Sangamon Sun

Village of La Grange Board of Trustees met March 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 7:35 p.m. by Village Clerk Paul Saladino. On roll call, as read by Clerk Saladino, the following were:

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

ABSENT: Trustees McGee and O'Brien

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

President Kuchler welcomed the Village Board and thanked Trustees for attending the meeting. He noted that the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has lifted COVID-I9 restrictions and therefore, masks are optional. The video of the meeting is available on YouTube, and will also be available on Facebook and posted to the Village website.

President Kuchler asked Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar to lead the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. PRESIDENT'S REPORT

President Kuchler stated that the Budget Workshop occurred on Saturday, March 12, 2022. President Kuchler thanked the Village Board, staff and community for their input in the process. President Kuchler stated that the completed draft of the budget for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2022 is available at Village Hall, Library and Village website. President Kuchler stated that a Public Hearing regarding the preliminary FY 2022-2023 budget is scheduled for Monday, April 1 I, 2022. Consideration of the final budget is scheduled to be on the Village Board's agenda on Monday, Apil25,2022.

President Kuchler thanked the LGBA for a successful Restaurant Week. He also thanked the restaurants, residents and visitors for their support.

President Kuchler announced that the LGBA plans a Spring Shopping Stroll on Saturday, Apil9,2022 from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants can download and print or view a map for stores with one-day only offers and specials. Also featured are random grand prize drawings for $50 gift cards to La Grange businesses and restaurants. For more information regarding the day's events, please visit the LGBA website or s u u .lagtangeer eltts.coltt.

President Kuchler thanked Dry Up La Grange for attending the meeting. President Kuchler stated that the problem has not been solved and that a regional solution is needed with the help from federal, state, county and MWRD. President Kuchler acknowledged the attendance of Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar, who has been assisting the Village with identifying funding and projects to provide flood relief to residents.

Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar provided a summary report of various County initiatives. He is continuing to ask the County for flood assistance, as the primary concern in his district.

President Kuchler thanked Commissioner Aguilar for advocating on behalf of the residents of La Grange.

President Kuchler stated that it was an honor to thank Steve and Phil Palmer for being an important part of La Grange's identity. He invited the audience to provide comments.

Nancy Cummings, Executive Director of the LGBA thanked both Steve and Phil Palmer for their role in the development and growth of the LGBA over the past three decades. She stated that their involvement and dedication has facilitated key events, and that they have been leaders, mentors and role models. She further noted their commitment and generosity to the community.

Erin Molek, Community Engagement Manager of BEDS Plus stated that the Palmer family has been advocates of BEDS for many years. During COVID- 19, Palmer Place donated or contributed 10,000 meals to people in need. These types of efforts make La Grange a great place to live by making sure everyone is taken care of.

Trustee Kotynek congratulated the Palmers on their success. He noted that he has enjoyed Palmers for many years and appreciates the investment that the Palmer family has made in the community.

Trustee Augustine stated that Palmer Place transformed La Grange at a time when it was needed the most. She further noted their charitable work in the community.

Trustee Gale thanked the Palmers for all they have done and noted that the recognition was well deserved.

President Kuchler noted the Palmer Family's commitment to the community. He particularly highlighted their mentoring of new restaurants and collaborative efforts with the Village. He stated that the work they have done through the LGBA and community groups set them apart as a family-owned business.

A. Resolution of Appreciation - Recognizing the Palmer Family and Palmer Place Restaurant

President Kuchler read the Resolution of Appreciation of the Palmer Family and Palmer Place Restaurant into the record.

Phil Palmer acknowledged his parents, and the Breen and Cahill families who were their role models. He noted that La Grange is their community and expressed their love for it.

Steve Palmer thanked the Village Board for the recognition. He noted that they will continue to serve and be involved in the community.

Trustee Gale made a motion to approve the Resolution of Appreciation recognizing the Palmer Family and Palmer Place Restaurant seconded by Trustee Kotynek. Motion carried on a voice vote.

President Kuchler announced the next Village Board meeting on Monday, March 28, 2022 has been cancelled. The next meeting will be on Monday, Apil11,2022.

3. MANAGER'S REPORT

Village Manager Peterson announced that the downtown streetscape project began today. The project involves the removal and replacement of brick pavers and concrete sidewalk in the downtown area. The project will be conducted in two phases - spring and fall. Intermittent sidewalk and parking stall closures may be required. however, access to businesses will be provided. Pedestrians and motorists are asked to be cautious when walking or driving near work zones and to adhere to construction signage. General hours of work are from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Work began this week on Calendar Ave between Ashland Ave and La Grange Road. Areas on the south side of Burlington Ave between Ashland Ave and La Grange Road are also scheduled. The Village is working closely with contractor and businesses to reduce the impacts of the project as much as possible. She stated that the Village appreciates the public's patience and understanding. For more information, or if you have any questions, please visit the Village website or contact Public Works at (708) 579-2328.

Village Manager Peterson announced that brush collection begins the first Monday of each month, April through November, during the first full week of the month. April 4, 2022 will be the first brush pick up for the season. She noted that that brush may not be placed on the parkway until the Sunday evening before the scheduled pick-up week, but no later than 7:00 a.m. on the first Monday of each month. Items considered to be brush consist of fallen or cut branches and limbs from trees and bushes which cannot fit into a biodegradable paper bag or a 35- gallon reusable container for regular yard waste pick up. There are specific requirements for preparing brush for pickup including size and other restrictions. Please visit the Village website for more information or contact the Department of Public Works at (708) 579-2328.

Village Manager Peterson announced this year's Spring Clean Up will be held the week of April l1 on resident's regular collection day. Two Spring Clean Up Stickers are required for unlimited participation (2 at $3.05 each for $6.10 total). For more information, including allowable items, please visit the website at u.wll'.lasraneeil.sov.

Village Manager Peterson announced that the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad has announced emergency railroad crossing repair work on Thursday, March 17,2022 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The work will require a temporary closure of the crossing on East Ave. south of47s St. on that day. 47s and East Ave. north of the railroad tracks will remain open during the work. Traffic detour signage will direct northbound East Ave. motorists to 556 St. and southbound motorists to 47fr St.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None.

5. CONSENTAGENDA AND VOTE

A. Engineering Services Agreement - FY 2022-23 Brainard Avenue Water Main Replacement Project

B. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Monday, February 28, 2022

C. Consolidated Vowher 220314

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 Augustine.

Approved by a roll call vote:

Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Kotynek, and Peterson

Nays: None

Absent: Trustees McGee and O'Brien

6. CURRENT BUSINESS

None.

7. PUBLIC COMMENT

Jen Enriquez, 741 S Spring Ave. stated there is rain forecasted for next week and she is concerned about a chance of flooding. She asked for updated information regarding initiatives since June, 2021.

Betsy Shea, 126 Waiola Ave. requested an update on preventative measures being taken to potentially prevent flooding when we get rains.

Peter Stukey, 645 Waiola Ave. asked for an update regarding the potential sewer backup rebate program.

Rick Colby, Public Works Director stated that storm preparation includes cleaning and maintaining basins, and barricade deployment, particularly in depressional areas. Recent sewer televising of depressional areas verified that the sewers in those areas are functioning as designed. La Grange is working with other Public Works Departments in LTACC to develop emergency procedures and communications protocols in flooding events.

President Kuchler stated that the Environmental Quality Commission has been evaluating the feasibility of a sewer backup cost sharing program for homeowner improvements. The EQC has generally completed their discussion and the preliminary program would include a cost share for the installation of check valves and over head sewers. The initial budget is $50,000 per year with a cap of$5,000 per household. The EQC recommends that funding for the program would be provided through an increase of the sewer rate by $0.10 per cubic yard, which would be about $10 per year for an average home owner. The program is targeted towards residents in the combined sewer area and not households in the South Lyons Sanitary District. Residents that have made the investment previously are not recommended for reimbursement, only residents submitting for the rebate after the program is enacted. The Village Board is anticipating a comprehensive recommendation from the EQC shortly.

President Kuchler stated that the Village Board has and continues to meet with MWRD Commissioners regarding the need for flood relief. The Village recently met with the top four engineers from the MWRD and top engineers from Chris Burke Engineering to discuss short and long term possibilities. There are no easy fixes. The Village is interested in working with the Country Club on flood mitigation options. Some localized project areas may also be an option, but the 50m St. stormwater project is needed to provide necessary relief. The trial date with the quarry is set for July 18,2022. President Kuchler stated that he understands concerns that the issues cannot be addressed immediately, that the Village Board does not take the concerns lightly, and that the Village will continue to work diligently towards solutions.

8. TRUSTEE COMMENTS

Trustee Augustine acknowledged the hard work of the Village regarding flooding and asked if updates  can continue to be provided at future meetings to help everyone remain connected with the process.

9. CLOSED SESSION

None.

10. ADJOURNMENT

At 8:22 p.m. Trustee Kotynck made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Gale. Approved by a voice vote.

At 8:22 p.m. Trustee Kotynck madc a motion to adjoum, secondcd by'frustcc Galc. Approved by a voice votc.