Sangamon Sun

Village of La Grange Board of Trustees met Oct. 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 Clerk Saladino, the following were:

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

ABSENT: Trustee McGee

OTHERS: Acting Village Manager Charity Jones

Village Attorney Benjamin Schuster

Public Works Director Richard Colby

Finance Director Lou Cipparrone

Police Chief Robert Wardlaw

Fire Chief Tenance 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 asked Village Clerk Saladino to lead the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. PRESIDENT'S REPORT

President Kuchler stated that Stormwater Management is always high on the priority list and noted the trial date has been confirmed for Monday, October 24. President Kuchler stated that Terrance "Terry" Carr, Mayor of Village of McCook, where Hanson Quarry is located, has offered to broker some form of mediation, but it is late in the process for that option. However, he stated that the Village will not rule out anything. The trial date is confirmed, with depositions done as recently as Friday, October 7. The Village's chief litigator, Dan Staffler, will meet with the Board during closed session, to provide an update on the trial process.

President Kuchler announced the return of the Fire Department's annual Fire Prevention Open House would take place on Tuesday, October 11, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Fire Department located at 300 W Burlington Avenue.

Fire Chief Terrance Vavra stated that the Open House provides an opportunity to meet great firefighters and will include two demonstrations. One demonstration will show the importance of residential sprinkler systems. It will show, side by side, a residential fire with and without a sprinkler system. Other events include visits from our partners the Lyons Township Area Communication Center (LTACC) and the La Grange Police Department to demonsfrate how all three agencies work together.

President Kuchler stated that this is a family-oriented event which will include various fire safety demonstrations, crafts, giveaways and refreshments. He noted everyone was invited to attend. President Kuchler stated that it was Fire Prevention Week and this year's theme is "Fire Won't Wait. Plan Your Escape". Residents are encouraged to take a few moments to plan and practice a home fire escape.

President Kuchler noted that the "Skeletober" event in La Grange is part of the Halloween festivities this fall. As many have seen, there are friendly, life-sized skeletons displayed around La Grange dressed and themed to showcase participating businesses. Stephanie Posey and Nancy Cummings from the La Grange Business Association (LGBA) were in attendance; he expressed appreciation and thanked them for making our town look so festive.

President Kuchler stated that Trick or Treating hours will be on Halloween, Monday, October 31, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. After Halloween, please consider composting your pumpkin at Pumpkin Smash 2022 "Green Your Halloween" which will be held on Saturday, November 5 from 10 a.m. to noon at the La Grange Park Department of Public Works located at 937 Bamsdale Road. This program was started and sponsored by the La Grange Environmental Quality Commission and the La Grange Park Sustainability Commission.

President Kuchler stated that October is National Pedestrian Safety month. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is launching National Pedestrian Safety Month with the goal of increasing awareness about pedestrian safety, and reminding drivers and pedestrians, that staying safe is a shared responsibility. As the end of Daylight Savings Time approaches and nights get longer, the risks for pedestrians increase. As a partner in the effort, the La Grange Police Department will continue with their social media outreach, posting reminders for motorists when approaching intersections, crosswalks or passing bicyclists. He asks all residents and visitors to "Be the Change, Travel Safely in La Grange". President Kuchler noted that it is tough at night to see pedestrians and kids walking to school, so please be as careful as possible.

President Kuchler stated that Congressman Chuy Garcia will be hosting a Town Hall meeting at the La Grange Village Hall at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 26. This is an opportunity for La Grange residents to make their thoughts known to their elected Representative. President Kuchler stated that whenever we have a chance to talk to Congressman Garcia, the Village always discusses stormwater management. Congressman Garcia is on the Transportation and Infiastructure Committee in Washington D.C. and is a very powerful congressman. The Village uses every opportunity to continue to advocate for the residents of La Grange.

3. MANAGER'S REPORT

Acting Village Manager Charity Jones stated that the fall leaf pick-up program began on Monday, October 4 and will continue through November 24. Leaves will generally be collected every other week by the Public Works Department. Leaves should be raked to the curb, and noted no bags or yard waste slickers are required for this service. For more information, please visit the Village website or contact the Public Works Department at (708) s79 -2328.

Ms. Jones provided additional information regarding the ongoing railroad closures. The Burlington Northem Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway, at Brainard Avenue. will remain closed until Sunday, October 16, at 5 p.m. Additionally, the Indiana Harbor Belt (lHB) Railway, Shawmut Avenue crossing, will remain closed until Sunday, October 30,2022. For more information, including detour maps, please visit the Village website at www.lagrangeil.gov.

4, PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None.

5. CONSENT AGENDA AND VOTE

A. Ordinance - Design Review Permit #118 - 30 South La Grange Road, Brick & Mortar and Five & Dime Local Market

B. Material Purchase - Public Works / FY2022-23 Tree Planting Program

Resolution - Public Works / Suburban Tree Consortium

C. Contract - 2022 Sewer Televising Program

D. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Monday, September 26,2022

E. Consolidated Voucher 221010

A motion was made by Trustee Kotynek to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Trustee Peterson.

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.

Approved by a roll call vote:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Trustee McGee

6. CURRENT BUSINESS

A. Ordinance Variation Prohibited Fence Locations / Richard Reid, 10 Calle View Drive

President Kuchler asked Trustee Kotynek to introduce the item. Trustee Kotynek advised the petitioner Richard Reid applied for a variation to construct a six-foot tall vinyl privacy fence between the front building line of the house and the front lot line. The Zoning Code allows for variations for fence height and/or placement.

On September 15,2022, the Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing on the application. At the hearing, the petitioner discussed the unique orientation of the house and the atypical shape of the lot. He noted that although the Zoning Code defines the lot line along South Brainard Avenue as the front lot line, functionally the house faces north and is accessed from the private drive on the north side of the property. Due to the orientation of the house, the South Brainard Avenue frontage is more akin to a comer side yard, rather than a front yard. The petitioner also discussed his desire to buffer and screen the property from a nearby four lane road (West 55," Street).

The Zoning Board of Appeals found that the shape of the lot, orientation of the house, and the access via private drive together are a unique hardship that impacts the placement of a fence. The Zoning Board of Appeals also found that the adjacent 30-foot parkway was a unique physical condition. The Zoning Board of Appeals found that the hardship was not self-created as the applicant did not plot the lot or construct the house. After the hearing was closed the Zoning Board of Appeals deliberated, and voted 5-0 to recommend approval of the requested variation.

Trustee Kotynek moved to approve the Ordinance - Variation - Prohibited Fence Locations / Richard Reid, 10 Calle View Drive, seconded by Trustee Gale.

Approved by a roll call vote:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Trustee McGee

B. FY 2021-2022 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

President Kuchler thanked Director of Finance, Lou Cipparrone and Assistant Director of Finance, Joe Munizza for their excellence and precision, and Mr. Berg for his coordination and hard work in completing the audit.

President Kuchler asked Trustee Gale to introduce the item. Trustee Gale stated that the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) of the Village of l,a Grange for the Fiscal Year May 1,2021 lo April 30, 2022, is prepared by the Finance Department and reviewed by our auditors, Sikich LLP.

Sikich has rendered a "clean" opinion for the Village of La Grange, stating that the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Village and results of its operations as of April 30,2022.

Village staff will submit the ACFR to the Government Finance Officers' Association for consideration of the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of Governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by the Village. Receipt of the Certificate of Achievement recognizes the Village has met the high national standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive spirit of full disclosure to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users 10 read the financial statements. The Village has received this prestigious award for twenty-six consecutive years.

Additional copies of the audit report were placed on file at the La Grange Public Library, the Village Clerk's office and the Finance Department for public inspection. It is also located on the Village's website.

Mr. Dan Berg, a partner with Sikich LLP was in attendance and presented a brief overview of the 2021-2022 audit report.

Trustee Kotynek thanked Mr. Berg for the update and asked if there were any findings or carry overs from the previous year and were the previous year findings corrected and adjusted. Mr. Berg noted that there were no findings carried over from the previous year.

Trustee Kotynek thanked Director Cipparrone and Mr. Munizza for their due diligence and oversight on the presentation of financials and he noted residents of La Grange should be proud of the work the Finance Department is doing.

Trustee Gale congratulated Director Cippanone and Mr. Munizza for the award the Village receives every year and makes the audit a relatively easy process.

Trustee Augustine inquired how Sikich LLC conducts their evaluation and how they keep the analysis fresh from year to year. Mr. Berg noted that Sikich LLC rotates staff and the type of information requested for assessment and staff. Mr. Berg noted that staff knows to test cash (payable and debts) every year. The test for other accounts (revenues and expenditures) varies based on the amount of capital.

President Kuchler remarked on the revenue shortfalls in the parking fund and noted that the parking study is still being conducted and monitored as the commuter amounts are not the same as pre-Covid-19 and adjustments will be made as necessary.

President Kuchler thanked Mr. Berg from coming out and for the hard work of Sikich LLC.

On behalf of the Village Board, President Kuchler accepted the 2021-22 Financial Audit Report.

C. Contract - Leaf Disposal Services Agreement

President Kuchler asked Trustee O'Brien to introduce the item.

Trustee Augustine stated that in consideration of her relationship with an employee of Lakeshore Recycling Systems, she recused herself from the discussion and vote related to the agreement.

Trustee O'Brien stated that the FY2022-23 Public Works Department budget includes $58,500 for leaf hauling and disposal. Each fall the Public Works Department collects leaves from Village streets. Public Works then typically loads the leaves into vehicles owned by a third-party vendor who in tum hauls the leaves to a composting site. Leaf removal service is free of charge to Village residents. Historically, the low bidder for this service was Rainbow Farms Enterprises Incorporated, which advised that they would be going out of business after 30 years.

The Public Works Department solicited competitive proposals from other vendors and contacted other Public Works Departments to find other leaf haulers. Alternate collection and disposal methods were also evaluated. Two quotes were received. The quote from Utility Transport Service proposed a leaf hauling service similar to the Village's current practice. The quote from Lakeshore Recycling Systems reflects a cost for receipt of materials only; no hauling is included. Based on historic trends (approximately 8,000 cubic yards of leaves annually), Lakeshore Recycling Systems, LLC provided the low quote.

The best available option for this season is for Public Works staff to transport leaves to Lakeshore Recycling Systems in Forest View, IL. Lakeshore Recycling will then haul the leaves to an organic partner for composting. Final costs will be based on the actual tonnage of material deposited, with tare weights on the vehicle before and after drop-off. Based on historic trends, the cost is estimated to be $88,000. Actual expenses vary each year based on the selected contractor, volume of leaves, and price.

At the end of the leaf hauling season, staff will reevaluate the leaf hauling budget based on the quantity of leaves removed and total expenses associated with the service. Staff will also evaluate the process and determine if any modification can be made in future years to improve efficiency and reduce overall expenses. From the resident perspective, this season will occur in the same manner as previous seasons.

Trustee O'Brien moved to approve the Contract for Leaf Disposal Services Agreement, seconded by Trustee Gale.

Trustee Kotynek noted that this is a line of work that businesses do not seem to be interested in, and asked Public Works Director Richard Colby, what and how are other communities providing this service. Mr. Colby stated that during the bid, comparable communities were assessed and some of those alternatives and opportunities will be assessed for the future.

Approved by a roll call vote:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Trustee McGee

Recused: Trustee Augustine

7. PUBLIC COMMENT

Becky Lorentzen, CommUNITY Diversity Group, announced that on Tuesday at7 p.m. the group usually hosts 'Uncomfortable Conversations", but will instead host a video game, "Aware to Act Un-Game". Ms. Lorentzen introduced Monterius, of the Baha'i Faith. Monterius is from Georgia. and has come to La Grange to assist the CommUNITY Diversity Group.

Laura West, 140 Sunset, thanked the Fire Department for hosting the upcoming Open House. She also expressed frustration regarding the flooding at Sunset and Elm, commenting that public trust and patience is eroding. She requested that the Village provide more information, place stormwater action items on the Village's agendas and proceed with stormwater management projects.

President Kuchler thanked Mrs. West for expressing her concerns.

Sarah Gaul, 100 Sunset, expressed frustration regarding the flooding at Sunset and Elm and is requesting the Village proceed with formal action on stormwater management on the agenda.

President Kuchler thanked Mrs. Gaul for expressing her concerns.

8. TRUSTEE COMMENTS

Trustee Augustine thanked Director Cipparrone and Mr. Munizza and noted the Village is lucky to have them.

Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Minutes

Monday, October 10,2022 - Page 8

Trustee Augustine stated that she a had a seismograph put in her backyard and felt a large blast from Hanson Quarry earlier that day. She inquired as to how to go about retrieving the data from the seismograph.

Trustee Augustine thanked Acting Village Manager Jones for the wonderful job she has been doing in performing two jobs.

Trustee Augustine addressed the residents who commented on flooding, and told them that the Village has been and will continue to discuss these matters.

9. CLOSED SESSION

President Kuchler stated that it is the Village Boards intention to enter into Closed Session under Section 2(c)(l) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act to discuss matters related to the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees; Section 2(c)(11) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act to discuss pending, probable or imminent litigation; and under Section 2(c)(21) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act to discuss minutes of meetings lawfully closed. He also stated that the Village Board will not reconvene to open session as no formal action will occur.

At 8:18 pm., a motion was made by Trustee Kotynek to adjourn into Closed Session under Section 2(c)(l l) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act to discuss matters related to pending litigation, seconded by Trustee Gale.

Approved by a roll call vote:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Trustee McGee

10. ADJOURNMENT

At 9:52 p.m. Trustee Kotynek Approved by a roll call vote.