Sangamon Sun

Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Met May 10.

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, Kotynek, McCarty, and McGee with President Kuchler presiding. 

ABSENT: None 

OTHERS: Village Manager Andrianna Peterson Village Attorney Mark Burkland Acting Public Works Director Mike Bojovic Community Development Director Charity Jones Finance Director Lou Cipparrone Interim Police Chief Jason Cates Deputy Police Chief Robert Wardlaw Fire Chief Terrence Vavra Executive Assistant Maureen Rush 

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 former Village Presidents Tim Hanson, Liz Asperger and Tom Livingston along with former Village Trustee Mark Langan to lead the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. 

2. PRESIDENT'S REPORT 

A. Oath of Office - Bianca Reyes 

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

B. Oath of Office – Alec Bugaj, Police Officer 

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

President Kuchler reminded residents that all residents of Illinois 16 years old and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, with 12 year olds soon eligible as well. 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 Governor Pritzker has announced that the entire state will move into the bridge transition period starting on Friday, May 14. The bridge phase establishes new, increased capacity limits for restaurants, retailers and other settings determined by risk level. The Governor also announced that after a 28-day monitoring period, barring any significant increases in COVID-19 metrics, the state could move into Phase 5 (Illinois Restored) as early as Friday, June 11. Residents are urged to get the vaccine and continue to socially distance and wear face coverings. 

President Kuchler invited Trustee Holder to provide additional information. Trustee Holder announced that while the numbers of individuals with COVID-19 at the hospital remains stable, the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to wear masks, continue social distancing measures and receive the vaccine. If in need of medical care, he urged residents to utilize health care services provided. Trustee Holder announced that it was Nurses Week and he thanked them for all of their service. 

President Kuchler announced that earlier in the evening, the Liquor Commission met to consider an application for a Class A-2 liquor license from Giuseppe & Paolo LLC d/b/a GP Italiano located at 1 S. La Grange Road. The Liquor Commission recommended the creation of a new A-2 liquor license. Consideration of the license by the Village Board is planned for the May 24 Village Board meeting. 

President Kuchler announced that in 1962, President John F. Kennedy designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in honor of federal, state and municipal peace officers who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty. Each year, the calendar week in which May 15 falls is called National Police Week. In Illinois alone, Officers have lost their lives in the line of duty, including La Grange Police Officer Byron Porter in 1923 and La Grange Police Sergeant Charles Blanchard in 1933. This week, La Grange Police Officers will affix a black memorial band to their badges in recognition of the sacrifice made by Officer Porter and Officer Blanchard, along with all other officers that have lost their lives in the line of duty. The Village recognizes and appreciates the sacrifices made by these officers and President Kuchler thanked the men and women of the Police Department for their dedication and commitment to serving La Grange. President Kuchler also recognized the recent retirement of Police Officer Julie Burrell, who served the Village with pride since 2001. 

President Kuchler announced that the Robert E. Coulter Jr. Post 1941 in La Grange will commemorate Memorial Day on Monday, May 31, 2021 with a memorial ceremony at the Lyons Township High School (north campus) beginning at 9:00 a.m. There will be a ceremonial bell ringing honoring those La Grange area residents who gave their lives in service to our country from the civil war to the present time. A final ceremony and commemoration will be held at the Post at 900 S. La Grange Road at 12 p.m. 

President Kuchler announced that last week was National Small Business Week and he encouraged everyone to continue to support our businesses by shopping and dining in La Grange this summer. He noted that over the next few weeks, downtown La Grange and West End business districts will feature the LGBA's annual summer art exhibit, “Come Sit, Stay and Play in La Grange”. The Village and LGBA will honor the 75th anniversary of the La Grange Pet Parade (on September 18) with a special exhibit geared to pets and the people who love them. Called "Come Sit, Stay and Play La Grange”, this one of a kind exhibit of doghouses and lounge chairs is sponsored by dozens of local businesses working with local artists who design and paint them for display. In September, the artwork is auctioned for local nonprofits. For more information, please visit the La Grange Business Association website at www.lgba.com. 

President Kuchler reminded residents that the La Grange Carnival will begin on Friday June 4 and continue through Sunday, June 6 on Harris Avenue between La Grange Road and Ashland Avenue. Also, the Farmers Market is held each Thursday morning from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Harris Avenue in front of the Village Hall. All events will be operated in compliance with the requirements of the applicable state public health guidelines. For more information regarding these and other events, please visit the LGBA website at www.lgba.com. 

President Kuchler announced that the nonprofit group Working Bikes will hold a Bike Drive on Saturday, May 15 from 9 to noon. Working Bikes gives donated bicycles new life by redistributing them as tools of empowerment in local communities - over 100,000 people have benefited from the program. Adult bikes in repairable condition and gently used kid's bikes are accepted at 201 S. Edgewood. 

MANAGER'S REPORT 

Village Manager Andrianna Peterson announced that the Village Hall will be closed on Monday, May 31 in observance of Memorial Day. A full complement of public safety personnel will be available in the event of an emergency. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, June 1. 

PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS 

None. 

CONSENT AGENDA AND VOTE 

A. Agreement – 2021 Sewer Televising Program 

B. Logo Painting Project 

C. Minutes of the Village of La Grange  

D. Consolidated Voucher 210510 

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. 

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

Approved by a roll call vote: 

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

CURRENT BUSINESS 

RECOGNITION OF RETIRING VILLAGE OFFICIALS 

The Village extends its gratitude for the thoughtful and faithful service rendered to the Village of La Grange by Village Clerk John Burns, Village Trustee David McCarty and Village Trustee Bill Holder, whose terms of office end tonight. 

President Kuchler invited comments from the audience. 

Former Village President Tom Livingston commended the retiring officials who set high standards during their tenure and who worked tirelessly to make the Village of La Grange great. He noted that the elected officials embraced the past and learned from La Grange history but set their sights on the future. He thanked them for creating a Village that sets aside politics for the betterment of the Village as a whole. 

Former Village Trustee Mark Langan echoed the comments of former President Livingston and thanked the Village officials for all of their hard work. 

A. Resolution of Appreciation – Retiring Village Trustee David McCarty 

President Kuchler noted that a great deal of the current appearance of both the commercial and residential areas of the Village are in large part due to Trustee McCarty and his tireless commitment to volunteering first on Village Commissions and then as a Trustee on the Village Board. He stated that the knowledge that Trustee McCarty brought to discussions was important. 

Trustee Gale stated that Trustee McCarty set an unbeatable example when examining zoning and planning items in the Village and he intends to utilize the lessons learned moving forward to continue to grow and develop the Village in the future. 

Trustee Holder noted that throughout his tenure, he has learned a great deal from Trustee McCarty. He noted the deep love that Trustee McCarty has for the Village and his work ethic over the decades to make La Grange a wonderful place. 

Trustee Augustine noted her appreciation for Trustee McCarty and his tireless work on various Village Boards and Commissions. His background as an architect was invaluable in discussions and his kindness and sense of humor were hallmarks. 

Trustee McGee noted that Trustee McCarty was an asset to the community with a deep knowledge of La Grange. She wished him the best on his future endeavors. 

Trustee Kotynek noted that Trustee McCarty was a mentor when he joined the Board as there was no better teacher regarding planning and zoning. He acknowledged Trustee McCarty's passion and integrity while always doing what was in the best interest of the Village. 

President Kuchler read the Resolution of Appreciation. Trustee Holder moved to approve the Resolution of Appreciation for retiring Village Trustee David McCarty, seconded by Trustee Kotynek. 

Approved by a roll call vote: 

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

Nays: None

Abstain: Trustee McCarty 

B. Resolution of Appreciation - Retiring Village Trustee Bill Holder 

President Kuchler thanked Trustee Holder for his 12 years of service and praised his reasoning and inquisitive methodology in approaching matters that appeared before the Board. He noted his institutional knowledge and that he will be missed. 

Trustee Kotynek thanked Trustee Holder and noted that his preparation and detailed questions set a high bar for all Board members. He noted how Trustee Holder's main objective was always to do what was in the best interest of the Village. 

Trustee Gale thanked Trustee Holder for his service and fierce advocacy. He acknowledged Trustee Holder's commitment to entrusting the future of the community to other residents interested in participating in local governance. 

Trustee Augustine noted her regard for Trustee Holder's calm confidence, genuine sincerity and respectful engagement. His preparation and understanding on both sides of the issues presented to the Board should be strived for by all Board members. 

Trustee McGee noted his humble demeanor, wisdom and knowledge as a benefit to the La Grange community. 

Trustee McCarty stated that Trustee Holder could always be counted on to be an ambassador for La Grange who encouraged his fellow residents to participate locally. His preparation and work ethic were admirable. 

President Kuchler read the Resolution of Appreciation. Trustee McCarty moved to approve the Resolution of Appreciation for retiring Village Trustee Bill Holder, seconded by Trustee Gale. 

Approved by a roll call vote: 

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

Nays: None

Abstain: Trustee Holder 

C. Resolution of Appreciation - Retiring Village Clerk John Burns 

President Kuchler thanked Clerk Burns for his two terms of steadfast service. He noted that when Clerk Burns spoke it was insightful and he made sure that the Board had the important components needed to make decisions. President Kuchler also thanked Clerk Burns for his commitment to sharing information about La Grange to anyone who was interested in learning more. 

Trustee Kotynek noted that Clerk Burns was a model of consistency committed to professionalism and kindness in his actions. Trustee Kotynek stated that Clerk Burns operated in the best interest of La Grange and noted the passion, knowledge and dedication. 

Trustee Gale thanked Clerk Burns and echoed President Kuchler's statements. 

Trustee McGee thanked Clerk Burns for his warm and welcoming demeanor when she joined the Village Board. 

Trustee Holder thanked Clerk Burns and noted that the role of the Clerk is to reveal and rejoice in the Village of La Grange, which Clerk Burns does both personally and professionally. 

Trustee McCarty thanked Clerk Burns for his work in preservation but also noted that Clerk Burns was an advocate for the future of La Grange as well. 

Trustee Augustine noted that Clerk Burns was influential in his pointed contributions, deep thinking, and detail oriented approach. She thanked him for his service. 

President Kuchler read the Resolution of Appreciation. Trustee McCarty moved to approve the Resolution of Appreciation for retiring Village Clerk John Burns, seconded by Trustee Holder. 

Approved by a roll call vote: 

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

Nays: None

Absent: None 

FAREWELL BY OUTGOING VILLAGE TRUSTEES AND VILLAGE CLERK 

Retiring Village Trustee David McCarty, Village Trustee Bill Holder and Village Clerk John Burns will have an opportunity to remark and reflect on their careers in public service. 

Trustee McCarty thanked his wife Dorothy for moving with him to La Grange in 1983 and to make the La Grange community their home. He noted that little things make a difference, people matter, hard work makes a difference and community service is both a privilege and a duty. He thanked Village staff for their commitment to quality; the volunteer run Boards and Commissions that make hard decisions that provide guidance; and the social service agencies that make a difference in the community for all residents of La Grange. He expressed his belief that strong zoning requirements protect the community, taxes fund important infrastructure and transit provides both opportunity and increased responsibility. 

Trustee Holder thanked his family, first responders, previous elected officials, business leaders, and Board and Commission leaders. He noted that the Village of La Grange is a place where residents can be proud to live and he asked that newly elected officials keep that in mind. He noted that the essential character of La Grange includes a wonderful downtown, commuter access, and experiences that the whole family can participate in. He stressed that these factors are what draw people in and keep people in La Grange. He thanked the newly elected officials for stepping up and serving their community. He thanked the Village of La Grange for both the privilege and honor of serving. 

Clerk Burns expressed that it was both his privilege and honor to serve the Village Board and Village residents. He expressed his thanks to civic minded individuals Nancy Kenney and Jeannine McLaughlin for impressing upon him the importance of listening and giving back to the community. He noted that as the Village Clerk, it is important to observe, learn and record the deliberations of the Village. He thanked Village staff for working to execute the Village Board's vision at the highest standard. He thanked all of the volunteers, businesses, Citizen's Council and Historical Society of La Grange for their work in making La Grange a wonderful place to live. 

At 9:28 p.m. President Kuchler adjourned the meeting sine die and stated there would be a momentary recess prior to the swearing in and seating of the newly elected Village officials. 

OATH OF OFFICE AND SEATING OF NEWLY ELECTED AND RE-ELECTED VILLAGE OFFICIALS 

The Village welcomes the four Village Trustees, Village Clerk and Village President elected on April 6, 2021. 

President Kuchler reconvened the meeting and stated that those elected at the April 6, 2021 consolidated election would receive the Oath of Office. 

A. Oath of Office – Newly Elected and Re-Elected Village Trustees Peggy Peterson, 

Mike Matteucci, Shawana McGee (re-elected) and Lou Gale (re-elected) 

Village Clerk Burns administered the Oath of Office to newly elected Village Trustee Peggy Peterson; Village Trustee Mike Matteucci; re-elected Village Trustee Shawana McGee; and re-elected Village Trustee Lou Gale. 

B. Oath of Office - Re-Elected Village President Mark Kuchler 

Village Clerk Burns administered the Oath of Office to re-elected Village President Mark Kuchler. 

C. Oath of Office – Newly Elected Village Clerk Paul Saladino 

Village Clerk Burns administered the Oath of Office to newly elected Village Clerk Paul Saladino. 

President Kuchler welcomed the new Board. 

10. PUBLIC COMMENT 

Becky Lorentzen and Harold Gibson, 103 E. Cossitt, expressed their thanks to retiring officials and welcomed newly elected officials. Ms. Lorentzen explained that they were in attendance to highlight an organization known as the Citizens for Race Amity Day. There is a petition circulating for Governor Pritzker to name the second Sunday in June as Race Amity Day in Illinois. She asked that individuals and the Village consider signing the petition. 

President Kuchler thanked Ms. Lorentzen and Mr. Gibson for bringing the item to the Board and noted that he had already signed as an individual. He inquired if the Board was comfortable signing as a Village. As there were no objections, he asked that staff sign the petition on behalf of the Village of La Grange. 

11. TRUSTEE COMMENTS 

Trustee Augustine reminded residents to water newly planted parkway trees. 

12. CLOSED SESSION 

None. 

13. ADJOURNMENT 

At 9:55 p.m. Trustee Kotynek made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Gale. Approved by a voice vote. 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KH9kOL12XFTmTXHQK8K-Ukm777kmyPymQ2pvi8tVddw/edit