Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Met June 28.
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 7:32 p.m. by Village President Mark Kuchler. On roll call, as read by Village Clerk Paul Saladino, the following were:
PRESENT: Trustees Gale, Kotynek, Matteucci, McGee and Peterson with President Kuchler presiding.
ABSENT: Trustee Augustine
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 Deputy Police Chief Robert Wardlaw Fire Chief Terrence Vavra Daniel Stanner, Tabet DiVito & Rothstein Paul Siegfried, Baxter & Woodman Dennis Dabros, Baxter & Woodman
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 Clerk Saladino to lead the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
President Kuchler thanked the La Grange Business Association and other partners for organizing the Snack and Stroll event. He also thanked the LGBA for coordinating the Farmers Market on Thursday mornings from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the north side of the Village Hall. He asked that residents continue to support businesses as capacity limits have been restored but restaurants are still recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Kuchler thanked the West Suburban Chamber for hosting the State of the Region Event. He noted that he was invited to speak about the economic development and other initiatives of the Village, along with several other area municipalities. The partnership that the Village has with the West Suburban Chamber and the LGBA in promoting our business community is greatly appreciated.
President Kuchler announced that La Grange is proud and fortunate to have residents willing to serve on our voluntary Boards and Commissions. Village governance relies on the active participation of residents volunteering their time and effort to sustain the quality of life in La Grange. Residents are encouraged to apply to serve on our Boards and Commission and become involved with Village Government. More information regarding our Boards and Commissions can be found on the Village's website. He asked that those interested submit an email to either mkuchler@lagrangeil.gov or to apeterson@lagrangeil.gov with background and letter of interest to be considered.
President Kuchler announced that on Sunday, June 20, the Village experienced severe weather which resulted in a Tornado Warning for our area. Several communities to the west incurred considerable damage from the storm including tornadic activity. The
Village is served by the Lyons Township Area Communications Center (LTACC) which is a coordinated effort between the Villages of Western Springs, La Grange, La Grange Park and Countryside. LTACC did not activate the warning sirens that evening which did cause concern. As a result, La Grange is actively involved, along with the other communities, in reviewing LTACC's policies and procedures to ensure best practices. In the future, LTACC will activate the warning sirens when there are tornado warnings issued for our area. He expressed appreciation of our LTACC dispatchers and the job they do.
President Kuchler noted that over the weekend, the Village experienced several storm events including a significant storm on Saturday, June 26. This rain storm exceeded the capacity of the Village's sewer system, resulting in flooded streets, basements and other low lying areas. The Village Board understands the devastation and frustration that residents have endured and confirmed that flood mitigation remains a top priority. He noted that he spoke to Congresswoman Newman after Saturday's storm event. He expressed how dire the stormwater management situation is and how great the need for a collaborative approach with stakeholders is needed to implement improvements in order to make meaningful progress on this regional issue. She understands the frustrations of La Grange residents as she flooded as well.
Beginning in 2014 and over the past several years, the Village has experienced multiple high-intensity rain events that exceeded the limited capacity of our sewer system, a significant portion of which was built 100 years ago. As a result, a tiered approach to prioritizing flood control objectives was identified which includes solutions to address overland flooding and water pooling in depressional areas and reduces the frequency of combined sewer backups. Projects have been identified for each of the major drainage basins within the Village. Some projects to address flooding are underway such as the Maple Avenue Relief Sewer Project which has been constructed up to La Grange Road. Other projects, such as the 50th Street Storm Sewer and the Ogden Avenue Relief Sewer, are in various stages of planning.
Residents of La Grange approved a referendum in 2015 for this project increasing the local retail sales tax, utility tax, telecommunications tax and sewer rate. The Village dedicated significant resources, both internally and externally, in developing a flood relief plan with storm water experts and engineers that would reduce the devastating impacts of severe storm events for hundreds of La Grange homes. Specifically, the 50th Street Storm Sewer was planned to address overland flooding and water pooling issues south of 47th Street. The Village planned to complete the project, however the project was halted as construction was getting underway due to litigation by the Hanson owned quarry in McCook.
After a settlement agreement was reached with the quarry in December, 2018, the Village worked closely with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and the Quarry on an alternative plan and Intergovernmental Agreement which would allow the project to move forward, but would require additional pipes, reservoir, and pumping station in McCook in order to convey the storm water. The Village and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District worked diligently on the terms of the Intergovernmental Agreement but to date have been unable to enter into an intergovernmental agreement to further the project. The settlement agreement with the quarry expired at the end of 2020, with the original settlement funds and investment earnings being returned to the quarry. The Village and Quarry have resumed litigation proceedings. The Village is 100% committed to completing a fiscally responsible and meaningful stormwater management project or projects in the Village that will reduce flooding and provide necessary and much needed relief for our residents.
President Kuchler also recognized our responsive and dedicated employees in Police, Fire and Public Works for their assistance during the flood event. He noted that Attorney Daniel Stanner from Tabet DeVito & Rothstein would provide a report followed by Paul Siegfried of Baxter & Woodman.
Attorney Stanner noted that Tabet, DeVito & Rothstein was hired to advance the ongoing litigation with Hanson Quarry. He provided a brief overview of the events that led to the lawsuit brought by Hanson Quarry including that the quarry cut the Villages sewer pipe that existed since the 1920's. He noted that the Court entered an Order in May denying the Quarry's motion for summary judgement. The Judge issued an opinion in response to the Quarry's motion, in favor of the Village on multiple points. He noted that if the case does go to trial, that the Judge's issued opinion was encouraging. Mr. Stanner also noted that at a recent status conference with the Judge, the Judge was amenable to setting up a trial date after procedural items were addressed.
Mr. Stanner asked that residents send photos or videos to either Village President Kuchler or Manager Peterson to be included in the Village's discovery process. Residents may become witnesses if the Village does end up going to trial.
President Kuchler thanked Mr. Stanner for providing information and asked the Village Board if they had any questions.
Trustee Gale inquired if further discussion of a settlement will slow down the trial preparation process. Mr. Stanner advised that settlement discussions would not slow down a trial timeline.
Trustee Matteucci inquired as to the timeframe for a potential trial. Mr. Stanner advised that the trial date would likely fall at the end of 2021 or 2022 due to the COVID-19 backup of court cases.
Trustee Matteucci inquired as to the best way to get any responsive information before the Judge. Mr. Stanner advised that the Village would be before the Judge in September and resident information would be provided.
Trustee Kotynek noted that when the engineering designs were completed in 2014, they accounted for 100-year category storms, however, the severity of storms seems to increase every year. He inquired if Mr. Siegfried could provide a general timeline of the construction process for the 50th Street Project.
Mr. Siegfried noted that he has been assisting on stormwater management with the Village since 2014 and advised that the construction of the 50th Street pipe without other components is expected to take about 2 years.
Mr. Siegfried provided an overview of the Villages sewer system which consists of a mix of both combined and separate sewers. Combined sewers are sewer systems that have both storm water and sewage in the same pipe and are treated, with all overflow discharging to a waterway. Separate sewers are systems that have storm water in one pipe and sanitary waste in a separate pipe. Both systems require routine maintenance that consist of televising, cleaning and review of the sewer lining.
Mr. Siegfried noted that La Grange faces two different types of flooding. The “basement backup” where combined sewer capacity is exceeded and the sewage backs up into residential homes. Overland flooding occurs when surface water floods streets, yards and enters homes through low openings. The Village has two main objectives when addressing flooding. The first is to address overland flooding, while the second is to address combined sewer backups.
Mr. Siegfried addressed that flooding occurs in the South Basin which is located between the La Grange Country Club and East Avenue, 47th Street to the north and 51st Street to the south. The worst overland flooding occurs at six main depressional areas that drain only by sewer. Water flows through the area, through the Country Club, along roadways and between homes. Flooding occurs during high intensity storm events when the capacity of the existing sewer system is exceeded. The regional outlets for La Grange water flow are the McCook Ditch/Deep Tunnel and the Quarry. He noted that the Village does not restrict the water flows and there are no gates or mechanisms that need to be opened by the Village.
Mr. Siegfried stated that in 2014, the Village retained Baxter & Woodman to review and expand upon a previous study of the South Basin Area with a focus on overland flooding (Tier 1). At the time, they analyzed existing flooding and then developed and studied several alternatives to address flooding. One of the recommended projects from the 2014 study was the 50th Street Relief Storm Sewer. He explained that the 50th Street storm sewer would consist of a mainline storm sewer from Spring Avenue to East Avenue that would be 60-inch to 72-inch pipe. It would also include storm sewer extensions to some additional depressional areas, with the option to add more in the future. The p would significantly reduce flooding throughout the South Basin. In 2015, the project was funded through a Village referendum at a total of $14.5 Million. While the design was completed in 2016, the project has not yet moved forward.
Mr. Siegfried explained that on parallel lines, the Village has continued to address other South Basin priorities. In partnership with IDOT, the Village has identified both the 47th Street and East Avenue project as well as the 55th Street project as opportunities for flood relief. The Village has continued to pursue opportunities to tie into those projects to manage additional stormwater. In partnership with Cook County, the Village also asked flood relief through the planned Plainfield Road improvement project. The Village continues to seek combined sewer system improvements including coordinating with the MWRD regarding a possible combined relief sewer that would connect to the Deep Tunnel system. Additional evaluation of other potential projects to address flooding also provide incremental improvements. The Village also continues to pursue funding.
Mr. Siegfried noted that stormwater management projects the Village has identified also include the Maple Avenue Relief Sewer which addresses flooding in areas tributary to the Maple Avenue Sewer. It consists of a 24-inch to 60-inch relief sewer from Bluff Avenue to Peck Avenue. Other phases may be considered in the future as funds allow. Another projected stormwater management project is the Ogden Avenue Relief Sewer. It is a relief sewer that is planned to run along Ogden Avenue, Ashland Avenue and Bell Avenue. It is a potential future project as funds allow.
President Kuchler inquired as to why the Village cannot utilize the port for the Deep Tunnel. Mr. Siegfried responded that in conversations with the MWRD, he was advised that there are hydraulic constraints that will not allow the additional water to be accepted from La Grange.
President Kuchler also inquired if there was a noticeable impact on flooding based on the size of the home. Mr. Siegfried noted that redevelopment can result in minor increases. Individual development is not significant but the overall development in aggregate can add up to create an impact. He noted that most sewer systems were developed before modern regulations and standards.
Trustee Matteucci inquired if any other factors after 2014 would need to be taken into account such as changes to weather, outlets or pipe condition. Mr. Siegfried advised that he was unaware of any restrictions on outlets or changes to other outfalls. He also noted that the Village has continued to maintain sewer systems and he is not aware of significant blockages or failed pipes that would create an impact.
Trustee Matteucci inquired as what can be done in the South Basin to improve storm water management. Mr. Siegfried advised that the greatest benefit would be the completion of the 50th Street project. Other things that can be done now include green infrastructure or storing water in local parks. However, he noted that due to the volume of water that needs to be managed, these options only provide small benefits, and they would not fix the problem.
President Kuchler invited the residents in attendance to comment.
Cindy Brom, 724 S. Kensington, stated that she was part of the group that campaigned for the referendum six years ago and is disappointed that the 50th Street has not yet progressed. She expressed concerns regarding volume of water from the Highlands across the Country Club. She asked for regular project updates from the Village and increased correspondence with neighbors regarding stormwater management.
Maureen Napleton, 545 Sunset, expressed her frustration with the 50th Street Project timeline and requested the Village look into alternative stormwater management options.
Jordan Itkowitz, 815 S. Waiola, stated that she has experienced four flooding events in four years and is frustrated with the long term plan. She requested that alternative short term options be examined.
Jen Enriquez, 741 S. Spring, thanked Trustee Matteucci for his presence in their neighborhood when it floods but stressed that the severity of the flooding makes it difficult to prepare for other emergencies. She stressed her frustration with the project timeline and asked that alternative options be examined.
Jan Reagan, 621 S. Ashland, expressed anger with both the Country Club and the Quarry as stormwater management partners. She asked for additional barricades and traffic management methods during future flooding events.
Bryan Grissman, 740 S. Spring, expressed frustration with the flooding that occurred, the response of insurance companies and the speed of the 50th Street project. He asked that more be done to address flooding.
Casey Swanson, 717 S. Spring, asked that the Village do more for residents when flooding does occur.
Joe Fedoruk, 217 Harris, stressed the severity of the flooding that occurred and expressed frustration with the length of time the 50th Street project has taken. He asked that the Village examine alternative stormwater management plans and assist residents with damaged items needing to be disposed of.
Jan Geary, 716 S. Kensington, explained that she is a fifty-year resident of La Grange who never experienced flooding until 2014 and has experienced three floods since that time. She asked that the Village reexamine discussions with the Country Club to install a berm and keep an open line of communication with Village residents. She thanked Public Works for their assistance and care when she called.
Patty Earnst, 425 S. Kensington, expressed her frustration with flooding that has occurred since 2010 and noted that it is a financial burden.
Chuck Bergan, 600 block of 9th Avenue, requested that additional traffic management be implemented during future flooding events as he noticed cars driving through flooded streets.
Julia Fullerton, 744 S. Spring, expressed distress at the loss of personal items and the cleanup process. She asked that the timeline of stormwater management projects be accelerated and thanked her neighbors for the support they offered.
Rob Byerly, 718 S. Spring, expressed frustration with the recent flooding events and asked that the Village focus on stormwater management.
Tom Sullivan, 47th and Spring, explained that he has flooded with combined sewer discharge the past two years. He asked that the citizens of La Grange take action. He expressed frustration with the quarry gravel trucks and asked that other citizens work together to request accountability.
Debra Reid, 416 Edgewood, explained that she has flooded the past two years and asked that La Grange offer relief programs to assist residents.
Allison Bowe, 740 S. Spring, explained that her home flooded during this storm event and expressed her frustration. She noted that she worked to clear catch basins and remove sewer grates in an effort to increase the flow of water out of the neighborhood. She requested that the Village accelerate the stormwater management timeline.
Linsey Paulos, 737 S. Spring, explained that she is a longtime realtor in La Grange. She asked that stormwater management be addressed as it has a big impact on lives and livelihood.
President Kuchler thanked residents for sharing their experiences and frustration. He noted that the Village Board is made up of neighbors and that the Board is a group of volunteers who does their best to make the Village of La Grange a wonderful place to live.
President Kuchler acknowledged that the Village has expressed a willingness to meet with the Country Club or Hanson Quarry to discuss stormwater management. This is a regional problem requiring a regional solution.
President Kuchler explained that the Village assists residents in flood mitigation by waiving permit fees and assisting with refuse removal. He stressed that the Village has limited funds and must be equitable in distribution when it comes to providing other relief for residents as some residents have already made water management updates. He invited public comment on the issue.
President Kuchler expounded upon the 50th Street stormwater management project, noting that it is a large project and is unique to La Grange. The scope is larger than most projects and the funding raised is greater than most municipal projects. While the referendum covers much of the cost, the final steps still need collaboration from our neighbors and additional funding to ensure completion. He noted that other projects have not been considered because in order to complete the 50th Street project we need the full amount of the $14 Million. The project involves collaboration with Hanson Quarry and the MWRD, plus additional funding to be successful. The Village continually works to identify sources of funding.
President Kuchler explained that the Village first shuts down intersections that are known to flood and will continue to study best practices for rerouting traffic. He asked that other residents avoid flooded streets and intersections as it is dangerous to the driver and damaging to the flooded homeowner. He also explained that La Grange employees work hard for the Village and are out helping at all hours when weather events occur. La Grange employees, he noted, treat the community like their home.
President Kuchler asked Mr. Siegfried why some intersections drain faster than others, Mr. Siegfried responded that some grates may be getting clogged and elevation differs from intersection to intersection. It should also be noted that the capacity of the main sewer line is limited. He explained that while removing the sewer grate can help increase the flow temporarily, the overall capacity of the pipe does not change.
Trustee Matteucci noted that through personal observation, removing the sewer grate initially can be helpful as it increases water flow, but is a band aide on insufficient sewer main capacity.
3. MANAGER'S REPORT
Village Manager Peterson announced that the Village encourages residents and businesses to register for the Rave Alert / Smart 911 system to stay informed of weather and other emergencies. Residents may choose the types of notifications they receive and how they receive them. One sign-up includes both programs and there is no cost. To signup, visit the Village website and click on the Emergency Alerts Sign-Up button on the front page.
Village Manager Peterson announced that the Village Hall will be closed for services on Monday, July 5 in observance of the Independence Day Holiday. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, July 6 and online services are available on the Village's website. A full complement of emergency response personnel will be available throughout the holiday.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
None.
5. CONSENT AGENDA AND VOTE
A. Contract - Leaf Hauling and Disposal
B. Contract – 2021 Crack Filling Program
C. Ordinance - Disposal of Property – Police Department, Fire Department and Administrative Department
D. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Monday, June 14, 2021
E. Consolidated Voucher 210628
Trustee Kotynek recused himself from items on the voucher related to damage to a lawn sprinkler.
A motion was made by Trustee Gale to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Trustee McGee.
Approved by a roll call vote:
Ayes: Trustees Gale, Kotynek, Matteucci, McGee and Peterson
Nays: None
Absent: Trustee Augustine
CURRENT BUSINESS
A. Special Event - Annual Downtown La Grange Craft Fair
President Kuchler asked Trustee Matteucci to introduce the item. Trustee Matteucci stated the La Grange Business Association has requested permission to hold the annual La Grange Art and Craft Show on Friday, July 16th, Saturday, July 13th, and Sunday, July 14", from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, each day. The Craft Fair will include 200 exhibitors located the Cossitt School blacktop area adjacent to Harris Avenue, Harris Avenue, Village parking lots #3 and 4, and Madison Avenue.
The Craft Fair brings thousands of visitors to La Grange and has been ranked as one of the top 200 best juried craft shows in the country. As in the past, the LGBA intends to hire Craft Productions, Inc. as the event organizer.
A motion was made by Trustee Matteucci to approve the special event for the annual Downtown La Grange Craft Fair, seconded by Trustee Kotynek.
Approved by a roll call vote:
Ayes: Trustees Gale, Kotynek, Matteucci, McGee and Peterson
Nays: None
Absent: Trustee Augustine
PUBLIC COMMENT
John Pappas, 504 S. 7th Avenue, stated that he appreciated the hard work that the Village has done on advancing storm water management projects and noted it is a difficult task.
John Pappas, 504 S. 7th Avenue, commented on the proposed changes to the Building Code. He noted that none of the code adoptions were a cause for concern. He suggested the following (1) as a best practice that homeowners be copied on all permitting correspondence; (2) He suggested that the Building Board of Appeals should be comprised of local property owners; and (3) he noted that it is important that the code address existing buildings as that is most of the permit activity in La Grange. He also requested that the Village examine the possibility of eliminating or reducing the requirement for permits for some projects to increase efficiency. He thanked the Board for their time in reviewing the Building Code update.
8. TRUSTEE COMMENTS
Trustee Gale thanked staff for confirming that the stop lights at 47th Street and Brainard Avenue were controlled by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and requested that the Village reach out to IDOT to request that the signaling at the intersection be amended to include a left turn signal. President Kuchler directed staff to do so.
President Kuchler thanked Village Trustees for all of their efforts on behalf of the Village.
9. CLOSED SESSION
None.
10. ADJOURNMENT At 9:52 p.m. Trustee Gale made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee McGee. Approved by a voice vote.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OpoYMCWOvo0mAiBKiBNuDf-Jn0bxTkpu0zDqctlEOGI/edit
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