Sangamon Sun

Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Met Nov. 9.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Due to the physical distancing standards required under Governor Pritzker's order and guidance, seating in the Village Hall Auditorium was limited for the meeting.

Face coverings were required to be worn during the meeting and throughout the Village Hall.

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Board of Trustees of the Village of La Grange meeting was called to order at 7:33 p.m. by Village President, Mark Kuchler. On roll call, as read by Village Clerk John Burns, the following were:

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

ABSENT: Trustees Augustine and 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 asked Fire Lieutenant Christopher Cox to lead the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

President Kuchler welcomed the Village Board 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 Hall. The video of the meeting was broadcasted on cable 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.

2. PRESIDENT'S REPORT

A. Oath of Office - Christopher Cox, Fire Lieutenant

President Kuchler invited Clerk Burns to administer the Oath of Office to newly promoted Fire Lieutenant Christopher Cox.

B. Oath of Office - Casey Gomorczak, Police Officer

President Kuchler reported that Casey Gomorczak received the “Academic Achievement Award” from the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy for having the highest academic average within his academy class on all the exams. He was first in his class of 47 people.

President Kuchler invited Clerk Burns to administer the Oath of Office to newly hired Police Officer Casey Gomorczak.

C. Oath of Office - Samuel Stucker, Firefighter

President Kuchler invited Clerk Burns to administer the Oath of Office to newly hired Firefighter Samuel Stucker.

President Kuchler announced that on Wednesday, October 28, additional COVID-19 mitigation measures went into effect for the suburban Cook region (Region 10) which

includes La Grange. Under the mitigations, restaurants are not allowed to provide indoor dining. Gatherings have also been reduced from 50 persons to 25. The additional mitigations have a significant impact on restaurants especially as the weather hinders the practicality of outdoor dining. He reported that last week, he had met with restaurants to assure them that the Village understands their frustrations and listened to their concerns. He also expressed the Village's commitment to assist our restaurants as much as possible.

President Kuchler announced that the Village is working closely with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, suburban municipal officials and the City of Chicago to receive clarification from and communicate directly with Governor Pritzker regarding the mitigation measures, data used to support the mitigations, and the impact of the measures on businesses. The Village has also reached out to our legislators to discuss ways we can work more closely together on a safe, balanced plan. Some of the ideas that the Village submitted to the State include separating businesses that function as bars from restaurants; allowing for inside dining if certain health parameters in conjunction with the Illinois Restaurant Association are met; and identify additional grants and loans from state, county and federal sources as quickly as possible.

President Kuchler urged everyone to please help support our businesses by acting responsibly to slow the spread of illness. He reminded residents to be vigilant about wearing face coverings, social distancing and handwashing. He also asked the public to please continue to shop our safe and valued La Grange businesses and patronize La Grange restaurants as often as possible. The restaurants are open for delivery and carry out and need our support.

President Kuchler asked Trustee Holder for a hospital update. Trustee Holder advised that COVID-19 is spreading at record setting levels and the La Grange area has not been spared. He advised that there are 22 positive cases today at La Grange Memorial Hospital. He noted that the Hospital has now reinstated visitor restrictions. He stressed that while there is no vaccine for COVID-19 yet, there is a vaccine for the flu. As flu season is almost here, he urged residents to please get the flu shot. If exposed or presenting symptoms of COVID-19, he asked residents to please contact your doctor and get tested.

President Kuchler announced that Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11. On behalf of the Village Board he took the opportunity to recognize and honor all active military and our many military veterans. He also recognized a number of La Grange Police Officers, Firefighters and Public Works employees who are veterans representing all branches of the military. Village Clerk John Burns is also a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp. He thanked those individuals for their service to our country

President Kuchler announced that the agenda included a resolution to dissolve the West Suburban Mass Transit District. The District served La Grange for decades by providing grants to support improvements for commuters and to improve pedestrian mobility in and around our two train stations. The Village appreciates BNSF and Metra for their support of several grants and projects through the District. He also expressed our deep appreciation for resident Curtis Linder, who has served on the District Board, as Treasurer and most recently as Chair since 2009. His advocacy and support has allowed the Village to implement projects that may not have been possible without the District's financial assistance.

President Kuchler also announced that St. Francis Xavier School has received the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award. He congratulated the students, teachers and administration on receiving the prestigious award.

3. MANAGER'S REPORT

Village Manager Peterson advised that Village administrative offices will be closed on Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, November 30 at 8:30 a.m. The next regularly scheduled Village Board meeting on November 23 is expected to be cancelled. As always, a full complement of public safety personnel will be on call to respond to emergencies. She wished everyone a safe, healthy and happy Thanksgiving.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None.

5. CONSENT AGENDA AND VOTE

A. Ordinance – Plat of Resubdivison for 650 South Edgewood Avenue / Frank Pigatto

B. Award of Contract – 2020 Sewer Televising Program

C. Purchase and Installation – Squad Car Equipment, In-Car Computers and In-Car Camera System - Police Department

Ordinance – Disposal of Property

D. Resolution - Authorizing Dissolution of the West Suburban Mass Transit District

E. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting,

Monday, October 26, 2020

F. Consolidated Voucher 201109

Trustee Holder inquired as to who provided the Sewer Televising services in the past and if they had submitted a bid this year. Public Works Director Gillingham advised that in the past, the bid had gone to National Power Rodding, who provided the second lowest bid this year.

Trustee Holder asked if the in-car camera system was 4K and in-color. Chief Bluder advised that the cameras are HD and are considered industry leaders as no known companies are currently offering 4K.

It was moved by Trustee Holder and seconded by Trustee Gale to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.

Approved by a roll call vote:

Ayes: Trustees Gale, Holder, Kotynek, and McCarty

Nays: None

Absent: Trustees Augustine and McGee

6. CURRENT BUSINESS

A. Preliminary Review of the Proposed 2020 Property Tax Levy Request

President Kuchler asked Trustee Gale to introduce the item. Trustee Gale explained that the Truth in Taxation Law requires a preliminary review of the proposed property tax levy by the corporate authorities at least 20 days prior to the adoption of the tax levy to determine if the aggregate levy is more than 5 percent greater than the preceding year's tax levy extension, exclusive of debt service. If the preliminary levy is estimated to exceed the preceding year's levy by more than 5 percent, the Village must hold a public hearing prior to the adoption of the proposed property tax levy. The proposed Truth in Taxation levy request, excluding debt service, shows a total increase of 3.70 percent over the prior year's extension. Therefore, the Village of La Grange is not required to hold a public hearing regarding the 2020 property tax levy.

The proposed Village property tax levy increase of 3.70 percent over the prior year's extension, exclusive of debt service, is also subject to the Property Tax Limitation Act, which limits the increase, exclusive of debt service and new growth, to five percent or the national Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is less. The CPI rate applicable to the 2020 tax levy is 2.30 percent. Therefore, the additional 1.40 percent increase in the tax levy reflects new growth in 2020, which in total, is estimated at 10 million EAV. This estimated new growth includes annual new growth of 5 million Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV) from residential/commercial improvements, plus an additional projected increase of 5 million EAV from the Mason Pointe residential development project

Mr. Todd Schroeder from Lauterbach & Amen, LLP, gave an overview of the Police and Fire pension levies.

Trustee Holder inquired as to the accuracy of the 7% rate of return. Mr. Schroeder replied that historically a 7% rate of return was considered average, however at this time it is considered a more aggressive rate of return. However, it is not outside of the appropriate range of return.

Trustee Holder inquired if a different approach should be taken moving forward. Mr. Schroeder responded that while the Village did not have a strong 2020 fiscal year, it is not out of the ordinary and nothing to be overly concerned about. He explained that moving forward, as long as the Village continues to make the required contributions, the Village should have full funding. Additional funds could be considered but are not necessary.

Trustee Kotynek expressed the importance of strategic planning every two years to examine the risks and opportunities. He noted that over the three strategic planning sessions he has attended, pension liability, growth and increases have been eye opening. In five to ten years, it is unsustainable.

Trustee McCarty inquired as to the current state of Pension reform. Mr. Schroder explained that while disability pension boards will still be in place, all assets will be pooled. There will be no local fiduciary responsibility of managing the investments. In the long term, these larger funds will have more ability to invest and restrictions will be lifted for asset allocation as opposed to statutory limits. It is expected to result in cost savings overall.

Trustee McCarty inquired if there were greater risks with consolidation of the pensions. Mr. Schroder responded that our money will remain ours, but there is more money to pool for investment purposes.

Trustee Gale inquired if shifting revenues would result in funds coming out of the General Fund account. Director Cipparrone responded that due to the tax cap, any money shifted would take away from either the operations or capital funds.

Trustee Holder stated that with tax levies limited by the tax cap, the expenses of personnel, pension obligations, and health insurance continue to be a challenge. As the Village prefers to operate from a fiscally conservative stance, he stressed the importance of finding alternative revenue sources to maintain the long term fiscal health of Village finances.

Trustee Holder asked Director Cipparrone to discuss revenues withheld by the State. Director Cipparrone advised that the State has yet to confirm if any additional funding would be withheld. Previously the Sate withheld 10% of the income tax revenues but then withheld 5% which equates to $75,000, equaling one staff person.

Trustee McCarty asked about new revenue streams including Uptown La Grange, Mason Pointe and Pathways. In addition, savings were realized when the Lyons Township Area Communications Center welcomed the City of Countryside to the consolidated dispatch center. Director Cipparrone stated that those developments added about $125,000 in additional property tax revenue, as the Village is only 10% of the overall tax bill. Additional revenues could be received through new growth - all total about $400,000 of additional revenues.

Mr. Cipparrone explained that while pension fund contributions are expensive, the Village keeps up with annual contributions. The contributions are expected to go up about 4% a year.

Trustee McCarty reinforced the importance of developing undeveloped property and the value of parking spaces.

Trustee McCarty inquired as to the cost to replace one mile of roadway. Mr. Gillingham responded that the cost for one mile of roadway is typically $3 million dollars.

It was moved by Trustee Gale and seconded by Trustee Holder to approve the preliminary tax levy request as presented.

Approved by a roll call vote:

Ayes: Trustees Gale, Holder, Kotynek, and McCarty None

Nays: None

Absent: Trustees Augustine and McGee

7. PUBLIC COMMENT

Andrew James, 436 S. Spring Avenue, stated that he believed the assumption rate of 7% for pension returns was too high. He stated that he would like the Village to add an additional $200,000.

Becky and Harold Lorenzen from the CommUnity Diversity Group, thanked the Village Board for realizing that diversity is an asset.

8. TRUSTEE COMMENTS

None.

9. CLOSED SESSION

None.

10. ADJOURNMENT

At 8:51 p.m. Trustee Holder made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Gale. Approved by a voice vote.

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