Sangamon Sun

Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Regular met June 14.

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 7:30 p.m. by Village President Mark Kuchler. On roll call, as read by Village Clerk Paul Saladino, the following were: 

PRESENT: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Kotynek, Matteucci, McGee and Peterson with President Kuchler presiding. 

ABSENT: None 

OTHERS: Village Manager Andrianna Peterson Village Attorney Mark Burkland Acting Assistant Public Works Director Russell Davenport Community Development Director Charity Jones Finance Director Lou Cipparrone Interim Police Chief Jason Cates Fire Chief Terrence Vavra Building Commissioner Mike DeLillo 

President Kuchler welcomed the Village Board and thanked Trustees for attending the meeting which has been modified to adjust for social distancing. He reminded everyone to stay six feet apart and wear a mask while in the Village Hall if you are not vaccinated. The video of the meeting was broadcasted on cable television, YouTube, and will also be available on Facebook and posted to the Village website, 

President Kuchler asked the Lyons Township Boy's Gymnastics team to lead the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. 

2. PRESIDENT'S REPORT 

President Kuchler recognized 30 year resident Dorothy Walega on the occasion of her 91st birthday. A member of St. Cletus Church, Dorothy is an engaged resident who enjoys time with her children and grandchildren. 

President Kuchler congratulated the Lyons Township High School Boy's Gymnastics team for winning the IHSA State Championship. The team finished with a team score of 157.2, which was three points higher than the second place Niles West team. Members of the 2021 Boys Gymnastics State Championship Team are: Matthew Adler, Ryan Evans, Nick Peterson, Will Taylor, Roman Hanyuk, Shane Kenna, Alec Paras, Randy Yonan, Dylan Brunelle, Conor Cahill, Nick Paulus, Adam Soto, and Ben Taylor. He expressed congratulations also to Coaches Sam Zeman and Tom Huml for the extraordinary achievement. 

President Kuchler noted that it was Flag Day, which commemorates the adoption of the flag by the United States on June 14, 1777. President Kuchler thanked resident Eugenia Callison, a thirty-year resident, and Operation Support Our Troops America for bringing the Field of Honor to La Grange. For the past week, Denning Park was transformed with flags as a tribute to honor those currently serving in the military, veterans, frontline workers, first responders, and essential workers. He also noted that today was the 246th Birthday of the United States Army and congratulated all those who have served or are serving now. 

A. Appointments and Re-Appointments – Advisory Boards and Commissions 

President Kuchler read into the record the recommended appointments and re appointments for the advisory boards and commissions. 

Trustee Peterson stated that in consideration of her relationship with Fire Pension Board Commissioner Peterson, she recused herself from consideration or his re-appointment. 

Trustee Kotynek made a motion to approve the appointments and re-appointments seconded by Trustee Gale. Motion carried on a voice vote. 

B. Trustee Assignments 

President Kuchler read the Trustee Assignments into the record and noted that the assignments would be effective following the meeting. 

President Kuchler announced that on Friday, June 11, Illinois entered Phase 5 Illinois Restored. As a result, the state has eliminated all capacity limits on businesses, large scale events, conventions, amusement parks, and other venues. Mask requirements for vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals continue to align with CDC guidelines. Therefore, it is important for unvaccinated people to continue to wear masks while in public and to socially distance. In accordance with guidance from the CDC, fully vaccinated people in Illinois can resume activities without wearing a mask except where required by law, and rules or regulations, including local businesses and workplace guidance. All people are required to wear a face covering on public transportation, congregate facilities and in health care settings. Vaccines are available for everyone 12 years old and older. For more information regarding vaccine locations, please visit the state's COVID-19 website at www.coronoavirus.illinois.gov. 

President Kuchler thanked the La Grange Business Association (LGBA) for the planning and hard work that went into the Carnival over the June 4 weekend. As always, the weekend activities were a wonderful way to showcase the truly special and dedicated community that we have in La Grange. Special thanks also to Village personnel (Police, Fire, Public Works, Community Development) for all of the planning and coordination provided prior to and during the event. He reminded everyone that this year's Pet Parade will be held on Saturday, September 18 beginning at 9:30 a.m. Next year the Pet Parade will return to their regular day, which is the Saturday after Memorial Day. 

President Kuchler announced that the LGBA is promoting local restaurants and the 2021 Summer Art project with a “Snack & Stroll” on Saturday, June 26 from noon to 5:00 p.n Participating restaurants will offer small bites of to-go items for $5-$8 and attendees are encouraged to stroll through the downtown to admire the 35 art installations that are a part of this year's summer art series. More information is available on the LGBA website. 

President Kuchler thanked the La Grange Garden Club for helping to design and plant the beautiful planters throughout downtown. The plantings are the crowning touch to the streetscape. He expressed pride and sincere appreciation for their hard work. 

President Kuchler thanked the American Legion for a meaningful Memorial Day ceremony. The ceremony recognized La Grange area residents who gave their lives in service to our country from the Civil War to the present. He noted that the retired Air Force Lt. General John B. Cooper that spoke at the Field of Honor in Denning Park, expressed that the Flag represents dedication, commitment, service, professionalism and sacrifice, all qualities that our first responders have displayed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. President Kuchler asked the Chiefs to thank their staff for all of their hard work and dedication. 

MANAGER'S REPORT 

A. Presentation - Proposed Building Code Amendments 

Village Manager Andrianna Peterson announced the that the Village of La Grange currently employs the 1996 edition of the Suburban Building Officials Conference (SBOC) code for single family residential structures and the 1996 edition of Building Officials Code Administrators (BOCA) code for multi-family residential, commercial, and industrial structures. The Village has also adopted the 1996 BOCA National Property Maintenance Code and the 1996 National Electrical Code. 

The fiscal year budget includes updating the Village's current building code to the 2015 International Code Council (ICC) code and similar versions of related codes as an objective of the Community Development Department. Information regarding the proposed building code amendments was also provided to the Village Board at the March 13, 2021 budget workshop. Staff has been informally advising contractors and developers that frequently do work in La Grange about the proposed amendments, however the next step in the process is to formally solicit feedback from the public. 

The presentation provides the public and the Village Board with additional information regarding the recommended updates. Comments and questions are invited from both the Village Board and public, prior to the Village Board's planned consideration of the proposed amendments at the July 12 Village Board meeting. Manager Peterson introduced Community Development Director Charity Jones and Building Inspector Mike DeLillo. 

Community Development Director Jones provided an overview of the timeline, resources, process and partners involved in the process. She noted that the draft amendments have been presented to the Village Attorney and Village Prosecutor for review and comment. She advised that the public comment period is currently open and a page is dedicated to the building code updates on the Village website. Following the end of the Public Comment period, staff will review comments and make changes as warranted. The final draft for consideration is slated to go before the Village Board on July 12. If approved at that time, the new Building Codes will go into effect on August 1, 2021. 

Staff has proposed updating the current Building Codes from 1996 as more current codes provide more relevant guidance for modern construction methods and materials, taking into account the changes in materials used in modern day construction. The updated codes would also provide greater protection for residents and building occupants throughout the building process. In addition, the Insurance Services Office (ISO), evaluates numerous aspects of a municipality, one of which is the building code. While it is a small part of the overall rating, our adopted building codes contribute to the final score. Updating the building code also brings further clarity to developers who are familiar with the standard 2015 ICC codes. Ms. Jones introduced Building Official Mike DeLillo, a certified Building Official to further discuss the planned updates to the Building Codes. 

Trustee Gale inquired if the proposed updates regarding single family residential construction to either require sprinklers or require more robust construction, is comparable to our surrounding communities. Mr. DeLillo advised that all surrounding communities require sprinklers in residential construction without exception. 

Trustee Matteucci inquired as to how the proposed code updates would impact partial additions on existing structures. Mr. DeLillo advised that any new additions would need to be built to the standards of the new code and commercial properties in particular may 

Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Minutes need to make changes throughout the structure to meet life safety requirements of the new code. 

Trustee Augustine inquired further regarding single family home construction to either require sprinklers or more robust construction that would provide the same level of fire safety. 

Mr. DeLillo explained that commercial sprinkler systems are intended not only for life safety purposes but also to preserve property. However, residential sprinkler systems are only intended for life safety purposes with the intent to allow occupants time to leave the house if there is a fire. If a single family home is constructed using newer methods such as press board, glued components or manufactured materials, it is more susceptible to fire. Traditional methods that utilize lumber and thicker drywall around the means of egress, result in a home that would be slower to collapse if a fire were to start. Most residential properties in La Grange are already built with the traditional methods. 

Trustee Augustine inquired if the Fire Department was included in the discussion regarding this code update. Chief Vavra responded that while sprinklers are always beneficial, the proposed building code amendments provide options to both builders and residents that allow for the same life safety goals to be met in case of a fire. Chief Vavra noted while he would prefer sprinklers, the Village has to look at all the factors. 

Trustee Augustine inquired if the building code could be revisited at a later date. Ms. Jones responded that similar to the zoning code, the building code can be revisited at any time. 

PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS 

None. 

CONSENT AGENDA AND VOTE 

A. Ordinance - (1) Construction of FY 2021-22 Neighborhood Street Resurfacing  Project; (2) Construction Engineering Services Agreement (3) Local Public Agency Engineering Services Agreement; (4) Resolution for Improvement Under the Illinois Highway Code – MFT; (5) Resolution for Improvement Under the Illinois Highway Code – Rebuild Illinois Grant Fund 

B. Contract – 2021 50/50 Sidewalk Replacement Program 

C. Contract – 2021 Lane Marking Program 

D. Purchase – Public Works Department / FY2021-22 Equipment Replacement Fund: 

Three Dump Trucks and One Pickup Truck 

Ordinance – Disposal of Vehicle 

E. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Monday,  May 24, 2021 

F. Consolidated Voucher 210614 

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 Kotynek asked how Public Works evaluated the Dump Trucks in Item D in conjunction with the Villages' environmental goals. Acting Assistant Public Works Director Davenport responded that staff reviewed engine options for the proposed vehicles and has selected the most eco-friendly engines based on the needs of the Department and all new vehicles will meet current environmental standards. The International and Ford F-450 have eco-exhaust systems that reduce emissions. Staff will continue to look for eco-friendly trucks and options in the future in keeping with the Villages green initiatives. 

Trustee Augustine noted that the streets to be resurfaced under Item A, were likely to cause traffic concerns as residents may seek to use other side streets, in particular Cossitt Avenue and 47th Street. She inquired how the construction would be staggered. Mr. Davenport explained that all three streets would be ground down one-by-one before being resurfaced, in a manner that would allow traffic to safely pass. Public Works will stay in contact with residents on the affected streets and work to address any concerns raised. 

Trustee Augustine noted that additional concerns regarding enforcement on east/west bound streets had been brought to her attention including increased traffic, as well as the speed and passage of emergency vehicles responding to calls. Interim Police Chief Cates advised that he will communicate to Police Officers accordingly. 

Trustee Gale inquired as to the status of the 47th Street and East Avenue project. Village Manager Peterson provided a brief update as to the timeline noting that IDOT indicates that the project is slated in the next 2 to 5 years in the proposed Highway Improvement Program, likely falling in the mid to later years of the timeline. The project will include changing the intersection from stop signs to traffic signals, with enhanced pavement markings and pedestrian improvements. 

Trustee Gale inquired about traffic incidents that occur at 47th Street and East Avenue in comparison to other Village intersections. Chief Cates noted that the intersection at 47th Street and East Avenue is a very busy, multijurisdictional intersection. He stated that 45 crashes were handled by La Grange in 2019, with more traffic incidents responded to by Brookfield or McCook. 

Trustee Gale also inquired how the Village would go about changing the signaling at 47th Street and Brainard Avenue. Mr. Davenport responded that the Village maintains Brainard Avenue while 47th Street, including signaling, is maintained by the State. 

Trustee Gale inquired if a left turn signal could be added. Mr. Davenport responded that the Village would need to discuss that request with the State. 

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

Approved by a roll call vote: 

Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Kotynek, Matteucci, McGee and Peterson 

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

CURRENT BUSINESS 

A. Ordinance - Renewing Outdoor Seating for Restaurants, Temporary Use of Parking 

Spaces, Display of Retailer Wares, and Other Temporary Uses, as Provided by State Standards and this Ordinance 

President Kuchler asked Trustee Matteucci to introduce the item. Trustee Matteucci explained that on March 12, 2020, Governor Pritzker issued an Executive Order 2020-03, the first in a series of executive orders issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These executive orders required residents to stay home and significantly curtailed business activities, including the temporary closure of many businesses. 

In response to the orders, the Board of Trustees adopted two ordinances last year to allow La Grange businesses every opportunity to maximize revenue while operating within the public health requirements set forth by state and county orders. 

Ordinance 0-20-10, approved on March 23, 2020, authorized the Liquor Commissioner to take temporary action, in alignment with state executive orders, to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on liquor-licensed businesses. This temporary authority made it possible for the Liquor Commissioner to approve riders to local liquor licenses, enabling La Grange restaurants to sell alcohol “to-go.” 

Ordinance 0-20-19, approved on June 8, 2020, granted approval for use of Village right of way and private property for expanded outdoor operations to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on various businesses. This ordinance enabled the parklet program, outdoor dining on private property, and other operations such as temporary outdoor retail sales. 

On June 11, 2021 the State transitioned to Phase 5 of Restore Illinois, which allows a return to pre-pandemic capacities for all businesses. However, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have ongoing health and economic impacts throughout the State, thus the State remains under a disaster proclamation. As such, the two ordinances prepared re authorize many of the temporary accommodations approved last year as appropriate. 

Additionally, one of the ordinances grants authority for limited extensions of building permits delayed due to COVID-19 related supply chain disruptions. 

A motion was made by Trustee Matteucci to approve the ordinance allowing for renewing outdoor seating for restaurants, temporary use of parking spaces, display of retailer wares, and other temporary uses, as provided by state standards and this ordinance, seconded by Trustee Gale. 

Approved by a roll call vote: 

Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Kotynek, Matteucci, McGee and Peterson 

Nays: None

Absent: None

Ordinance – Reauthorizing the La Grange Liquor Commissioner to Act in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic 

A motion was made by Trustee Matteucci to approve the ordinance reauthorizing the La Grange Liquor Commissioner to act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, seconded by Trustee Kotynek. 

Approved by a roll call vote: 

Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Kotynek, Matteucci, McGee and Peterson  

Nays: None

Absent: None

PUBLIC COMMENT 

None. 

TRUSTEE COMMENTS 

Trustee Kotynek advised that an eight-year lawsuit between the Lyons Township Treasurer's Office (LTTO) and Lyons Township High School has come to a close. He asked that the LTTO not appeal the court decision and asked that residents submit comments to the LTTO asking them to accept the ruling as the cost to taxpayers has already been too high. He also asked for legislative action and annual audits. 

Trustee Gale thanked staff for their diligence in addressing building concerns in a home in his neighborhood after a resident reached out with their concerns. 

Trustee Augustine welcomed Acting Assistant Public Works Director Russell Davenport and thanked him for many years of service to the Village of La Grange. 

CLOSED SESSION 

None. 

ADJOURNMENT 

At 8:43 p.m. Trustee Kotynek made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Gale. Approved by a voice vote. 

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