Sangamon Sun

Village of La Grange Board of Trustees met Nov. 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 7:36 p.m. by Village Clerk Paul Saladino. On roll call, as read by Clerk Saladino, the following were: 

PRESENT: Trustees Augustine, Gale, McGee, O'Brien and Peterson, with Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek presiding. 

ABSENT: President Kuchler 

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 Terrance Vavra 

Village Clerk Saladino 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. 

Village Clerk Saladino announced that Village President Mark Kuchler was unable to attend the Village Board Meeting. Clerk Saladino requested a Motion be made to elect senior Trustee Michael Kotynek to preside over the meeting as Chairperson Pro Tem. 

Trustee Augustine moved to elect Trustee Kotynek as Chairperson Pro Tem, seconded by Trustee McGee. 

Motion approved by voice vote. 

Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek asked Village Clerk Saladino to lead the audience in reciting the pledge of allegiance. 

Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek noted the absence of President Kuchler was due to the passing of his mother. Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek, on behalf of the Board and Staff sent out condolences to the Kuchler Family and requested a moment of silence.

2. PRESIDENT'S REPORT 

A. Appointment - Environmental Quality Commission 

Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek read into the record the recommended appointment of Daniel Mullen to the Environmental Quality Commission. 

Trustee Augustine made a motion to approve the appointment seconded by Trustee Gale. Motion carried on a voice vote. 

B. Proclamation - l50s Anniversary Celebration of First United Methodist Church of La Grange 

Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek read into the record the Proclamation for the l50s Anniversary Celebration of First United Methodist Church of La Grange. 

Trustee Gale made a motion to approve the appointment seconded by Trustee McGee. Motion carried on a voice vote. 

Dan Stanner, Attomey for the Village, stated that trial with the Hanson Quarry started on October 24th with possibly one more trial date the week of November 14. He advised that this will end the evidence producing portion ofthe trial; the next steps ofthe litigation will include both sides submitting proposed findings offacts and conclusion of lawto thejudge. Mr. Stanner stated that the judge has been very attentive, asking many questions and even allowed the hearing to continue on Election Day, when the courts were closed. Mr. Stanner stated that due to the high priority of this case, the judge expects to issue his opinion before Christmas of this year. Mr. Stanner will meet with the Board during closed session, to provide a more detailed update. Mr. Stanner stated that he will provide an update to the Village as the trial ends. 

3. MANAGER'S REPORT 

Acting Village Manager Charity Jones announced that Congressman Chuy Garcia has rescheduled his Town Hall meeting at the La Grange Village Hall to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2l . She noted that this is an opportunity for La Grange residents to make their thoughts known to their elected Representative. Congressman Garcia sits on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in Washington D.C. The village uses every opportunity to continue to advocate for the residents of La Grange. 

Ms. Jones noted that as part of the Village's ongoing comprehensive parking study, the Village is soliciting input from residents, business owners, local employees, and visitors to tell the Village your thoughts on parking, biking, walking, and outdoor dining in downtown La Grange. The online survey takes only 10 minutes to complete and a link can be found on the homepage of the Village website, www.lagrangeil.gov. 

Ms. Jones announced that the Village administrative offices will be closed on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, November 28 at 8:30 a.m. As always, a full complement ofpublic safety personnel will be on call to respond to emergencies. She stated that the next regularly scheduled Village Board meeting on November 28 is expected to be cancelled. She wished everyone a safe, healthy and happy Thanksgiving. 

Ms. Jones noted that La Grange is decking the halls and gearing up to light up the season with festive activities and experiences for the entire family during Hometown Holidays in La Grange. Residents are encouraged to get a head start on their holiday shopping by visiting Village's retailers online through our digital Holiday Wish Book, which will go live on Tuesday, November 15. Shoppers can also visit the retailers in person and grab special flash sale deals on Small Business Saturday, November 26. Finally, the tree lighting and Santa's arrival will kick offthe holiday walk on Saturday, December 3. For more information on all the holiday promotion, please visit *u$,.lasranqeevents.com. 

4. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS 

None. 

5. CONSENT AGENDA AND VOTE 

A. Ordinance - Design Review Permit #119 - 31.5 South La Grange Road, Michael Segretto 

B. Contract - Fire Department Bunkroom and Kitchen Renovations, Police Department Kitchen Renovations 

C. Contract - Leaf Hauling Services 

D. Material Purchase - Rock Salt 

E. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Closed Session, Monday, October 10, 2022 

F. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Monday, October 24, 2022 

G. Consolidated Voucher 221114 

A motion was made by Trustee Gale to approve the Consent Agend4 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. 

Trustee Augustine noted her appreciation to the Department of Public Works for continuing to finding ways to make improvement and cost savings. 

Approved by a roll call vote: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek invited Michael and Anthony Segretto to provide a background to their new business, White Buffalo. 

Michael and Anthony Segretto, 31.5 S La Grange Road, stated that their family has been in the beauty industry for 45 years with their origins starting in Hinsdale and having expanded to Naperville, Wheaton, Elmhurst and the Gold Coast in Chicago. Michael and Anthony's current venture, White Buffalo Barbershop, is their men's concept that began in Hinsdale. They stated that they have always been drawn to La Grange, as they have friends, clients and are regular customers to the downtown businesses. They stated they are excited for their new venture and becoming part of the community. 

Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek wished the Segretto's much success and thanked them for their investment in La Grange. 

6. CURRENTBUSINESS 

A. Special Event - La Grange Business Association 2022 Holiday Walk Request for Village Sponsorship & Hometown Holiday 

Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek asked Trustee Augustine to introduce the item. Trustee Augustine stated that the La Grange Business Association is seeking authorization and lrnancial support for the annual Holiday Walk to be held on Saturday, December 3,2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. As in the past, activities will start with an All-Village Sing, followed by Santa's arrival by fire truck and the traditional lighting of the "Village Tree." Santa is again proposed to be seated in the Villbge Hall auditorium together with Mrs. Claus for photos following the tree lighting ceremony. The LGBA intends to have a group of string musicians perlorming in the lobby of the Village Hall to entertain families as they wait to visit Santa. Local choirs will be invited to perform on the steps of Village Hall from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm. Local merchants will also welcome shoppers into their stores with a variety ofactivities, specials, and sweet treats. Also, as in the past, the Holiday Walk will include a 'North Pole Express" kiddie train ride, a petting zoo, a shopper's trolley service, and ice sculptures displayed throughout the Village. 

Trustee Gale moved to approve the Special Event - La Grange Business Association 2022 Holidy Walk Request for Village Sponsorship & Hometown Holiday, seconded by Trustee McGee.

Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek stated that the Dubak Electrical Group is the presenting sponsor of Hometown Holiday. 

Approved by a roll call vote: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

B. Resolution - Preliminary Review ofthe Proposed 2022 Property Tax Levy Request - Referred to Trustee Gale 

Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek asked Trustee Gale to introduce the item. Trustee Gale stated that the Truth in Taxation Law requires the preliminary review of a proposed property tax levy by the corporate authorities at least 20 days prior to the adoption of the tax levy to determine if the aggregate levy is more than 5 percent greater than the preceding year's tax levy. If the preliminary le\y is estimated to exceed the preceding year's levy by more than 5 percent, the Village must hold a public hearing prior to the adoption of the proposed property tax levy. 

Staffproposes a property tax levy request that reflects a total increase of 5.6 percent over the prior year's lery. As such, ifthe proposed lery is approved by the Board, the Village ofl-a Grange will hold a public hearing regarding the 2022 propefi tax lery, on December 12,2022 at7:30 pm. 

The proposed 2022 Village property tax lely is also subject to the Property Tax Limitation Act (property tax caps), which limits the increase, exclusive ofnew growth, to five percent or the national Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is less. Due to the significant increase in lhe 2021 Consumer Price Index (7 percent), the allowable tax cap increase is 5 percent. This is the first time the allowable property tax increase has equaled 5 percent since the Property Tax Limitation Act went into effect in 1993. From 1993-2021, the allowable property tax increase has averaged 2.2% annually. 

The additional 0.6 percent increase in the proposed property tax levy reflects anticipated new growth in 2022, which in total, is estimated at 5 million Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV) from residential and commercial property improvements. It is important to note that when the Village anticipates new growth from construction projects, this does not result in an increase in individual homeowners' property taxes. The limiting rate calculation allows the Village to include the increased dollar amount of the property tax levy, which is then distributed over a larger EAV base, limiting the overall increase on individual property strictly to the increase in Consumer Price Index. Therefore, the impact on the proposed 2022 property tax increase on an average La Grange home with an estimated value of $500,000 would be $77.70 annually.

By levying at the allowable 5.6 percent property tax increase, the Village will raise additional revenue in order to support Village Board strategic priorities. This overall property tax lely consists of several individual line-item levies. The General Fund lery, in total, is the amount available under tax cap law, after funding the Village's pension. The Police and Fire pension levies reflect the annual required contributions based upon independent actuarial valuations of each fund for the year ended April 30,2022. The reports were prepared by the Police & Fire Pension Fund's independent actuary, Mr. Todd Sckoeder from Lauterbach & Amen. Both the Police and Fire Pension Fund tax levies were less than expected primarily due to a software update related to surviving spousal benefits. Lauterbach & Amen presented the reports to the pension boards at their respective October 2022 board meetings. Both the Police and Fire Pension Boards unanimously approved the actuarial required contribution as presented. The Village has received letters from the Police and Fire Pension Fund Boards, requesting the Village levy funds based upon the independent actuarial valuations. 

It is important to note that due to tax cap limitations, any increase in any one individual line-item results in a corresponding decrease in another individual line item, \i/ith the overall tax levy increase not being affected. As the actuarial required contribution for the Police and Fire Pension Fund tax levies are less than expected, additional property tax revenue will be available for General Fund Operations during the upcoming fiscal year. In just a few moments we will hear from Bob Reitz from Lauterbach & Amen to discuss the actuarial report in more deuil. 

The Village also lery's property taxes on behalfofthe La Grange Public Library which is classified as a "municipal library". The library's tax lery also reflects the allowable 5.6 percent increase under the Property Tax Limitation Act and is equal to the amount of the proposed increase of the Village tax levy request. The impact on an average La Grange home from the proposed 2022 Library property tax lery is an increase of approximately $25 annually. 

Finally, each year the Village also files a property tax levy for Special Service Area number 7 for ongoing maintenance ofthe Central Business District. The Special Service Area levy is not subject to the Truth in Taxation requirement and is to be adjusted annually by the Consumer Price Index utilized as part of the Property Tax Limitation Act. 

It should be noted that at this time, the Village Board is only announcing the 2022 preliminary tax levy for the purpose of determining if the total aggregate lely is more than 5 percent greater than the preceding year's tax levy in accordance with Truth in Taxation requirements. The ordinance adopting the final 2022 tax lely will be presented for approval at the next regularly scheduled board meeting on December 12,2022. 

Trustee Gale announced for the purposes of further discussion he moved to approve the Resolution - Preliminary Review of the Proposed 2022 Properry Tax Lery Request, seconded by Trustee Peterson.

Chairperson Pro Tem clarified proper procedure for Trustee deliberation and vote with Village counsel. 

Trustee Gale invited Bob Reitz, Actuarial Consultant from Lauterbach & Amen, to come forward. Mr. Reitz then presented a brief summary on the La Grange Firefighters' & Police Pension Fund Report for fiscal year ending April 30, 2022 for financial reporting and contribution year ending April 30,2023 for funding purposes. 

Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek thanked Mr. Reitz for his overview report. 

Trustee Augustine asked for an explanation ofwhy the market retums were so poor and if that was something they were seeing across the board. 

Mr. Reitz stated the retums were low due to the markets being down. Mr. Reitz noted that the trend result of lower markets is global and notjust affecting the United States. Nothing could really be done differently to "beat" the current market. 

Lou Cipparrone, Finance Director, stated that the benchmarks for the funds with the investment managers is actually -4.6 percent so that the -4.1 percent was a little better than the Village's benchmark. This was still a bad year, but as always, the Village tries to maximize those retums when possible. 

Trustee Gale asked if the contributions for police and fire being lower than anticipated, it that meant that whatever the lely amount, there are more funds to spread on other line items. 

Lou Cipparrone confirmed this is correct. He stated that going forward, the contributions would most likely increase with the investment losses and the additional demographic experience expected with new hires and retirements. He noted that for this particular fiscal year there is additional funding that would be available for operations. 

Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek inquired as to whether both pension obligations were still being funded at 100% this year. 

Lou Cippanone confirmed this is correct. 

Chairperson Pro Tem Korynek noted that President Kuchler has challenged the Board to review and evaluate the 5.6 percent. Obviously, that is lower than the current CPI of 7 percent. In the past, the CPI has averaged 2.5 percent - 3 percent; hopefully the high CPI increase this year is an anomaly. Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek opened up the discussion to the Trustees prior to the final vote. 

Trustee Peterson stated that she in favor of the full 5 percent, as additional changes/adjustments have been made to the Police contract for employment wages and uniforms that the Village needs to continue to pay and the report shows how much ofa tax lery is going to go to the Police and Fire pension expense.

Trustee Gale asked about a recent state law regarding sales tax revenue and how that it gets apportioned differently now and how the Village has benefited; he inquired how much the Village has made year to year. 

Lou Cipparrone stated that the law changed in Jarlury 2021. The Village started receiving the additional revenues because of the Leveling the Playing Field Act in Illinois. The law changes how the sales tax was applied for online purchases; instead ofbeing a flat state tax that is apportioned by population, taxes are now applied at the local sale rate based on the destination of the sale. So, the Village is receiving those direct dollars rather than a per capita share through the state. The Village receives two different sales taxes, one is the 1 percent local sales tax and also a I percent non-home rule sales tax. Both have significantly increased sales tax revenue over the last year with about $750,000 between the two sales taxes. This is ahead of where the Village was one ye.r ago or before the tax was implemented. He noted that one of the items discussed in the Board Report was the operations impact from the recent inflation and the additional costs to the recently approved contracts, including construction. The goal is to use some of the funds for capital improvements going forward. There are many infrastructure plans to fund. In combination with the sales tax funds as well as property tax increases, this will help to fund some of the infrastructure improvements as well as the on the operations side (salaries, pensions and other operating expenses) that have been discussed in the recent strategic planning sessions. 

Trustee Gale stated that the Village has good reserves and additional revenues. He noted that with inflation increasing, hopefully residents' incomes are increasing, but they are experiencing increased costs in many areas. He would like to put some downward pressure on property tax increases. He asked Mr. Cipparrone if the Board approved a 4%o inqease instead of5, would the .6 percent new growth still be able to be captured. 

Lou Cippanone stated that the 0.6 percent new growth would still be applied. 

Trustee Gale stated that he would like to hear the rest of the Board's opinions before the final vote. 

Trustee Augustine noted that the due to the Illinois Tax Law changes, revenue have increased, but Village is still not where it wants to be with the Parking Fund. 

Lou Cipparrone stated that the due to the pandemic the last two years, the commuters are not in town and the parking spaces have not been selling (daily and monthly). The past two fiscal years the parking funds have incurred deficits of about $250,000 annually. 

Trustee Augustine noted that the prices of everything is going up and being on the Board she has leamed where the costs are, which is primarily in people, but that there are some major infiastructure projects coming up for the Village. She would prefer not to raise taxes, but the bills need to be paid. She noted that much needs to be made up, while at the same time continuing the Village's fiscally responsible approach. She noted that she leans toward the higher amount to make sure that the Village can continue to offer the level ofservices that we have and that the residents expect. 

Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek asked for any other comments from the Trustees. 

Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek noted that the he likes many things about La Grange, including the AA rating ofthe Village, but is also tax averse. He noted that this has been a tough year for all, wherever you go. He stated that you have the federal govemment and state, Cook County, school and Village in your pocket and it's a lot ofhands in the pocket. He noted that he understands inflation and suppodng Village services, but there is a gesture to be made that yes, we are increasing property taxes in La Grange, but we are not maxing out. The challenge would be to the staff to continue to look for efficiencies where possible and save the Village money in that regard. He stated that the services the Village provides are certainly top notch. He that one percent is nominal over the course ofa year on a budget that is substantially larger. He noted that while taxes will go up, he would lean to vote on a lower number than inflation and the 5 percent recommended and proposed a 3 percent increase. 

Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek clarified the motion on the floor. 

Trustee Gale stated if the resolution tonight could be changed in December, since the December meeting will be the formal vote. 

Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek deferred to counsel that the percentage/amount voted on, with a final vote at the December meeting. 

Benjamin Schuster, Village Attomey, stated that the vote at this meeting would just be on the proposed publishing of the real estate tax levy. At the December meeting the real estate tax lery can be changed, if deemed appropriate. If the Board proceeds tonight to approve a 5.6 percent increase there will be a public hearing and staff will proceed under the assumption until the vote the real estate levy will be 5.6 percent. 

Trustee Augustine asked if with a 'nay' vote, would the discussion continue. 

Benjamin Schuster stated that if the vote were to fail, another trustee would be free to make another motion and continue to vote until a majority vote is reached. 

Trustee Gale asked about the status of the library and how the current vote on the levy would affect the library. 

Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek stated that they are levies are across the board as Special Service Area Levy's Seven, Nine, and Library.

Roll call vote: 

Ayes: Trustee Peterson 

Nays: Trustees Augustine, Gale, McGee, Kotynek and O'Brien

Absent: None 

Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek stated that the motion does not pass and requested a new motion from the Trustees with the same language, except with a different percentage increase and the dollar amount associated. 

Trustee Gale moved to approve the Resolution - Preliminary Review of the Proposed 2022 Property Tax Levy Request with a 4 percent Levy, seconded by Trustee Augustine. 

Trustee Augustine asked how this new percentage would affect the Village. 

Lou Cipparrone stated that per the Board Report, by lerying in the lower amount, the ability to levy is lost going forward. He noted that for staff, without the ability to take what is allowed, it puts the Village a little further behind of the position it wants to be in. As previously mentioned, the annual revenue decrease to the Village is about $90,000 a year. This amount is year over year, so over a longer period of time it becomes a more significant number moving forward. He stated that $90,000 per year is what it takes to fund about one full-time position in the Village. Mr. Cipparrone stated that this is a significant number, but it's something that we would certainly strive to work within if that's what the final ler.y is going to be approved. 

Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek noted that the Village has done an exceptional job on controlling costs. He is aware that over the years the Village has been on cost containment and holding headcount. He stated that, in his opinion, the challenge is to the Village staff to make the most of what they have. 

Trustee Gale noted that property tax increases are not popular, but no increase will not be good for the budget. He noted that there needs to be some kind of increase to keep up with expenses. He stated that the economic pressure that residents are feeling is important to the Trustees. The financial strength and security and the hard work by the Finance Department have put the Village in such a good place as a community. The hard work has given the Village a AA rating and all the reserves so we can assist the residents. 

Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek read the new levy after discussions. The recommendation the Village Board to approve the attached resolution announcing an estimated 2022 tax levy of $X amount of dollar, exclusive of debt service, which is a 4.6 percent increase from the 2022 tax levy. 

Lou Cippanone stated that the Village has a lely number but did not reduce the library's rate to 4 percent. He stated that he is unsure if it is something that the Village knows at this time or if it can be done independently ofthe Village's lery. The library lery goes through the Village since they do not have the authority, but have in the past done it in conjunction with the Village as it has been capped at that rate. He is uncertain that the library has the ability to still lery at the full allowable rate and it would be something that needs to be looked into. The library's meeting date will be later in November where the library will formally address their levy request. Mr. Cipparrone noted that the Village's levy at 4 percent and the library levy remains at 5 percent, the levy amount would be $11,086,064. 

Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek noted that if the Village levy is at 4 percent, the library should also be 4 percent, not higher. The library needs to have the same approach to the austerity measures as the Village. 

Lou Cipparrone noted that this would be something the library takes into consideration, but did not know if the library would be restricted to abide by the Village's levy rate. 

Benjamin Schuster suggested that if the Trustees wanted the number to be at the 4 percent and amount of $11,086,064 that it should be what the Board votes on at tlis meeting. Then further research can be done regarding the Village's ability to impose the 4 percent levy on the library. The finding can be discussed at the next Board Meeting. 

Trustee Peterson asked if the meeting in December was just to approve the Village lely or would it also include the library levy. 

Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek confirmed that the December vote would be for both the Village and library levy. 

Roll call vote: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

7. PUBLIC COMMENT 

Glenn Thompson, 448 S Spring, stated he appreciates the long discussion and debate on the lery. He noted that if the lery was to be reduced by $90,000, the Village should look into eliminating the leaf program. He states that it is bad for the environment and expensive. He noted that the EQC is against the program as it is privilege to have the leaf progftrm and is a convenience for the residents. He states it is bad for flooding, it's extra work, and adds trucks putting carbon vapors in the air. He suggested that residents who do not mulch the leaves can pay the sticker price for bagging the leaves. 

Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek thanked Mr. Thompson. 

Laura West, 140 Sunset, Laura West, 140 Sunset, addressed concems again about flooding focusing on the areas north of476 St. between La Grange Rd. and Gilbert Ave. She stated that in 2005 the flooding issues were deemed so bad in this part ofla Grange and continuing further east that Maple Avenue Relief Sewer (MARS) was the project dedicated to address the flooding. She stated that funds were raised and a portion of the project was developed in 2010 and was stopped for many reasons, but mainly due to a restrictor placed by Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) and other factors in2013. She states that the response she has received is that hopefully MARS will be completed by 2029, the year the restrictor is expected to be removed by MWRD and fulI capacity could flow to the deep tunnel. She stated that this tells the residents ofthe area to accept 24 years of catasftophic floods from the time the project was proposed to the time hoped, big emphasis on'hope', it is completed. When the project was pulled from the Village and quoting the Village website, "there is no budget allocation for future phases of the project at this time." No altematives were proposed to provide relief to this neighborhood. The area was impacted so much, that MARS was put on the table and approved by previous Boards in the early 2000's because it was so bad. This has left houses and residents at risk to an issue that is only getting worse. Areas that previously had no problems now do. Comers such as Sunset and Elm that have always had a problem are catasfiophically worse. It is known that there are many challenges and issues at the moment with flooding and the Village is very focused on the lawsuit. She stated that all storm water issues related to litigation with the Quarry are related to south of 47th St. This will not impact t}re area previously listed between 47fi St. and the tracks, between La Grange Rd and Gilbert Ave. There is a plan for south of47ft that residents should feel optimistic about future of flooding relief. This still leaves huge sections ofLa Grange without any reliefor hope that the issue will ever be addressed. She stated that residents have been promised actions and assured that solutions are being discussed, only to be told that the engineers recommend MARS to fix the flooding issue. She asked if the engineers are even looking to her specific area. She stated that if the engineers are not providing any ideas or solutions, new engineers should be hired. She stated that other Villages are making investments and coming up with innovative solutions to provide relief for flooding often collaborating with MWRD. These Villages include, but are not limited to Hinsdale, Westem Springs, Elmhurst, Brookfield, and La Grange Park. Most recently we heard ofthree "green" intersections in La Grange Park through a collaboration with MWRD. She stated that she has previously asked if a "green" intersection can be done at Sunset Ave. and Elm Ave. and has been told that it would not help that much. She stated that 30,000 gallons of water seemed like a significant amount. She asked ifthere was a task force on flooding and what are the resources being dedicated to the issue offlooding and what reliefis available. She does not believe that these other villages creating change and providing solutions for the residents have greater flooding problems than La Grange or greater taxes. If they are finding ways to implement projects then La Grange should also be able to find solutions. 

Chairperson Pro Tem Kotynek thanked Ms. West for her comments. 

8. TRUSTEE COMMENTS 

Trustee Peterson stated that she attended the Robert Coulter American Legions Veteran's Day presentation and it was wonderful and a very moving presentation in the recently renovated building. There was a big tum out and nice to see people from the community during the pancake breakfast.

Trustee Augustine followed up on her previous comments regarding Quarry blasting, noting that she had been connected to a Facebook page "Lyons Township Quarry Blasting." She noted that there is a Quarry hotline available on the Village website. She noted to contact the Quarry hotline (866) 934-3278 ifthere is dust. issues with the noise, and gravel truck traffic related to the Quarry to be on their radar when these issues occur. 

9. CLOSED SESSION 

Chairperson Pro Tem stated that it is the Village Board's 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; Section 2(c)(11) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act to discuss pending, probable or imminent litigation; and under Section 2(c)(21) ofthe 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 8:56 p.m., a motion was made by Trustee Gale to adjoum into Closed Session under Sections 2(c)(1),2(c)(11), and 2(c)(21) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act to discuss matters related to the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees; to pending, probable or imminent litigation, and to discuss minutes of meetings lawfully closed, seconded by Trustee Augustine. 

Approved by a roll call vote: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

t0. ADJOURNMENT 

At 9:52 p.m. Trustee Gale made a motion to Approved by a roll call vote. 

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