Village of La Grange Board of Trustees met June 27.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
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, McGee, O'Brien and Peterson, with President Kuchler presiding.
ABSENT: None
OTHERS: Village Manager Andrianna Peterson
Village Attomey Benjamin Schuster
Public Works Director Richard Colby
Community Development Director Charity Jones
Police Chief Robert Wardlaw
President Kuchler welcomed the Village Board and thanked Trustees for attending the meeting. The video of the meeting is available on YouTube, and will also be available on Facebook and posted to the Village website.
President Kuchler invited Allyson and Sadie Martinaitis to lead the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
President Kuchler thanked the Community Diversity Group, Sisters of St. Joseph, and the many community leaders for hosting the Juneteenth event at the La Grange Community Center (200 Washington) on June 20. He stated that La Grange has a commitment to every member of our community to be inclusive and welcoming. The event theme was 'no one is free until everyone is free with keynote speaker, Reverend Wheeler Parker. Also, Mrs. Renee Hodges was honored for her work in the community. President Kuchler thanked the Trustees that were able to attend and participate.
President Kuchler thanked the La Grange Business Association and other partners for organizing the Snack and Stroll.
President Kuchler thanked the La Grange Business Association for coordinating the Farmers Market Thursday's from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the north side of the Village Hall.
President Kuchler stated that Village governance relies on the active participation of residents volunteering their time and effort to sustain the quality of life in La Grange. He noted that La Grange is fortunate to have residents willing to serve on our voluntary Boards and Commissions. He stated that 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 is available on the Village's website. Interested candidates can also submit a letter of interest with background information for consideration directly to mkuchler@lagrangeil.gov or to apeterson@lagrangeil.gov.
President Kuchler announced that the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has advised that the Village's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2021, qualifies for the GFOA's Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. He noted that this is the twenty-seventh consecutive year that the Village has received this prestigious award. President Kuchler thanked Finance Director Lou Cipparrone and Assistant Finance Director Joe Munizza for their efforts related to this achievement.
President Kuchler stated that a vehicle hijacking took place in La Grange on June 24, and that this was an ongoing investigation. He asked Police Chief Wardlaw to provide safety tips for online transactions.
Chief Wardlaw listed the following tips when conducting a transaction. He suggested conducting the transaction in a public place and during daytime hours, He noted that the La Grange Police Department lobby and parking spaces are always available. Also, you can request an officer to be on standby for the transaction. Chief Wardlaw stated to never go to the home of the person or invite them into your home. He suggested verifying the funds prior to the transaction and to always trust your instincts.
President Kuchler announced that Congresswoman Newman has been working on securing several million dollars for flood mitigation in her district. Congresswoman Newman did not confirm the amounts to be allocated to each Village. but that she is aware that the Village of La Grange is one most in need of the funds. Congresswoman Newman is working with Commissioner Frank Aguilar as well as the county to match the funds.
A. Appointment - Environmental Quality Commission
President Kuchler read into the record the recommended appointment of Ali Bowe to the Environmental Quality Commission.
Trustee Gale made a motion to approve the appointment seconded by Trustee Augustine. Motion carried on a voice vote.
B. Employee Recognition - Firefighter/Paramedic Craig Martinaitis - 25 Years of Service
President Kuchler recognized Craig Martinaitis for his 25 Years of dedicated Service to the Village of La Grange. He thanked the firefighters and police for coming out to the dedication. President Kuchler also thanked Mr. Martinaitis' family for their support and sacrifice.
President Kuchler announced that the Primary Elections are on Tuesday, June 28. He stated that it is important that everyone vote.
MANAGER'S REPORT
Village Manager Peterson encouraged 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. Please visit the Village Website at www.lagrangeil.gov and click on the Emergency Alerts Sign-Up button on the front page.
Manager Peterson announced that the Village Hall will be closed for service on Monday, July 4 in observance of the Independence Day Holiday. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, July 5. She stated that on line service options will be available on the Village's website. Also, that a full complement of emergency response personnel will be available throughout the holiday.
PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
Glenn Thompson, 448 S Spring, Dry Up La Grange (DULG) noted the one-year anniversary of the flood of 2021. He stated that the goal of the group is to work with the Village to reduce flooding and identify funding. He noted that he was also contacted by Congresswoman Newman regarding the funding for flood mitigation and suggested that the Village have a plan for how the funds will be used. Mr. Thompson stated that due to the redistricting on the state and local levels, he encouraged residents to go out and vote.
President Kuchler thanked Mr. Thompson and noted that the Village will be ready if funding is available.
Dan Spain, 23 W Harris, noted that the carnival and the upcoming craft fair are in front of his business and requested if valet parking would be an option for his customers.
President Kuchler stated that Village staff will continue to work with Mr. Spain.
CONSENT AGENDA AND VOTE
A. Ordinance - Amendment to a Planned Development Final Plans La Grange Public Library
B. Agreement - Parking Lot 3 Permeable Paver Retrofit Design
C. Contract - 2022 Crack Filling Program
D. Award of Contract - Licensing and Permitting Software
E. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Monday, June 13,2022
F. Consolidated Voucher 220627
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 McGee.
Approved by a roll call vote:
Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Kotynek, McGee, O'Brien and Peterson
Nays: None
Absent: None
6. CURRENTBUSINESS
A. Special Event - Annual Downtown La Grange Craft Fair
President Kuchler asked Trustee Augustine to introduce the item. Trustee Augustine stated that since 2019, the Craft Fair has successfully expanded from a two-day event (Saturday and Sunday) to a three-day event (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). The La Grange Business Association (LGBA) proposes to hold the 2022 Craft Fafu on Friday, July 15th, Saturday, July 16th, and Sunday July 17th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. As in the past, the LGBA has hired Craft Productions, Inc. as the event organizer. The Craft Fair will include approximately 200 exhibitors.
Trustee Augustine noted that the parking study is underway. She asked if the movie theater opening was a pressure of the parking capacity. She noted that the parking garage is also available for parking on the weekends.
Community Development Director Charity Jones stated that parking inventories before and after the theater opened have been consistent. Ms. Jones noted that after the theater opening, on average, there were over 100 spaces available.
Trustee Augustine moved to approve the Special Event - Annual Downtown La Grange Craft Fair, seconded by Trustee Gale.
Approved by a roll call vote:
Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Kotynek, McGee, O'Brien, and Peterson
Nays: None
Absent: None
B. Resolution - Approving the Transfer of 200 S. Washington to the Park District of La Grange
President Kuchler introduced the item. In 1958, the Village received a donation of property at the southwest comer of Lincoln and Washington Avenues, and in the early 1960's, the Village built the Community Center at 200 S. Washington Avenue. In 1980, the Village entered into a 99-year lease with the Park District for the maintenance and use of the Community Center and property. The Park District has continually used and maintained the property for recreation and other community programming through the years. Pursuant to the Local Government Property Transfer Act, on June 13,2022, the Park District of La Grange passed an Ordinance declaring that it is necessary or convenient for it to use, occupy or improve the property, and authorizing the transfer of property for the benefit of the Park District. President Kuchler stated that this resolution requires a2l3 vote.
Trustee McGee stated that the Village has a great relationship with the park district, and she said some residents asked if the transfer will affect and limit resident rentals.
Jenny Bechtold, Park District Executive Director, thanked the Village and stated that she does not anticipate any dramatic changes. She noted that some of the programming will change, but that rentals will be available.
President Kuchler thanked the La Grange Park District for their partnership throughout the years.
President Kuchler motioned to approve a Resolution Approving the Transfer of200 S. Washington to the Park District of La Grange, seconded by Trustee Gale.
Approved by a roll call vote:
Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Kotynek, McGee, O'Brien, and Peterson
Nays: None
Absent: None
PUBLIC COMMENT
Becky Lorenstzen, Community Diversity Group, thanked the Village for their support of the Juneteenth event.
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
Trustee Augustine stated that there is parking capacity that people may not realize. She suggested that the Village consider ways to get the word out.
CLOSED SESSION
None
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:2 I p.m. Trustee Kotynek made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee McGee. Approved by a voice vote.
https://www.villageoflagrange.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2874
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