Sangamon Sun

Village of La Grange Board of Trustees met Feb. 8.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

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

The Board of Trustees of the Village of La Grange meeting was called to order at 7:39 p.m. by Village President, Mark Kuchler. On roll call, as read by Village Clerk John Burns, the following were: 

PRESENT: 

Trustees Augustine, Gale, Kotynek and McCarty with President Kuchler presiding 

ABSENT: 

Trustees Holder 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 Acting Police Chief David Rohlicek Fire Chief Terrence Vavra 

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 

President Kuchler stated that last week, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced that our area, Region 10, has moved from Tier 1 resurgence mitigations to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan. The move to Phase 4 allows for indoor dining and additional recreation, meeting and personal care options, while maintaining distancing and other requirements. Health officials are continuing to evaluate metrics and he stressed that we must continue to be vigilant about wearing face coverings, social distancing and hand washing. 

President Kuchler stated that the Illinois Department of Health has also reported that new COVID-19 vaccine locations have been added to support residents eligible for vaccines under Phase 1B. The vaccine continues to be limited and vaccinations are available by appointment only. Health officials ask residents to be patient as the supply is increased and more open appointments become available. To make an appointment for a vaccine under Phase 1B, call (833) 308-1988 or visit www.vaccine.cookcountyil.gov. Also, beginning Monday, February 8, the Village Hall will reopen to walk-in customers. Online and drop-off service options will continue to be available. 

President Kuchler noted that La Grange Memorial Hospital has advised that they currently have 7 positive COVID-19 cases but it is still important to take precautions. On behalf of La Grange school districts, President Kuchler noted that he would be reaching out to Walgreens in an effort to facilitate vaccinations more efficiently. 

President Kuchler announced that La Grange Restaurant Week will take place starting Friday, February 19 through Sunday, February 28. Participating restaurants will feature specially-priced menus at lunch and dinner. For more information, including restaurant listings, please visit the LGBA website. A community raffle has been organized to raise relief funds for La Grange businesses affected by the pandemic. Individuals who purchase $10 raffle tickets through March 14 can collect one of three prize baskets filled with $3000 in gift cards that have been provided by participating restaurants, retailers and wellness businesses. Proceeds from ticket sales will be shared equally by the participating businesses. Three winners will be announced live on Facebook on March 16 at noon. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.lgba.com or www.lgdelivers.com. Throughout February, you are invited to "chill out and chill in" by participating in a number of fun and engaging at-home activities and offers from local restaurants and retailers. Please visit www.lgdelivers.com for activities and special Valentine's Day Dinner options for dine in or carry out. 

A. Resolution - Recognizing the 100th Anniversary of Pillars Community Health. 

President Kuchler read the Resolution into the record. 

Trustee McCarty thanked Pillars Community Health for caring for the most vulnerable, without regard to their social status. 

President and CEO Angela Curran, noted that the 250 volunteers of the organization deserve the credit and stated that the organization demonstrates what people can do when they share a common vision. She encouraged others to reach out and help people in need. Over the past 100 years, individuals, many of whom were women, saw the need for Pillars Community Health in the community. She noted that recently, the need for the organization has been even greater due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization has continued to provide essential services in person and through tele-health while expanding their services to offer COVID-19 testing and vaccinations. 

President Kuchler expressed his appreciation for the assistance and expertise that Pillars Community Health brings to the community. 

Trustee Gale made a motion to approve the Resolution recognizing the 100th Anniversary of Pillars Community Health, seconded by Trustee Augustine. Motion carried on a voice vote. 

B. Resolution of Appreciation – Retiring Acting Police Chief David Rohlicek 

President Kuchler read the Resolution of Appreciation for retiring Acting Police Chief David Rohlicek into the record. He stated that he appreciated his service to the community and the sacrifices his family has made in supporting his career. 

Trustee McCarty thanked Acting Police Chief Rohlicek for bringing a very human element to the occupation as both a neighbor and Police Officer. 

Trustee Kotynek noted that he has known Acting Police Chief Rohlicek for a long time and he has a career that he should be proud of. He wished him the best of luck in the future. 

Acting Police Chief Rohlicek thanked the Village Board, Village Manager and staff. He advised that he was grateful to serve the community and that he was proud of his career in La Grange. He noted that his strong family foundation was essential and that he was thankful for friendships, co-workers and mentors. He advised that he is looking forward to his next chapter in life. 

Trustee McCarty made a motion to approve the Resolution of Appreciation for retiring Acting Police Chief David Rohlicek, seconded by Trustee Gale. Motion carried on a voice vote. 

MANAGER'S REPORT 

Village Manager Andrianna Peterson announced that the Village Hall will be closed on Monday, February 15, 2021 in recognition of President's Day. A full complement of public safety personnel will be available in the event of an emergency. Regular Village Hall office hours will resume on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. 

CAPITAL PROJECTS WORKSHOP 

Ms. Peterson announced that staff would facilitate a Capital Projects Workshop during the Board meeting as it is a key component of the annual budget development process. The proposed budget anticipates a surplus fund balance at the end of the five-year budget period which demonstrates the ability to fund the identified projects over this time period. 

The proposed plan for capital improvements demonstrates a continued emphasis on the maintenance and replacement of the Village's aging infrastructure. The Capital 

Improvements plan has also been designed to execute on the strategic priorities identified by the Village Board. It was noted that a number of projects were accomplished as planned and budgeted during 2020 and other planned capital projects are recommended going forward. 

CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND 

Public Works Director Ryan Gillingham provided a status report regarding current capital projects and projects recommended by staff in the future. Mr. Gillingham discussed a proposal for neighborhood street projects over the next three fiscal years. The proposed projects include resurfacing streets based on data contained in the 2016 Street Condition Survey. 

Throughout Mr. Gillingham's report, general questions were asked by individual members of the Village Board to ascertain a better understanding of projects and/or project scope. Mr. Gillingham responded to Board inquires related to pedestrian enhancements, the 50/50 sidewalk program, sewer televising, the 47th and East Avenue Project, road improvement timeline, potential bond issues for road improvements to supplement the ‘pay as you go’ funding, shovel ready projects, electric charging stations, and the sale of Village owned parking lots. 

WATER FUND 

Mr. Gillingham presented this item which included a status report of water system improvements for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 as well as recommendations for Fiscal Year 2021-2022. 

Mr. Gillingham reported that water accountability has averaged around 80%. The 

Village has continued initiatives to improve water accountability including replacement of the existing pump station, leak locating and repair, water billing audits and water main replacements. 

Due to actual expenses incurred for the water main replacements on Ashland and Blackstone Avenues, it is estimated that the water fund reserves will be at 16.5% of operating expenses. In order to restore Water Fund reserves, no water main replacement projects or other capital improvement projects were scheduled for FY 2020-21. The cleaning and repair of the Tilden Avenue Water Tower is proposed for FY 2021-22, and the replacement of the water main on Brainard Avenue is scheduled for FY 2023-24. A water and sewer rate study is in the process of being finalized. The City of Chicago implemented a water rate increase in the amount of 3%, resulting in an increase of water purchases of $75,000 annually. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, the Village opted not to pass along the increase to residents at this time. However, potential new increases will be included as part of the ongoing water and sewer rate study, and included in analysis for the future. 

Members of the Village Board asked how the Village's water accountability compares to other communities, impact of the lead pipe legislation, and the cost to include a logo on the water tower. 

SEWER FUND 

Mr. Gillingham presented this item which included a status report of sewer system improvements for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 as well as recommendations for Fiscal Year 2021-2022. 

Pending the results of the current water and sewer rate study, no additional sewer rate increases are proposed at this time. 

President Kuchler expressed his appreciation to staff for their thoughtful planning and also to the efforts of the Public Works staff in managing snow removal. 

PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS 

None. 

CONSENT AGENDA AND VOTE 

A. Ordinance - Plat of Resubdivision for 215 South Brainard Avenue / Tom McNulty 

B. Award of Contract -- Concrete Repairs to the Fire Department Apparatus Floor 

Agreement - Construction Engineering Services 

C. Agreement - Engineering Services – 2021 Sewer System Rehabilitation Project 

D. Purchase – Fire Department - Stryker Power Load System 

E. Purchasing - Spring Flower Planting Program 

F. Revision of Temporary Use Approval – 27 Calendar Avenue, Pillars Community Health 

G. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Monday, January 25, 2021 

H. Consolidated Voucher 210208 

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 McCarty inquired as to when the Fire Department was built and impact on continuing maintenance issues. Public Works Director Gillingham responded that it was built in the 1950's and the repairs are necessary to slow deterioration of the reinforcement in the apparatus floor. 

Trustee McCarty noted that both the Fire Department and Public Works buildings are older but maintained well and money has been saved through preventative maintenance. 

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

Approved by a roll call vote: 

Ayes: Nays: Absent: 

Trustees Augustine, Gale, Kotynek and McCarty None 

Trustees Holder and McGee 

CURRENT BUSINESS None. 

PUBLIC COMMENT 

Becky Lorentzen, 103 E. Cossitt, asked that plantings be installed around the Community Center. President Kuchler thanked her for her comment. 

8. TRUSTEE COMMENTS 

Trustee Augustine thanked Public Works for their actions in repairing a water main break at Madison Avenue and Maple Avenue during the cold temperatures. 

CLOSED SESSION 

At 9:15 p.m. a motion was made by Trustee Kotynek and seconded by Trustee Gale to adjourn into closed session for the potential purpose of discussing pending litigation involving the Village. 

10. ADJOURNMENT 

At 10:10 p.m. Trustee Kotynek made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Augustine. Approved by a voice vote. 

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