Sangamon Sun

Village of La Grange Board of Trustees met Feb. 14.

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 7:33 p.m. by Village Clerk Paul Saladino. On roll call, as read by Village Clerk Paul Saladino, the following were:

PRESENT: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Kotynek, O'Brien, and Peterson, with President Kuchler presiding.

ABSENT: Trustee 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

Management Analyst - PD Shaun O'Connor

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 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.

President Kuchler asked Village Clerk Saladino to lead the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. PRESIDENT'S REPORT

A. Appointment - Community and Economic Development Commission

President Kuchler read the proposed appointment of Steve Nizerre to the Community and Economic Development Commission into the record.

Trustee Kotynek made a motion to approve the appointment of Steve Nizerre to the Community and Economic Development Commission seconded by Trustee Gale. Motion carried on a voice vote.

B. Appointment and Oath of Office – Village Attorney

President Kuchler read the appointment of Benjamin Schuster from Elrod Friedman as Village Attorney into the record.

Trustee Kotynek made a motion to approve the appointment of Benjamin Schuster as the Village Attorney seconded by Trustee Gale. Motion carried on a voice vote.

President Kuchler invited Clerk Saladino to administer the Oath of Office to Village Attorney Benjamin Schuster.

C. Oath of Office - Jonathan Palubicki, Police Officer

President Kuchler invited Clerk Saladino to administer the Oath of Office to Police Officer Jonathan Palubicki.

President Kuchler 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.

President Kuchler reported that the Village entered into a task order with Christopher Burke Engineering in August, 2021 to provide flood mitigation options in association with upcoming IDOT roadway projects. The Village also entered into a task order with Christopher Burke in September, 2021 for four additional engineering projects including: 1) school / park district coordination; 2) funding options; 3) buyout programs; and 4) immediate projects for depressional areas. Some of the initiatives that Burke completed during this time is a $17.5M application for the FEMA BRIC grant program, identification of areas of potential future study, and confirmation of previous engineering conclusions that new potential projects should be considered in the context of a larger stormwater management plan that includes maintaining or enhancing our current sewer outfalls. He noted that this is a regional problem requiring all entities to work diligently with the Village to implement a solution. He reported that the Environmental Quality Commission was asked by the Village Board to study a potential resident flood mitigation / basement backup cost share program. Recommendations are forthcoming. The MWRD and Congresswoman Marie Newman have selected La Grange as part of a tour of stormwater management projects, specifically the Village's permeable paver parking lots in the downtown on February 23. The Judge has scheduled the trial with the Hanson Quarry to begin on July 18, 2022.

President Kuchler reported that the Village has been contacted by Senator Curran's office and Senator Lightford's office regarding potential state legislation that would further regulate quarry operations and blasting, as a result of resident concerns.

President Kuchler announced that La Grange Restaurant Week will take place starting Friday, February 25 through Sunday, March 6.

President Kuchler noted that the Village Board intends to recognize former Village Attorney Mark Burkland for his 30 years of service at the next Village Board meeting.

President Kuchler reported that the Village Board will be recognizing the Palmer family and Palmer Place restaurant at the March 14 meeting.

3. MANAGER'S REPORT

Village Manager Peterson announced that the Village Hall will be closed on Monday, February 21, 2022 in recognition of President's Day. A full complement of public safety personnel will be available in the event of an emergency. Regular Village Hall office hours will resume on Tuesday, February 22, 2021 at 8:30 a.m.

A. Capital Projects Workshop

Ms. Peterson announced that staff plans to facilitate a Capital Projects Workshop this evening as a key component of the annual budget development process. The proposed budget anticipates a surplus fund balance at the end of the five-year budget period which demonstrates the ability to fund the identified projects over this time period. The proposed plan for capital improvements demonstrates a continued emphasis on the maintenance and replacement of the Village's aging infrastructure. The Capital Improvements Plan has also been designed to execute on the strategic priorities identified by the Village Board. As a result of these priorities and an increase in General Fund revenues from sales tax and State shared revenues, opportunities have been identified for additional investments in our capital needs.

Finance Director Lou Cipparrone provided an overview of capital funding which includes Motor Fuel Tax and a transfer from the General Fund. As a result of a recent increase in General Fund revenues, staff is proposing to restore the funding to the Capital Projects Budget in the amount of $1.0M. As a result, funds are available for additional projects and initiatives.

Public Works Director Colby provided a status report regarding current capital projects and projects recommended by staff in the future. Mr. Colby discussed proposals for neighborhood street projects over the next several fiscal years. The proposed projects include resurfacing streets based on data contained in the 2016 Street Condition Survey. Due to a grant from Leader Jim Durkin, it is recommended that the Village rehabilitate Edgewood Avenue, including a striped bike lane in FY 2022-23. Brainard Avenue and Shawmut Avenue are proposed to be resurfaced in FY 2023-24. Burlington Avenue and possibly Gilbert Avenue are proposed to be resurfaced in FY 2026-27. The Village's downtown streetscape improvement project is proposed to be completed in two parts and will be coordinated to reduce impacts on businesses and pedestrians. Due to increased revenues, staff is proposing a street patching program which will focus on larger sections of roadway to help extend the service and integrity of Village streets. Parking Lot 3 is proposed to be resurfaced with permeable pavers and it is recommended that the Village consider the use of Illinois Bond Fund / DCEO grants as well as Parking Fund reserves for the project in FY 2022-23.

Throughout Mr. Colby's report, general questions were asked by the Village Board to ascertain a better understanding of projects and / or project scope. Mr. Colby and Ms. Peterson responded to inquiries related to the limits of the proposed Edgewood Avenue rehabilitation project; IDOT's planned improvement of the 47th and East intersection; improvements to the La Grange Road Train Station, and improvements to Village-owned facilities.

Public Works Director Colby also provided a status report of water system improvements for Fiscal Year 2021-22 as well as recommendations for Fiscal Year 2022-23. The replacement of the water main on Brainard Avenue is scheduled for FY 2023-24. A water and sewer rate study is in the process of being finalized. The City of Chicago and McCook implemented water rate increases the last two years that have not been passed on to residents due to COVID-19. Potential water rate increases will be included as part of the ongoing water and sewer rate study. Director Colby also provided information to the Village Board regarding the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act. The preliminary recommendation is to continue to offer an opportunity for residents to participate, at their option and cost, in lead service replacement programs offered as a part of larger water main replacement projects, as we have since 2018. Residents that choose not to participate will be required to submit a waiver and comply with other requirements under the Act. The Village will continue to explore options for funding and implementation of the Act. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Members of the Village Board asked questions regarding the water main leak study and its impact on water accountability.

Director Colby provided a status report of sewer system improvements for Fiscal Year 2021-22 as well as recommendations for Fiscal Year 2022-23. Director Colby reported that the Environmental Quality Commission is studying the potential development of a new residential cost sharing program to address basement backups. The proposed program would have a potential budget of $50,000, resulting in an estimated increase to the current sewer rate of $1.73 per 100 cubic feet of 10 cents, or an additional $10 annually to an average homeowner. No additional sewer rate increases are proposed at this time, pending the results of the current water and sewer rate study. Due to increased revenues, it is proposed that the budget for sewer lining and repairs be increased by $150,000 annually.

The Village Board asked questions regarding the proposed resident cost share program; home buyout programs; storage of water on public property; and the Brainard Avenue floodwall.

President Kuchler reported that the Village Board continues to ensure that tax revenues are spent efficiently and wisely. He thanked the Village Board and staff for their ongoing efforts. He highlighted that the proposed projects include a resurfacing and striped bike path for Edgewood Avenue south of 47th Street, and thanked Leader Jim Durkin for providing a grant to move this project forward. He also highlighted the increased Capital budget from $700,000 to $1.0M which will allow for additional capital projects to be performed.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

Allison Bowe stated that it had been 233 days since the last flood and that homes still require protection. She asked that additional information regarding the Village's progress be provided by March 1.

Clare Napleton, 416 S. Sunset Avenue, introduced herself and noted that her name was spelled incorrectly on the agenda.

CONSENT AGENDA AND VOTE

A. Ordinance – Design Review Permit #114 – 26 S. La Grange and 10 W. Calendar Avenue, Burcor Properties

B. Purchase - Spring Flower Planting Program

C. Temporary Use Approval Extension Request – 27 Calendar Avenue, Pillars Community Health

D. Professional Services Agreement – Christopher B. Burke Engineering - Central Business District Streetscape Improvements – Phase 2

E. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Monday, January 10, 2022

F. Consolidated Voucher 220124

G. Consolidated Voucher 220214

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 Kotynek to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Trustee Gale.

Approved by a roll call vote:

Ayes: Nays: Absent:

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

Trustee McGee

6. CURRENT BUSINESS

A. Ordinance – Special Use and Site Plan Approval for Outdoor Dining and Live Music at 56 South La Grange Road (Palmer's Place Restaurant and Biergarten), Leslie and Dave Tarman, DTL Operations – Referred to Trustee Gale

President Kuchler asked Trustee Gale to introduce the item.

Trustee Gale moved to approve an ordinance regarding the Special Use and Site Plan Approval for Outdoor Dining and Live Music at 56 South La Grange Road (Palmer's Place Restaurant and Biergarten), Leslie and Dave Tarman, DTL Operations, seconded by Trustee Kotynek.

Approved by a roll call vote:

Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Kotynek, O'Brien and Peterson

Nays: None

Absent: Trustee McGee

B. Ordinance – Variation - Maximum Building Coverage / Clare Napleton, 6692 Partners, 416 South Sunset Avenue - Referred to Trustee O'Brien

President Kuchler asked Trustee O'Brien to introduce the item. Trustee O'Brien moved to approve an ordinance regarding Variation – Maximum Building Coverage / Clare Napleton, 6692 Partners, 416 South Sunset Avenue, seconded by Trustee Gale

Approved by a roll call vote:

Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Kotynek, O'Brien and Peterson

Nays: None

Absent: Trustee McGee

7. PUBLIC COMMENT

John Travis provided comments regarding the Fire Pension Board and the widow of deceased Firefighter / Paramedic Adam Van Every. Mr. Travis stated that Firefighter Van Every served with honor and distinction and asked that the Village Board intervene in the proceedings and award survivor benefits to his surviving spouse. President Kuchler thanked Mr. Travis for his comments and agreed that Firefighter Van Every served with honor and distinction. He stated that the Village Board is not involved in the Pension Board's decision.

8. TRUSTEE COMMENTS

Trustee Kotynek thanked Public Works Director Colby for the detail and full immersion into the capital projects budget.

Trustee Augustine welcomed Attorney Benjamin Schuster, acknowledged the efforts and service of the La Grange Garden Club, and thanked Manager Peterson and Director Cipparrone for their assistance with the capital projects budget.

President Kuchler announced that the Village was invited to participate in the City of Countryside St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 5. All employees and their families are invited to participate.

9. CLOSED SESSION

None.

10. ADJOURNMENT

At 9:29 p.m. Trustee Koytnek made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Gale. Approved by a voice vote.

https://www.villageoflagrange.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2814