Sangamon Sun

Village of La Grange Board of Trustees met July 11.

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 7:34 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 Attorney Benjamin Schuster

Public Works Director Richard Colby

Community Development Director Charity Jones

Finance Director Lou Cipparrone

Police Chief Robert Wardlaw

Fire Chief Terry Vavra

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 Bridget West, 46 Grader at St. Frances School, to lead the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. PRESIDENT'S REPORT

President Kuchler, on behalf of the Village Board and staff offered his condolences to the Highland Park community for the lives lost and all of those affected by the July 4 mass shooting. He thanked the first responders from Highland Park and surrounding communities as well as healthcare providers and volunteers who provided aid during and after the incident. For those looking to help, please visit the City of Highland Park website at www.cityhpil.com.

President Kuchler also thanked our first responders for putting their lives in danger every day'

President Kuchler stated that the Village has strategic priorities to enhance emergency preparedness and asked Chief Wardlaw to talk further about how the Village prepares for special events and works with other municipalities and the County.

Chief Wardlaw stated that staff works collectively with our stakeholders, La Grange Business Association (LGBA), La Grange Park District, and La Grange Pet Parade, on planning for public safety at major events within the Village. Pre planning meetings take place before each major event and the matters discussed include resource allocation, geographical layout, capacity needs, attendance linked to the event, public utility safety concerns, traffic, parking, weather and evacuation plans. Chief Wardlaw noted that Incident Action Plans are developed and disseminated to all involved parties. Incident Action Plans are guidelines to be used if an incident does occur. He noted that the Police and Fire Department use resources including Northern Illinois Police Alarm System (NIPAS), Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS), Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security, Cook County Sheriff Police, Illinois Police, Major Case Assistance Team (MCAT), South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force, and Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS). Finally, citizens can contact the La Grange Police Department to speak to an officer or use the police tip line to report any information.

President Kuchler also asked Village Attorney Ben Schuster to talk about the Illinois Red Flag Law and how concerns can be reported.

Village Attorney Ben Schuster stated that the Red Flag Laws in Illinois are governed by two statutes, the FOID Act and the Firearms Restraining Order Act. When the Police learn information of a serious actual or imminent threat to the public or to self, the Police can submit a form to the Illinois State Police to conduct an analysis.

Mr. Schuster stated that the Firearms Restraining Order Act, entails going to court to file for a restraining order. In all cases, it is important for the public to communicate concerns to the Police Department.

President Kuchler stated that the annual La Grange Craft Fair will be held the weekend of July 15 through July 17 in downtown La Grange. He stated that as one of the most popular summer events in the area, the Craft Fair will feature nearly 200 artisans offering a broad range of one-of-a-kind items. President Kuchler encourages everyone to attend and also support all of the area businesses this summer. For more information, please visit the LGBA website at www.lgba.com.

Nancy Cummings, Director of La Grange Business Association stated that the Craft Fair will feature special VIP customer cards that will provide discounts and other fun offers.

President Kuchler stated that the trial with Hanson is scheduled for September. He thanked Village Manager Peterson, who was deposed, for a fine job representing the Village. President Kuchler stated that Congresswoman Neuman is working on getting stormwater funding secured pending votes from both the House and Senate.

President Kuchler announced that the Village Board meetings scheduled for Monday, July 25,2022 and August 8,2022 will be cancelled, as has been the Village's summer practice. The next regularly scheduled Village Board Meeting will be on Monday, August 22,2022 in the Village Hall auditorium.

A. Oath of Office - Jacob Morrison. Police Officer

President Kuchler thanked Officer Morrison and all the officers in attendance for their support.

President Kuchler asked Clerk Saladino to administer the Oath of Office to Jacob Morrison.

B. Trustee Assignments

President Kuchler read the Trustee Assignments into the record.

C. Annual Appointment of Village Officials

Trustee Augustine stated that in consideration of her relationship with the Village Prosecutor, she recused herself from the Appointment of Village Officials related to the Village Prosecutor.

President Kuchler made a motion to approve the appointments seconded by Trustee Kotynek. Motion carried on a voice vote.

3. MANAGER'S REPORT

Village Manager Peterson stated that as part of the downtown streetscape project, repairs will be made to the fountain plaza walls beginning July 18 through July 29, weather permitting. The work will be conducted in two phases to minimize the area of disruption and impacts to pedestrian traffic. Please obey construction signage and use caution in the area.

A. Presentation Water and Sewer Rate Study and Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act

Manager Peterson stated that in the Fall of 2019 the Village commenced a Water and Sewer Rate Study with Baxter and Woodman. The scope of that study was to evaluate water and sewer rates that typically generate funds for daily operation and maintenance and long-term capital investments for drinking water and wastewater systems. The pricing of water and sewer services should accurately reflect the costs of providing high quality water and sanitary services to the Village's customers to operate and maintain infrastructure and plan for upcoming repairs, rehabilitation, and replacement of that infrastructure. Additionally, in the Spring of 2022, the Village asked Baxter and Woodman to expand on the study and include analysis of the new 2021 Illinois Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act legislation. The presentation was presented by Carolyn Greeves, Project Manager, Alexis Shotton, engineer at Baxter & Woodman and Rick Colby, Public Works Director.

President Kuchler asked if our website allows residents to confirm if they have lead in their pipes. Director Colby stated that the GIS link will confirm even if there is only partial lead in the pipes.

President Kuchler asked Director Cipparrone about the cost of a one-million-dollar bond to residents. Director Cipparrone stated that the water and sewer rate would double every year to about $200. President Kuchler stated that the water main on Brainard Ave. will be

replaced and new sewers installed. In the past, the resident had an option to fund the service line replacement at a discount. With the new law, if a resident does not participate, they will need to sign a waiver that will be filed with the Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) and available for future home sales. As a reference, President Kuchler asked what percentage of residents on Blackstone Ave and Ashland Ave participated in the sewer replacement and the cost.

Director Colby stated that about 70 - 80% of the residents on Blackstone Ave and Ashland Ave participated in the replacement of the sewers, with an average cost of about $5,000. Mr. Colby stated that this would also be the estimated average for the residents on Brainard, only if they participate when offered. If the residents decided at a later time to participate, the cost could increase to about $12,000.

Trustee Gale stated that the Village should maintain the current policy of offering the residents the discounted rate from the B-box to the home. He stated that it is important to communicate to residents the cost and implications of not doing the replacement and the subsequent sale of the home.

Trustee Kotynek stated that he concurred with Trustee Gale to maintain the current policy to offer the discount to the residents. He also asked if newly repaved streets would have to wait until the next cycle to have the lead lines replaced.

Director Colby stated that various options are considered depending on the pavement condition and the construction method. He stated that the lead line replacement would not be cost effective on an individual basis.

Trustee Augustine stated that she concurred with the current policy. She stated that since this a 20-year project, it would be more cost effective to replace the lead lines when streets need to be paved and to offer the discount to the residents.

Trustee Gale asked about funding, bonds or loans options.

Ms. Greeves stated that currently the IEPA offers a loan with $15 Billion allocated nationally for the lead service replacement. The priority for the Village is to be prepared and shovel ready when funds are available. The loans can be used for anything related to water quality concerns.

Director Cipparrone stated that bonds issued need to be specifically related to the water main project depending on the funding.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

Maria Pejkovich of Balkan Bakery thanked the Village Board for the consideration ofa liquor license. She stated that the family-owned bakery has been in business for the past 15 years. All the products are made daily from scratch. She stated that she has been in charge for the past two years and that the bakery has a large following in the area.

Chris Johnson of Classic Cinemas - La Grange Theater thanked the Village Board for consideration of the liquor license and provided an update for the completion of the remaining two theaters by the weekend of July 22. He stated that there were many shows sold out the weekend of July 4.

President Kuchler thanked the businesses for their investment in La Grange.

5. CONSENT AGENDA AND VOTE

A. Ordinance Amending Chapter 111 of the La Grange Code of Ordinances Regarding Alcoholic Liquor

B. Ordinance - Creating a Class C-4 Liquor License, Tivoli Enterprises, Inc. d,/b/a La Grange Theatre

C. Ordinance - Creating a Class C-l Liquor License, Balkan Bakery LaGrange LLC d/b/a Balkan Bakery

D. Resolution Ratification of Collective Bargaining Agreement Between the Village ofLa Grange and IAFF Local No. 2338 (Firefighters and Fire Lieutenants)

E. Award of Contract - Construction of FY 2022-23 Street Patching Program Agreement - Construction Engineering Services Street Patching Program

F. Intergovernmental Agreement - La Grange Road Train Station Rehabilitation Project - Metra

G. Award of Contract - Demolition Services

H. Agreement - Side Letter of Agreement with IUOE Local 150

I. Ordinance - Disposal of Property, Police Department

J. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Monday, June 27 ,2022

K. Consolidated Voucher 220711

Trustee Augustine inquired about how Item E - Construction of FY 2022-2023 Street Patching Program, will be handled.

Rick Colby, Director of Public Works stated that the Street Patching Program fills in a piece of the Public Works' capacity versus full construction of the department's maintenance functions. This program is not a full-scale construction, but addresses the worst pot hole areas for the biggest benefit.

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 Agend4 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 - 2022 Endless Summerfest - Request for Approval

President Kuchler asked Trustee Augustine to introduce the item. Trustee Augustine stated that the Park District of La Grange, together with the La Grange Business Association, will host the 2022 La Grange Endless Summerfest from August 5 to August 7,2022.The event will include carnival rides, food, drinks, live entertainment, and fireworks. The event hours will be Friday, August 5tr, from 4:00 p.m. to 1 1 :00 p.m., Saturday, August 6r from 12:00 p.m. to 1 1:00 p.m., and Sunday, August 7*' from 12:00 p.m. to l0:30 p.m.

Trustee Augustine thanked the La Grange Park District, La Grange Business Association as well as all the departments for their contribution to the Endless Summerfest.

Trustee Augustine moved to approve the Special Event - 2022 Endless Summerfest, seconded by Trustee Gale.

Approved by a roll call vote:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

7. PI]BLIC COMMENT

Laura West, 140 Sunset, stated her frustration with the ongoing flooding at Sunset and Elm. She noted that the Village is working on solutions with engineers and MARS, but there are still no concrete plans to help the residents.

President Kuchler thanked Ms. West for expressing her concerns.

8. TRUSTEE COMMENTS

None

9. CLOSED SESSION

President Kuchler stated that it is the Village Boards intention to enter into Closed Session under Section 2(c)(1) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act to discuss matters related to the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees; and under Section 2(c)(21) Act to discuss minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. He also stated that the Village Board will not reconvene to open session as no formal action will occur.

At 9:23 p.m., a motion was made by Trustee Augustine and seconded by Trustee Gale to enter into Closed Session under Section 2(c)(l) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act discuss matters related to the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees; and under Section 2(c)(21) Act to discuss minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Illinois Open Meetings Act.

Approved by a roll call vote:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

10. ADJOURNMENT

At 9:23 p.m. Trustee Kotynek made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee McGee. Approved by a voice vote.

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