Sangamon Sun

Village of La Grange Board of Trustees met Jan. 10.

Here are 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 Clerk Paul Saladino. On roll call, as read by Village Clerk Paul Saladino, the following were:

PRESENT: Trustees Augustine, O'Brien, Peterson, and Trustee Kotynek presiding as Chairperson Pro Tem.

ABSENT: President Kuchler and Trustees Gale and McGee

OTHERS:

Village Manager Andrianna Peterson Village Attorney Ben Schuster Public Works Director Richard Colby Community Development Director Charity Jones Finance Director Lou Cipparrone Police Chief Robert Wardlaw Fire Chief Terrence Vavra

Village Clerk Saladino 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 regardless of vaccination status. The video of the meeting was broadcasted on cable television, YouTube, and will also be available on Facebook and posted to the Village website.

Village Clerk Saladino announced that Village President Mark Kuchler was unable to attend the Village Board Meeting. Clerk Saladino requested a Motion be made to elect senior Trustee Michael Kotynek to preside over the meeting as Chairperson Pro Tem.

Trustee Augustine moved to elect Trustee Kotynek as Chairperson Pro Tem, seconded by Trustee O'Brien.

Motion approved by voice vote.

Chairperson Kotynek asked Village Trustee O'Brien to lead the audience in reciting the pledge of allegiance.

2. PRESIDENT'S REPORT

Chairperson Kotynek thanked residents and businesses for their continued diligence with following the CDC and IDPH guidelines to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. He noted health professionals continue to strongly encourage everyone to pursue vaccinations and booster shots. Last week the Illinois Department of Public Health adopted CDC recommendations for booster doses for children aged 12-15 years, five months after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. To find a vaccination center near you, please visit www.vaccines.gov.

Chairperson Kotynek announced that effective January 3, the Cook County Department of Public Health is requiring proof of vaccination for customers dining in indoor settings where food or drink are served and certain other businesses. For more information regarding the Cook County order, please visit the Cook County Department of Public Health website at www.cookcountypublichealth.org. The Village continues to urge all residents to continue to diligently follow health guidelines including wearing a mask, washing your hands, and watching your distance. For more information regarding COVID-19, please visit the Village website at www.lagrangeil.gov/covid.

Chairperson Kotynek noted that since the significant storm event on June 26, the Village has been reporting on the Village's efforts to help reduce flooding and identify funding for flood mitigation projects through a number of legislative, legal and engineering initiatives. The Village has identified projects to help reduce flooding, each of which has its own set of challenges, costs and benefits. Additional projects are also in the process of being studied by Village engineers. Each of these projects require partnerships with various agencies such as the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, Illinois Department of Transportation, Cook County and potentially other taxing bodies. He noted stormwater is a regional problem, and all entities must continue to work diligently along with the Village to find a solution. More information regarding these and other stormwater / flood control initiatives will be provided as they evolve.

Chairperson Kotynek announced that the Village is continuing its budget development process for fiscal year 2022-23, which begins May 1. A Capital Projects Workshop will be held on February 14. A Budget Workshop on operational expenses is scheduled for Saturday, March 12 at 8 a.m. The draft budget document will be available at Village Hall and Library; and posted, along with the Village Manager's message, on the Village's website in advance of the meeting. He invited everyone to attend and participate in the budget discussion as it is an important document that guides decision making throughout the upcoming year and planning over a five-year period.

Chairperson Kotynek stated that the week of January 10 marks the return to school for most elementary and high school students in La Grange and noted that the speed limit around schools is 20 mph. Please drive carefully through La Grange. For more information regarding pedestrian and bicycle safety, please visit the Village's website.

Chairperson Kotynek expressed the sympathies of the Village Board to President Kuchler as he recently lost his Father, Robert "Bob" Kuchler, in late December 2021. He noted that Bob Kuchler was a veteran of the United States Air Force and is survived by his wife Joy Kuchler and his four children; Robbie, Mark, Karen and Colleen. Chairperson Kotynek requested a moment of silence be observed.

3. MANAGER'S REPORT

Village Manager Peterson announced that during the winter, Public Works crews work diligently to keep Village streets, sidewalks, and parking lots clear of snow and ice, and safe for travel. To assist Public Works with snow plowing operations, please be aware that on-street parking is restricted when snowfall exceeds two or more inches. The Village requests that residents assist the Village and their neighbors by clearing public sidewalks adjacent to their property. If there is a fire hydrant next to your property, the Fire Department requests assistance by maintaining a three-foot perimeter clear of snow around the hydrant. She thanked residents in advance for their cooperation. Please call the Department of Public Works at 708-579-2328 with any questions or visit the Village website at www.lagrangeil.gov.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None.

5. CONSENT AGENDA AND VOTE

A. Agreement - Lieutenant Promotional Examination Services (Illinois Fire Chiefs Association Assessment Consulting Services)

B. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Monday, December 13, 2021

C. Consolidated Voucher 211227

D. Consolidated Voucher 220110

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 Augustine to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Trustee O'Brien.

Approved by a roll call vote:

Ayes: Nays: Absent:

Trustees Augustine, Kotynek, O'Brien and Peterson None Trustees Gale and McGee

6. CURRENT BUSINESS

None.

7. PUBLIC COMMENT

Resident Cindy Brom of Dry Up La Grange, requested copies of the Christopher Burke Stormwater Study. She requested that the Village provide additional information.

Public Works Director Colby noted that Village staff most recently applied for the FEMA BRIC grant in an effort to offset costs associated with the 50th Street Storm sewer project.

8. TRUSTEE COMMENTS

Trustee Augustine thanked Village staff for their professionalism and quick response when a neighbor's home caught on fire. She expressed pride for the quick response to contain the fire, implement crowd control methods and partner with other area Departments to ensure the best possible outcome.

9. CLOSED SESSION

None.

10. ADJOURNMENT At 7:45 p.m. Trustee Peterson made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee O'Brien. Approved by a voice vote.

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