Sangamon Sun

Village of La Grange Public Hearing and Board of Trustees met April 12.

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 7:34 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 and Kotynek with President Kuchler presiding.

ABSENT: Trustees McCarty and McGee

OTHERS: Village Manager Andrianna Peterson 

Assistant Public Works Director Mike Bojovic 

Community Development Director Charity Jones 

Finance Director Lou Cipparrone Interim 

Police Chief Jason Cates 

Deputy Chief Rob Wardlaw 

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 both the public hearing as well as the agenda via email or telephone prior to the meeting.

President Kuchler asked Brett and Jessie Piekarski to come forward to lead the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. PUBLIC HEARING

President Kuchler opened the public hearing and explained that the public hearing represents the conclusion of a nine-month long budget development process. This process began in September 2020 with the audit, November 2020 with a pre-budget development workshop that included pension funding and consideration of the preliminary property tax levy, adoption of the final 2020 property tax levy in December, a workshop to discuss capital projects in February and a workshop to discuss operating budgets on March 13, 2021.

President Kuchler indicated that the notice of the Public Hearing had been posted and published according to State Statute. Copies of the proposed budget document have been available for inspection at the Village Hall, the La Grange Public Library and posted on website since March 5. President Kuchler noted that the Village Budget is a living document and resident input is welcome throughout the year.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a growing impact on the national, state and local economy. At this time the overall impact and changing economic conditions resulting from COVID-19 still remain unknown. As a result of careful planning and the resiliency of our businesses and residents, the Village is proposing a modest surplus of $31,000 at the end of the fiscal year 2021-22 and a reserve level of 59.38%. Modest surpluses are anticipated for three of the four remaining years with a fund balance above 50% of our targeted reserve range at the end of the five-year period.

Recognizing that the pandemic would impact households and businesses financially and in unexpected ways, the Village Board moved quickly to provide relief in many ways including: 1) postponing planned increases in parking fines; 2) postponing planned increases for commuter / residential parking decals; 3) extending the due date for vehicle and animal licenses; 4) postponing the payment of business and liquor licenses; 5) waiving the cost of sidewalk café permits; 6) waiving penalties on past due water and sewer bills; 7) and opting not to pass the water rate increase assessed by the City of McCook onto resident and business customers last year.

President Kuchler announced that with no comments provided, the Village Budget public hearing was closed. He noted that final action on the Village Budget would be taken on Monday, April 26, 2021.

President Kuchler resumed the regular meeting noting the same individuals were in attendance.

3. PRESIDENT'S REPORT

A. Oath of Office - Brett Piekarski, Firefighter/Paramedic

President Kuchler invited Clerk Burns to administer the Oath of Office to newly hired Firefighter/Paramedic Brett Piekarski.

President Kuchler congratulated newly elected officials Mike Matteucci, Paul Saladino and Peggy Peterson. He also congratulated Trustees Lou Gale and Shawana McGee on their reelection (President Kuchler was also reelected). Newly elected officials and re elected officials will be sworn-in on May 10. We will also express our appreciation to our outgoing officials that same evening.

President Kuchler announced that residents who wish to serve the community in a volunteer capacity and are interested in serving on a board or commission now or when a vacancy occurs, may submit a letter of interest and resume to him or the Village Manager. He is in the process of considering appointments and re-appointments for various boards and commissions at this time. He thanked all board and commission members for their time and dedication in serving the community.

President Kuchler announced that beginning April 12, all residents of Illinois 16 years old and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. All state-supported mass vaccination sites, pharmacy partners and others are taking appointments for the vaccine. For more information regarding vaccination locations as well as details on how to book an appointment to receive the vaccine, please visit the state's COVID website at www.coronavirus.illinois.gov. Residents who do not have access to or need assistance navigating online services can call the toll-free IDPH hotline at 833-621-1284 to book an appointment.

President Kuchler announced that currently, every region of the state is in Phase 4 of the five-phase Restore Illinois mitigation plan. A bridge phase from Phase 4 to the normal Phase 5 will serve as a transition period once specific metrics are met. The bridge phase will allow for higher capacity limits and increased business operations. The best ways to slow the spread and demonstrate our care and concern for others is to get vaccinated and wear a mask. More information regarding the Restore Illinois mitigation plan and vaccine administration is available on the Village’s website.

President Kuchler recognized Amita La Grange Hospital which was recently named one of the World's Best Hospitals by Newsweek. Twenty-two hospitals in Illinois and only 300 hospitals in the United States received this honor. The Village will continue to provide updated information regarding COVID-19 on our website, social media and announcements as it becomes available. He thanked residents for their continued support and commitment to retaining connections with all aspects of the community by supporting our businesses, social service agencies, medical professionals, first responders, and each other.

President Kuchler announced that the 2021 Farmers Market is scheduled to begin Thursday, May 6 on Harris Avenue between La Grange Road and Sixth Avenue. Consistent with the Illinois Farmers Market Association and Illinois State COVID guidelines, masks will continue to be required, overall capacity will be limited, and market vendors will be socially distanced. More information regarding the Farmers Market will be provided in the near future.

President Kuchler announced that Earth Day is April 22 and to celebrate, the Village of La Grange and the La Grange Environmental Quality Commission invite the public to participate in a scavenger hunt to find ways that La Grange is going green. Find as many items as you can and bring your results to Denning Park at 4903 Willow Springs Road on Sunday, April 18 between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. The first 50 people will receive an oak tree sapling to plant in their yard, courtesy of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. For more information regarding green initiatives in La Grange, or to access the scavenger hunt form, please visit the Village's website.

B. Historical Society Presentation -- Early La Grange Documents

President Kuchler welcomed Mark Truax, President of the La Grange Area Historical Society to present documents found by the La Grange Area Historical Society (LGAHS).

Mark Truax, President of the La Grange Area Historical Society, noted that the organization was founded in 1972 with the mission to bring together people interested in the history of the La Grange area, to provide a means and facility for study of the area, to acquire, collect and preserve literature relevant to the area and to encourage education, preservation and promotion of the area. The LGAHS operates out of the Vial House, located at 444 S. La Grange Road, where documents and artifacts are housed and exhibits are showcased for the general public to view. The LGAHS also creates individual files for private properties and organizations located in La Grange.

Mr. Truax explained that David Wilkinson, a member of the organization, was directed to a book which contains the original ordinances from when the Village of La Grange was formed that span from August 4, 1879 to October 21, 1885. In addition, he provided a revised ordinance book from 1897. Mr. Truax noted that historical preservation provides roots to a community and its people, which help the community derive its unique character.

Clerk John Burns thanked the Historical Society for their contribution and noted the importance of the organization. He also announced that he will be conducting walking tours of La Grange including “What's Wright in La Grange” and “Heart of La Grange: Now and Then”. For more information regarding these events, please visit the La Grange Historical Society website at www.lagrangehistory.org.

President Kuchler thanked the La Grange Area Historical Society for the contribution and encouraged residents to support the organization.

4. MANAGER'S REPORT

Village Manager Andrianna Peterson announced that Public Works began its annual hydrant flushing program the week of April 5 and is expected to complete the work by the end of May. Crews plan to flush hydrants both during the day and night, Monday through Friday, depending on the location of the hydrant, traffic patterns and other factors. The purpose of the hydrant flushing is to purge sediment which has accumulated on the bottom of the water mains and to exercise valves to ensure their proper operation.

Signs will be posted on streets notifying residents where crews will be working in advance of the flushing activities. Immediately following the flushing of your nearest hydrant, you may notice temporarily discolored water which is due to the flushed iron and mineral sediments. While the water is safe, you should run your cold water faucets several minutes to draw in clear water prior to doing your laundry. The Village's water quality meets all the standards established by regulatory agencies. For more information regarding hydrant flushing and water quality, please visit the Village's website.

Ms. Peterson provided a reminder that Spring Clean Up will be held next week during the week of April 19 and resident's regular refuse collection day, either on April 19 or April 22. The Spring Clean Up day gives residents the opportunity on one day to set out an unlimited amount of household refuse. Residents are required to affix two special Spring Cleanup stickers ($3 per sticker) in total to the waste set out for collection. Residents can also use two regular refuse stickers ($4 sticker) if more convenient, however the hauler will not be able to refund the price difference. For more information, including acceptable and unacceptable items, please visit the Village website at www.lagrangeil.gov.

PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None.

CONSENT AGENDA AND VOTE

A. Agreement – Executive Recruitment Services – Director of Public Works

B. Agreement - Risk and Resilience Assessment and Emergency Response Plan

C. Contract – FY2021-2022 & FY2022-2023 Tree Removal Program

D. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Monday, March 8, 2021

E. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Village Board of Trustees Special Meeting, Saturday, March 13, 2021

F. Consolidated Voucher 210322

G. Consolidated Voucher 210412

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 GovHR was the same recruitment firm that had been utilized to hire previous Public Works Director Ryan Gillingham. Ms. Peterson responded that it was the same firm with a different name.

A motion was made by Trustee Holder to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Trustee Kotynek.

Approved by a roll call vote:

Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Holder and Kotynek

Nays: None

Absent: Trustees McCarty and McGee

7. CURRENT BUSINESS

A. Appointment – Jason Cates, Interim Chief of Police

President Kuchler announced that with Chief Kurt Bluder's retirement from law enforcement in January, the Village Board has, and continues to evaluate, options for his replacement. While the evaluative process continues, the Village considered prospective candidates to serve in an Interim Chief of Police capacity.

The Interim Chief of Police will work closely with the Deputy Chief and all members of the Police Department to execute assigned Police Department priorities including staff development.

Jason Cates, formerly of the Oak Brook Police Department was identified as the candidate who would best meet the Village's needs at this time. He possesses excellent qualifications, understands and has demonstrated leadership in modern police management, and has strong communication skills. He has over 28 years of experience in policing, working his way through the ranks including Deputy Chief of the Oak Brook Police Department for the past nine years. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and graduated from the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command.

As this is a temporary appointment, the services of Interim Chief of Police are proposed to be provided through an independent contractor agreement. As an independent contractor, the position will receive a weekly rate, prorated for partial weeks of service due to vacation or illness. The position will not be eligible for benefits such as health insurance, paid leave of absences or pension payments. The agreement will commence on April 13, 2021 and expire on December 31, 2021 or an earlier or later date determined by the Village.

Trustee Kotynek made a motion to approve the appointment of Jason Cates to the position of Interim Chief of Police, seconded by Trustee Holder.

Approved by a roll call vote:

Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Holder and Kotynek

Nays: None

Absent: Trustees McCarty and McGee

Interim Chief Jason Cates was asked to step forward to receive the Oath of Office.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

TRUSTEE COMMENTS

Trustee Holder requested that Village staff investigate short term rental properties as it appears that the interest is growing.

Trustee Holder asked the community to donate their time to one of the Village's Boards or Commissions. Commissions are made up of neighbors who are focused on the wellbeing of the Village.

Trustee Holder requested that residents support the La Grange Area Historical Society with both donations and visits. There is a treasure trove of historical information relevant to the Village of La Grange, including information on individual homes. He thanked Clerk John Burns for his walking tours and for the information he provides.

Trustee Augustine announced that the Spring Shopping Stroll would be taking place on April 17, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. She urged residents to support our La Grange local businesses.

Trustee Augustine also announced that the Community Diversity Group is a great way to get involved in La Grange, with many relevant events. She urged residents to support the group.

10. CLOSED SESSION

At 8:24 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.

11. ADJOURNMENT At 10:34 p.m. Trustee Holder made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Gale. Approved by a voice vote.

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