According to Lyon's Township, La Grange is ranked eighth out of 17 Villages in the Township. He encouraged residents to push to become number one 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. He urged residents to please complete the Census today online at my2020census.gov or by phone at 1-844-330-2020 as it only takes a few short minutes. 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 the Liquor Commission met last Wednesday to consider an A 2 Liquor License application for the new owners of Woow Sushi Japanese Restaurant at 35 S. La Grange Road. The owners are Wei Biao and Cuiping Chen. President Kuchler thanked them for their investment. Mr. Biao was the head chef for many years and was in attendance. He noted that the members of the Liquor Commission are also available to answer any questions.
President Kuchler announced that the Village Board meetings scheduled for Monday, July 27, 2020 and also August 10, 2020 have been cancelled. The next regularly scheduled Village Board Meeting will be Monday, August 24, 2020 in the Village Hall auditorium.
President Kuchler announced that the Village Board would be meeting in Closed Session after the Village Board meeting concluded. The Village continues to evaluate various studies concerning flooding. All options are being considered and further details will be reported as they become available.
A. Appointments and Re-appointments – Advisory Boards and Commissions
President Kuchler advised that a list of recommended appointments and re-appointments for advisory boards and commissions is presented for the Village Board's consideration.
Trustee Holder made a motion to approve the appointments and re-appointments seconded by Trustee Augustine. Motion carried on a voice vote.
B. Trustee Assignments
President Kuchler noted that there was one change to be made to the Trustee assignments. He recommends that Trustee Holder be assigned Economic Development for meeting presentations and Trustee Augustine will be responsible for meeting presentations concerning Planning and Zoning.
C. Annual Appointment of Village Officials
Trustee Holder made a motion to approve the appointments as revised, seconded by Trustee McCarty. Motion carried on a voice vote.
3. MANAGER'S REPORT
Village Manager Andrianna Peterson announced that Com Ed has been working closely with the Village to develop a construction plan for the installation of underground conduits and equipment in the area of Ashland, Calendar, Harris and Village Parking Lot 5. The scope of work includes upgrading the current electrical system from 4kV to 12kV and is planned as a result of resident and business concerns in order to improve electrical system reliability in the Village. The work will require construction in the affected roadways and then restoration of roadways and alleys. Work is expected to begin shortly and be completed before the start of school. All streets are to remain open during construction and work is expected to take place between 7 a.m, and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Com Ed has coordinated with adjacent businesses and is making accommodations as needed. Construction notices will be finalized and sent out this week with more details. Additional information will be posted to the Village's website when available.
Ms. Peterson noted that the Village's refuse program will switch to Flood Brothers Disposal, effective August 1, 2020. Single and two family households will continue to have the option of choosing a two-wheeled cart or using the volume-based waste sticker program for refuse, recycling and yard waste. Collection days will also remain the same on Monday for residents north of 47th Street and Thursday for residents south of 47th Street. Residents have received correspondence from Flood Brothers regarding the transition process and information regarding the new program amenities. A second letter and packet of information will be sent to eligible households this week, providing more information regarding program options, recycling and composting. Residents are asked to select their preferences and provide profile information on line - lagrange@floodbrothersdisposal.com. Residents may also call Flood Brothers at 630-261 0400. Residents selecting a two-wheeled cart option will begin to receive them over the next 2-3 weeks. Republic Services is scheduled to remove any current two-wheeled carts after resident's last scheduled service day – Monday July 27 or Thursday July 30. For more information, please visit the Village's website at www.villageoflagrange.com.
PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
Becky and Harold Lorentzen, 103 E. Cossitt, spoke on behalf of the La Grange CommUnity Diversity Group. Mrs. Lorentzen stated that they appreciated the Village Board's willingness to work with them over the years to make La Grange a better place to live. She announced that the CommUnity Diversity Group has created a Book Club in which they will be reading “How to Be An Anti-Racist” by Ibram X. Kendi. She asked that interested individuals read the book over the summer and then attend discussion groups in September. She asked that residents visit their website to learn more.
Resident Maureen Napleton, 545 Sunset Road, expressed frustration regarding the flooding that occurred in May. She noted that she spoke with members of the Village Board and Public Works Director Gillingham after the flooding occurred and thanked them for their time. She stated that there needs to be additional flood mitigation efforts outside of the 50th Street sewer project. She suggested a meeting prior to the next August Board meeting where residents can ask questions, share ideas and receive updates from the Village Board on actions taken. President Kuchler thanked Ms. Mapleton for her comments. He noted that it may be difficult to meet with a large group due to the social distancing requirements needed, but appreciates the input and reiterated the Village Board's willingness to help of all La Grange residents. Currently, a group of Village Trustees are focused on studying flood mitigation and continue to work to find the best solution for La Grange.
Village President Kuchler asked Village Manager Peterson if any comments had been received. Village Manager Andrianna Peterson advised no public comments had been received.
5. CONSENT AGENDA AND VOTE
A. Ordinance – Creating an Additional Class A-2 Liquor License, CPBW Inc. d/b/a Woow Sushi Japanese Restaurant
B. Agreement - Easement - ComEd - Lot 4 and Lot 5
C. Award of Contract - Leaf Hauling and Disposal
D. Award of Contract – 2020 Crack Filling Program
E. Purchase – Public Works Department / Replacement Multipurpose Tractor
F. Purchase - Street Light Poles
G. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Monday, June 22, 2020
H. Consolidated Voucher 200713
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 fewer bids were received for the Item C-Leaf Hauling and Disposal as well as Item D-2020 Crack Filling Program, and if were staying close to the 2019 2020 pricing. Public Works Director Gillingham reported fewer bids had been received for Item C- Leaf Hauling over the years. He also noted that Public Works reached out to other municipalities for companies to notify, and many had the same list that La Grange currently has. Mr. Gillingham also noted that La Grange continues to explore other opportunities to try and save costs. Mr. Gillingham reported fewer bids had also been received for Item D- Crack Filling over the years. He noted that both projects are relatively small which may have resulted in larger companies seeking other opportunities. Overall, the price points have remained consistent year after year with small increases are generally to be expected.
Trustee Holder inquired if Item E – Purchase – Public Works Department Replacement Multipurpose Tractor was a trade in. Director Gillingham responded
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 and McCarty
Nays: None
Absent: Trustee McGee
CURRENT BUSINESS
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
Trustee Augustine thanked resident volunteers for their willingness to get more involved on various Village Boards and Commissions and encouraged other residents to do so as well.
Trustee McCarty expressed that the new LED light fixtures in the Village Hall look great and are more environmentally friendly. He also thanked staff for their collaboration with local businesses that offer outdoor dining. He noted that the new dining areas were done well and the La Grange branding shows community spirit. He also thanked the Environmental Quality Commission for their input on the refuse contract.
President Kuchler announced that the Village continues to work with local businesses and to welcome new opportunities as they arise.
CLOSED SESSION
A motion was made by Trustee Holder and seconded by Trustee McCarty to adjourn into closed session for the potential purposes of (a) discussing matters related to the purchase or lease of property for the use of the Village and (b) discussing pending litigation involving the Village.
10. ADJOURNMENT
At 9:49 p.m. Trustee Holder made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Gale.
Approved by a roll call vote:
Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Holder, Kotynek and McCarty
Nays: None
Absent: Trustee McGee
https://www.villageoflagrange.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2540
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