Sangamon Sun

Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Met April 26.

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 lo order at 7:32 p.m. by Village President, Mark Kuchler. On roll call, as read by Village Clerk John Bums, the following were:

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

ABSENT: None

OTHERS: Village Manager Andrianna Peterson

Village Attorney Mark Burkland

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 village clerk John Bums to lead the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. PRESIDENT'SREPORT

A. Proclamation - Arbor Day in La Grange, April 30,2021

President Kuchler asked Clerk Bums to read a proclamation declaring Arbor Day in La Grange on Friday, April 30,2021.

President Kuchler noted that an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony will be held at Cossitt School on April 30.

Trustee Holder made a motion to approve the proclamation, seconded by Trustee McCarty. Motion carried on a voice vole.

President Kuchler noted that Park District Interim Director Jenny Bechtold was in attendance. He welcomed her to the Village Board meeting.

President Kuchler reminded residents that 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.qov. 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. He noted that 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 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 invited Trustee Holder to provide additional information. Trustee Holder noted that the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to wear masks, continue social distancing measures and receive the vaccine. He noted that Congresswoman Newman recently visited Amita La Grange Hospital and thanked the staff for all of their hard work throughout the pandemic.

President Kuchler announced that the 2021 Farmers Market is scheduled to begin Thursday, May 6 on Hanis 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. The open-air market features nearly 30 farmers, artisans and food vendors providing a diverse selection of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked items and specialty goods. More information regarding the Farmers Market is available at www.LagrangeEvents.com or at wr,rvr.lsba.org.

3. MANAGER'S REPORT

Village Manager Andrianna Peterson announced that the Illinois Department of Transportation plans to resurface Ogden Avenue from I-294 to Edgewood Avenue beginning Monday, April 26,2021. The project scope consists of milling and resurfacing the existing pavement, intermittent sidewalk and curb replacement, and thermoplastic pavement markings. The anticipated completion date for the project is July 3 l, 2021, depending on weather. Generally, the contractor will be working between the hours of 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. During construction, Ogden Avenue will be intermittently limited to one lane in each direction. Traffic congestion is anticipated. Please consider alternative routes and travel safely through the area.

Ms. Peterson announced that current vehicle and animal licenses expire on April 30.

Licenses may be purchased from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays at the Finance window of the Village Hall. The Village Hall will also offer extended hours on Friday, April 30, 2021 until 6 p.m. in order to provide residents an opportunity to purchase new vehicle and animal licenses. Vehicle Stickers and animal tags can also be purchased on line through the Village website at www.laqranqeil.qov. If you have any questions regarding the licenses, please contact the Village Hall at (708) 579-2300.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None.

5. CONSENT AGENDA AND VOTE

A. Purchase - Public Works - Rock Salt

B. Resolution - Ratification of Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Village of La Grange and International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150

C. Agreement - Engagement of Litigation Counsel

D. Agreement - Professional Services Extension - Arborist Services

E. Agreement - Professional Services Extension - Traffic Engineering Services

F. Resolution - Budget Amendments for Fiscal Year Ending April 30,2021

G. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Public Hearing and Village Board of Trustees

H. Consolidated Voucher 210426

Village Clerk Bums noted that there was a revised Rate schedule for item 5-E from Engineering Firm KLOA.

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 Holder commented on item 5-B concerning the ratification of a Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Village of La Grange and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 regarding the new wage scale. He noted the movement through the step system based on performance. He inquired if a salary survey had been completed. Manager Peterson advised a salary survey had been conducted and as a result, the starting pay for General Utility Workers was increased in order to remain competitive.

Trustee Holder inquired how both the Police and Fire Pensions were funded as a result of the recent changes with investment gains. Finance Director Cippanone advised that there were $5.5 M in gains for both funds. We do not yet have updated actuarial evaluations but if liabilities remain the same, there could be a 5%o to 6%o change for both funds.

Trustee Augustine inquired as to which items of the 14 tasks on Item 5-E regarding Traffic Engineering Services with KLOA had been completed. Acting Public Works

Director Bojovic advised that he would look into it.

A motion was made by Trustee Holder to approve the Consent Agenda with the revised Rate Schedule for item 5-E, seconded by Trustee McCarty.

Approved by a roll call vote:

Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Holder, Kotynek, McCarty and McGee 

Nays: None

Absent: None

6. CURRENT BUSINESS

A. Resolution - Approving the FY 2021-22 operating and capital Improvements Budget

President Kuchler asked Trustee Mccee to introduce the item. Trustee Mccee stated that the budget is the village's most important policy document as it sets forth the village’s spending priorities over the next 5 years and how those priorities will be funded. Tile budget process began in 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, and then continuing with workshops to discuss capital projects in February and operating budgets in March. In addition, a public hearing was held as part of the Village Board meeting on April 12th to provide residents with an opportunity to comment on the budget document. Residents were provided the opportunity to submit written and oral comments/questions regarding the FY 2021-22 budget by telephone or by e-mail prior to the public hearing.

The overall impact and changing economic conditions resulting from the COVID-19 virus remain unknown as there continues to be uncertainty about when conditions may return to normal. To minimize resident impact, certain planned revenue increases such as water rate increases and parking decal increases were postponed. The Village has identified preliminary short and longer term plans to reduce expenditures as may be necessary in order to offset the financial impact resulting from the COVID-19 virus, while still maintaining current operations and staffing as much as possible.

In addition, presented with a reduction in some local government revenues collected by the State, low interest rates, the potential for unfunded mandates, and generally flat sales tax revenue, developing a balanced General Fund budget that also allows the Village to execute on its strategic priorities continues to be challenging. The Village will continue to seek reimbursement and financial assistance for COVID-I9 related expenditures from Federal and State government sources using all programs available.

The Village will continue to monitor initiatives that will generate a positive economic impact including Economic Development strategies such as branding, gateway signage and licensing software. Additionally, several large residential projects have been, or are being built which will likely result in additional revenues in the form of sales tax, income tax and utility tax. While these revenues are not typically fully realized for several years, it can be expected in the future.

Capital improvements continue to remain a strategic priority for the Village Board as well as the focus of feedback from concerned residents. As part of the Village's commitment to address aging infrastructure, the budget includes $4.9 million of pay-as-you-go capital expenditures scheduled for next year. Major projects include resurfacing segments of Elm, Maple and Goodman between Brainard and Gilbert; Streetscape improvements within the Central Business District; maintenance/painting of the Tilden Avenue Water Tower; and sewer lining projects in various sections of the Village.

The Village continues to monitor factors outside of COVID-I9 that may or may not negatively affect revenue streams including public safety pension fund reform and consolidation at the state level. It is uncertain at this time what impacts, if any, the new pension legislation may have on the Village's budget as details unfold. No changes are proposed to current funding methods at this time.

A summary of revenue and expenditure adjustments reconciled the preliminary FY 2021- 22 budget to the final FY 2021-22 budget. The first adjustment is the return of the settlement funds to Material Service Corporation (MSC)/Lehigh Hanson Quarry. while the village and the MWRD worked diligently, they were not able to enter into an intergovernmental agreement to further the project. Tire settlement agreement with MSC expired at the end of 2020, with the original settlement funds and investment earnings being returned during the fiscal year. All other adjustments are a reduction in health insurance expenditures from a final premium renewal of -8.40%, which positively impacts all Village operating departments and Enterprise Funds.

If it is the consensus of the Village Board in the future to revise the FY 2021-22 budget to reflect known conditions or updated information related to the COVID-l9 virus; or increased/decreased operating and,/or capital expenditures, a budget amendment can be approved at a later date during the new fiscal year.

The final budget reflects a projected surplus of $97,312 in the General Fund at the end of the fiscal year ending April 30, 2022. Partially offsetting the surplus is reduced interest income projections, and reduced municipal utility and state simplified tares. At the end of FY 2021-22, a fund balance of 60.0% is anticipated. The General Fund reserve balance is projected to be 56.1% at the end of the five-year financial plan (April 30, 2026), which is above the Village's fiscal policy goal of 50% of annual operating expenditures, as the stated minimum level for the range of reserves.

Trustee McCarty thanked staff for their work preparing the budget and keeping it a status quo document during these unprecedented times. He noted that there is always more money required to maintain Village infrastructure, and he encouraged additional exploration of other funding alternatives. He expressed his support.

Trustee Holder noted that the Village Budget is a five-year plan and is the result of careful analysis and a great deal of time spent by the management team. He noted the importance of continuing to invest in infrastructure.

President Kuchler thanked both Finance Director Cipparrone and Assistant Finance Director Mwizza for their hard work on the budget document.

Trustee McGee made a motion to approve the FY 2021-2022 Operating and Capital Improvements Budget as presented, seconded by Trustee Holder.

Approved by a roll call vote:

Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Holder, Kotynek, McCarty and McGee 

Nays: None

Absent: None

President Kuchler noted that past President Tim Hanson was in attendance and thanked him for attending.

B. Special Event - La Grange Business Association Carnival

President Kuchler noted that both Nancy Cummings and Steve palmer representing the La Grange Business Association (LGBA) were in attendance. President Kuchler asked Trustee Holder to introduce the item. Trustee Holder noted that the LGBA has provided a request for their annual carnival which is scheduled to commence on June 4,2021. Several aspects of the event remain consistent with past years, but many event elements are proposed to be modified in order to comply with public health guidelines in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Consistent with past years, the carnival is proposed to be held on Harris Avenue between La Grange Road and Ashland Avenue. The LGBA is also requesting the use of Village Parking Lots 3, 4, and 8 located along Harris Avenue. The proposed hours of operation are the same as past years.

In order to maximize opportunities for social distancing within the event area this year, the LGBA does not propose to have a music stage, sponsor booths, or alcohol sales at the carnival. The number of food vendors will also be minimized. Ticket sales will be distributed throughout the event area through the use of multiple ticket booths, as well as ATM-style ticketing machines.

Per Phase Four of Restore Illinois, traveling carnivals must operate per the guidelines for amusement parks. These guidelines include requirements for social distancing, cleaning and disinfecting, employee health monitoring/wellness, and customer behaviors. The LGBA and their carnival vendor, Windy City Amusements, are prepared to operate the carnival in compliance with the applicable state guidelines and public health protocols.

The Village examined the request for the carnival and requested the following conditions.

(1) That all licenses, permits, hold harmless, and insurance coverages be obtained to the satisfaction of the Village; (2) That the carnival be operated in compliance with all minimum requirements of the applicable state public health guidelines in effect as of June 4,2021; (3) That LGBA representatives notify all affected businesses and residents of the pending event no later than May 20; (4) That the carnival setup crew will leave an approximate 10 foot travel lane along the south parking lane of Harris Avenue and the west side ol Madison Avenue open for Thursday, May 30, and Friday, May 31, to allow for the pick-up and drop-off of children during school hours, if requested by Cossitt School; (5) That the organizers schedule a pre- carnival meeting and maintain contact with staff of all related Departments in the Village to determine specifics of the operation and set-up of the event; (6) That the Village maintains final approval of sites, security, parking and utility plans; (7) That all costs incurred by the Village be billed to the La Grange Business Association, as the Village directs.

Trustee Kotynek asked Ms. Cummings if carnivals have now been approved to operate by cook county Department of Public Health. Ms. Cummings noted that the carnival was in contact with the county and were advised that there was nothing problematic with their plans.

President Kuchler thanked the LGBA for their proposal and expressed hope that Illinois will be in Phase 5 at that time. He noted that the carnival will provide a fundraising opportunity for the LGBA and increased business opportunities to local businesses.

A motion was made by Trustee Holder and seconded by Trustee McGee to approve the Special Event - La Grange Business Association Carnival.

Approved by a roll call vote:

Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Holder, Kotynek, McCarty and McGee

Nays: None

Absent: None

7. PUBLIC COMMENT

Steve Palmer, 1010 4l't Street, noted that he is involved in multiple La Grange organizations, one of them being the American Legion. He noted that the American Legion will be holding their annual Memorial Day events this year. The first ceremony will be at 9 a.m. at Lyons Township High School North Campus in front of the gym by the lions in order to accommodate for social distancing. The second ceremony will be at the American Legion Post at noon and all are invited to attend.

Steve Palmer also expressed his thanks to the retiring Trustees and Clerk. He noted that the Village will be losing knowledgeable and thought-provoking individuals who were willing to listen and participate, and that their service has been much appreciated over the years.

Village Clerk Burns expressed his appreciation for the comments.

Trustee McCarty expressed his thanks and noted that as a La Grange business owner, Mr. Palmer has care for the La Grange community that is readily apparent and appreciated. Trustee Holder thanked Mr. Palmer and noted that it had been a pleasure to serve the La Grange community. He expressed that the heart and soul that volunteers contribute to the Village is what keeps La Grange such a vibrant, growing community. He noted that Mr. Palmer has contributed to the La Grange community tirelessly and his contributions are appreciated as well.

President Kuchler thanked everyone for their comments. He noted that previous commissioner Wayne Kardatzke was in attendance and he thanked him for attending.

8. TRUSTEE COMMENTS

None.

9. CLOSED SESSION

None.

10. ADJOURNMENT

At 8:14 p.m. Trustee Holder made a motion to adjourn,

Approved by a voice vote.

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