Sangamon Sun

Village of La Grange Board of Trustees met Feb. 27

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 7:37 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 Jack Knight

Village Attorney Benjamin Schuster

Deputy Village Manager/Community Development Director Charity Jones

Public Works Director Richard Colby

Finance Director Lou Cipparrone

Police Chief Robert Wardlaw

lnterim Fire Chief John Buckley

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 Owen and Bryson Uher to lead the audience in reciting the pledge of allegiance.

2, PRESIDENT'S REPORT

President Kuchler announced that the Village has two Police Department Promotions. He expressed his appreciation for the hard work from the Police Department. He thanked the Officer's families and co-workers for their support and sacrifice.

A. Oath of Office - Deputy Chief Kenneth Uher

President Kuchler invited Kenneth Uher and his family to step forward for the Oath of Office.

President Kuchler stated that with a vacancy in the rank of Deputy Chief since 2021, Sergeant Ken Uher has been chosen to the position of Deputy Chief. Mr. Uher is an 18-year veteran of the La Grange Police Department and began his career with the Village in July of 2003.

President Kuchler asked Clerk Saladino to administer the Oath of Office to Kenneth Uher.

B. Oath of Office - Sergeant Michael Kaiser

President Kuchler invited Michael Kaiser and his family to step forward for the Oath of Office.

President Kuchler stated that with the appointment of Ken Uher to Deputy Chief of Police, a vacancy in the position of Sergeant exists. Officer Mike Kaiser was approved by the Board of Fire and Police Commission at their January 25,2023 meeting for promotion to the position of Sergeant.

President Kuchler asked Clerk Saladino to administer the Oath of Office to Michael Kaiser.

C. Presentation - ILEAP Tier 1 Accreditation

President Kuchler introduced retired Police Chief Jason Cates and thanked him for seeing the need for the La Grange Police Department to receive the ILEAP accreditation during his tenure. President Kuchler also noted that Deputy Director Tamie Madden, was brought in due to her experience with the accreditation process.

President Kuchler noted that the Village Board's 2021 Strategic Plan included the goal of the Police Department achieving State-level accreditation. ln December 2021, Police Department staff started the process of seeking this accreditation under the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program referred to as ILEAP, under the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. ln December 2022, the La Grange Police Department was unanimously recognized for accreditation at the Tier I level. This accreditation is reflective of the Police Department's commitment to advancing its professionalism in order to better serve the needs of the La Grange community.

President Kuchler introduced Shanon Gillette, Vice President At-Large from the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.

Mr. Gillette congratulated the La Grange Department on their 2022 fier I Accreditation. Mr. Gillette noted that the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police created ILEAP 10 years ago as a way to help Police Departments communicate to their constituents their unwavering commitment to pursue the highest professional standards. Accreditation requires a department-wide commitment to organizational excellence. Mr. Gillette thanked Chief Robert Wardlaw, Deputy Director Tamie Madden and the entire Police Department for preparing for the assessor review of the department's policies, procedures and practices. He also thanked retired Chief Jason Cates for supporting and assisting in the department wide effort to pursue accreditation. This third-party review ensures that accredited organization do exactly what they say they do, which is to Serve and Protect according to the highest professional and ethical standards. The Tier 1 Accreditation will remain in effect for four years.

Robert Wardlaw, Police Chief thanked the La Grange team for all the hard work and dedication in bringing the agency forward and achieving this goal. He noted the next step was to move on to national level accreditation.

President Kuchler thanked Police Chief Wardlaw, the Police Department, Tamie Madden, and Jason Cates for their leadership in achieving this accomplishment.

President Kuchler noted that the Village has good relationships with the surrounding towns. On behalf of the Village Board and entire Village family, he extended heartfelt condolences to the family of Matt Heiden, the Westmont Public Works employee who passed away as a result of a tragic incident.

President Kuchler stated that La Grange Restaurant Week kicked off and would continue through Sunday, March 5. There are many culinary offerings available during the event, including specially-priced menus. More information can be found at the LGBA website - www.lagranqeevents.com

President Kuchler noted that while there was a storm earlier in the day, most residents did not get much water inside their homes. He noted that there will be more storms as the Village awaits the ruling from Judge Cohen, who is expected to issue a written order regarding the litigation between Hansen Quarry  and the Village by March 9th. The Village is eagerly awaiting his order and is optimistic that he will find in favor of the Village. As discussed at the last Board meeting during the budget workshop, funding has not only been allocated to the 50th Street project but several additional efforts are aimed at mitigating the impacts of stormwater. These efforts include an annually budgeted item for sewer lining projects that improve functionality of the sewer system and extend useful life; a study of the drainage basins north of 47th Street to create a comprehensive understanding examining solutions and determining best target investments to provide optimal relief; and televising sewer lines to identify issues that impact effectiveness. Funds are also budgeted for the future resurfacing of Parking Lot 3 with permeable pavers, which will help alleviate some of the flooding. President Kuchler announced that tree trimming will also be occurring throughout the Village. He explained that the preventative maintenance of our "Urban Forest" of parkway trees helps mitigate the risk of tree limbs falling during storm events.

President Kuchler noted that there will be the presentation of the much-anticipated parking study performed by Sam Schwartz Consulting. The study will serve to inform an understanding of the current and future demand for parking in the Central Business District and West End. The process of developing the report included broad public input throughout the process involving over 1,000 residents, visitors, business owners, and employees.

President Kuchler noted that an agreement for executive recruitment services with the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association was on the agenda. Interim Chief John Buckley has done an excellent job in the role and is assisting in the process of recruiting a more permanent placement in the position.

President Kuchler noted that the Village will hold its annual Budget workshop on Saturday, March 11th at 8:00 a.m. in the Village Hall Auditorium. The next regular meeting of the Village Board will be held Monday, 13, 2023.

President Kuchler announced that the Village of La Grange would be marching in the City of Countryside's St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 4. He invited interested individuals to participate or attend.

3. MANAGER'S REPORT

Village Manager Knight congratulated Deputy Chief Uher and Sergeant Kaiser on their recent promotions. He also congratulated the department on receiving Tier 1 accreditation.

Village Manager Knight provided an update on the Fire Department Bunkroom renovation with the kitchen remodel soon to follow. Two items appear on the agenda regarding the work. The first includes a change order to address moisture intrusion discovered in the course of removing the bunk room ceiling, with the second serving to establish a sufficient contingency amount to address any additional unforeseen conditions. A third item, the purchase of appliances for the remodeled kitchen, is also on the agenda. Overall, the work is progressing well thanks to the efforts of personnel in the Fire and Public Works Departments. He thanked all those involved in the project for their diligent efforts in keeping this project on schedule.

Village Manager Knight provided an update regarding the Lyons Township Regional Flooding Meeting which was attended by Manager Knight, Director of Public Works Colby, Trustee Augustine, and community members who attended with Congressman Casten and was hosted by Lyons Township. The meeting provided an overview of flood mitigation efforts occurring throughout the region and was useful in illuminating the common issues facing all communities within the region. He thanked the event organizers, Lyons Township, and representatives of MWRD.

Village Manager Knight announced the following upcoming meetings. The Design Review Commission will meet on March 8th at 7:30 p.m. in the Village Hall Lower Level Conference Room. The Environmental Quality Commission will meet on March 9th at 7:00 p.m. in the Village Hall Auditorium.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None.

5. CONSENT AGENDA AND VOTE

A. Ordinance - Granting a Variation from the Required Frontyard for 424 E Maple Avenue

B. Award of Contract - Fire Department Bunk Room and Kitchen Renovation Change Order

C. Purchase - Appliances Associated with the Fire Department Remodeling Project

D. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Monday, February 13, 2023

E. Consolidated Voucher 230227

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

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: None

CURRENT BUSINESS

A. Presentation - Parking Study

President Kuchler introduced the item noting that the Village Board approved a contract with Sam Schwartz Consulting to conduct an updated comprehensive parking study. The intent of the study is to inform an understanding of the nature of current and future demand for parking throughout the central business district and West End, and to provide recommendations for managing the Village's varied parking needs. Recommendations within the report are informed by broad public input received throughout the planning process that serves to supplement the technical expertise of Sam Schwartz Consulting and the resulting recommendations reflect current industry best practices. Kelly Connelly, Representative from Sam Schwartz Consulting, is present to provide an overview of the study's key recommendations.

Trustee Augustine moved to accept the Parking Study seconded by Trustee McGee.

Kelly Connelly, Sam Schwartz Consulting, presented the parking study performed in conjunction with Desmond Associates, specialists in parking garage design. Ms. Connelly noted that the 2022 La Grange Parking Study summarizes the Village's existing characteristics, parking inventory currently available, alternative transportation options, existing and future demand patterns, and recommendations to improve the system.

The inventory and occupancy analysis, based on data collected in July and August 2022, found that just over half of the parking in each study area is in-use at peak times, but demand is highly varied by zone, street segment, and facility. Some off street lots and on-street parking segments approached or exceeded effective capacity during peak times, while many other public parking resources were well under 50% occupancy. While there is enough supply to accommodate future needs in aggregate, some area demand will exceed effective supply, highlighting the need for other areas to absorb the demand. Recommendations include seeking to better distribute demand into less utilized parking areas and better manage parking behavior and supply.

A priority of this study was to seek input from community members and stakeholders throughout the process. As such, virtual and in-person engagement opportunities took place over the course of the project to encourage feedback that informed the recommendations included in the final report document. Those strategies are organized around five key recommendations that were formulated through analysis and stakeholder input. They are to: encourage employee parking off- street, particularly in the garage; upgrade meter technology and adjust rates; improve the management of commuter parking and right-size supply with demand; plan for implementation of EV charging; and improve the parking, walking, biking and dining experience for customers.

An implementation strategy for the recommendations was developed and is included in the report. Priority recommendations are those that are suggested for implementation in the next 1-2 years. Near-term recommendations are those that have a time frame of 2-5 years, and longer-term recommendation have a time frame of 5-10 years.

President Kuchler asked if businesses purchase parking decals for their employees or are business given parking spots for their employees at no cost.

Charity Jones, Community Development Director noted that food service businesses are provided the parking decals for free for their employees. Non-food service business employees are charged $20 per month. She confirmed that the pricing model dates back to the Village's prior adoption of a food and beverage tax. She noted that the study found that this service has been underutilized based on the downtown businesses that are requesting employee decals and the total number of businesses / employees.

President Kuchler asked what could be an incentive to get more employees to utilize the decals to park in the garage when some employees aren't using the free decals available to them.

Kelly Connelly stated that an option would be to reduce the fee for those employees charged $20 per month for the parking garage decal. Another option would be to pursue the recommendation to extend the enforcement hours until B:00 p.m. for the off-street lots that are currently being legally utilized by downtown business employees arriving for evening shifts during peak times.

President Kuchler asked Chief Wardlaw which vehicles would have the license plate recognition (LPR) reader technology.

Chief Wardlaw stated that the first step would be to equip the parking enforcement vehicles with LPR.

President Kuchler asked about the recommendation for electric vehicle charging stations, the cost, and who would service and monitor the stations.

Ms. Connelly stated that recommendation is to install a level three charging station which can cost in the area of $20,000 to $40,000, but Sam Schwartz does not provide a quote on pricing in the study.

Trustee Gale asked Ms. Connelly what is the number of employees that are not utilizing free decal parking in the parking garage. He also asked Mr. Cipparrone how many stickers are issued to downtown employees.

Ms. Connelly noted that that based on the current demand that was counted, the number is about 150-200 cars. That is not that latent demand of who should be or would be using decals.

Lou Cipparrone, Director Finance Department, noted that the Finance Department issues 600-700 employee decals each month, with about half that are paid for.

Trustee Gale asked if there are enough parking spots for the employees and customers on the West End, and throughout the Village.

Ms. Connelly noted that industry standard is that parking be at 85% capacity. Depending on the area of the Village, the utilization will change for the parking garage, street lots, and metered parking; the parking garage is underutilized while the metered parking is typically at full capacity.

Trustee Gale stated that the parking study was comprehensive and he was not aware that there are actually 3,000 spots available that need to be redistributed. He recommended that the changes made be kept simple and offer employees certain areas for parking with better enforcement, while leaving the best spots for customers.

Trustee Kotynek thanked Ms. Connelly for the survey and presentation. He noted that La Grange does not have a parking supply issue, but rather a problem when a parking space is not available in front of the restaurant the customer wants to visit. He recommended that employees park in the two top floors of the parking garage, noted that he likes the spots available' signage and the technology {or an interactive map when residents make reservations. He asked about technology tools that direct residents/customers to the spots inside or outside the garage.

Ms. Connelly noted that an advanced guidance system is the term used for real time signage directing you to the location where parking spaces are available. There are systems that monitor individual spaces; these are extraordinarily expensive. There are lower cost systems in the $100,000 - $1 50,000 range available that count cars and provide data showing the total spots that are available. She noted that other recommendations from the study should be considered first as parking concerns can be addressed in more cost-effective ways.

Trustee Augustine thanked Ms. Connelly on the presentation. She asked about the cost of LPR software and how the Village can recuperate those costs with the sale of parking passes. She expressed support for an EV charging station, which is a good idea for residents that do not have one available at home. Trustee Augustine noted that the partnership with Cossitt School and the Library should continue and expand, as the cost would be minimal.

Trustee Peterson asked if the recommendation of updating/expanding the bike racks was an indication that residents, customers, employees were willing to utilize bikes to come to the downtown area, especially during the evening hours.

Ms. Connelly stated that there was much interest during the study to improve the bike racks. She noted that any improvements will only help to reduce the parking demand.

President Kuchler thanked Ms. Connelly for the presentation on the parking study and asked if the parking study included the use of Cossitt School parking lots.

Ms. Connelly stated that the study does not include specific recommendation for layout or how to operationally use the playground/blacktop space, it only included the lot for which the Village has an established shared parking agreement.

Ms. Jones stated that some of the next steps of the study have been incorporated into the staff's budget proposals that will be discussed at the budget workshop and welcomes additional input from the Village Board to direct review of additional action items, such as policy changes.

Accepted by a roll call vote:

Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Kotynek, McGee, O'Brien and Peterson Nays: None

Absent: None

B. Agreement - Executive Recruitment Services with Illinois Fire Chiefs Association

President Kuchler introduced the item noting that in preparation for identifying a replacement for Fire Chief Vavra, who retired at the end of December, staff has solicited a proposal for recruitment services from the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association (IFCA). The IFCA was organized in 1951 with the goal of supporting fire service leaders in Illinois and is dedicated to the success of their members. Staff has prepared a professional services agreement which details the recruitment and assessment services to be performed by the IFCA and recommends approval of the proposed professional services agreement with Assessment & Consulting Services/Illinois Fire Chiefs Association. President Kuchler asked lnterim Fire Chief John Buckley to provide an overview of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association hiring process.

John Buckley, lnterim Fire Chief noted that the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association conducts an assessment of the candidates by State certified Fire Chief assessors. All the candidates interviewed through the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association will be well qualified and the evaluation process will show the value they can bring to the organization.

Trustee Gale moved to approve the Agreement - Executive Recruitment Services with Illinois Fire Chiefs Association seconded by Trustee O'Brien.

Approved by a roll call vote:

Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, Kotynek, McGee, O'Brien and Peterson Nays: None

Absent: None

7. PUBLIC COMMENT

Becky Lorenzen from the Community Diversity Group thanked the Village for the presentation on the Mosaic Project and noted that currently the group has collected two thirds of the funds sought. She asked that everyone continue to spread the word to help raise the remaining funds.

President Kuchler thanked Ms. Lorenzen.

Michael West, 140 Sunset Avenue, thanked the Village for commissioning the study of north of 47th Street and continuing to explore alternative solutions for flooding mitigation.

President Kuchler thanked Mr. West.

Dan Spain, The Elm at 23 W Harris Avenue, thanked the Village for commissioning the parking study and analysis. He noted his disappointment that the study was only conducted over two days in July, a Wednesday (a weekday) and a Saturday (a weekend). He explained that since his restaurant is closed on Mondays, Wednesday is the slowest weekday and many residents are on vacation in July. He expressed disappointment that the recommendations would provide 1 to 10 years' worth of recommendations based on two days worth of data. He also noted that the study is misleading by including the spaces at Gordan Park, since it is unknow and rarely used. He expressed appreciation for his partnership with the Village and all that the Public Works Department does in the community. He requested that the Village continue to explore solutions with Cossitt School as a partner.

President Kuchler asked Ms. Connelly if two days of data collection is sufficient. He also requested further explanation of the heat map showing available parking, including Gordon Park, throughout the Village. He noted that the study shows the parking garage is not full, will customers/residents be willing to walk from Gordon Park if they are already unwilling to walk two blocks from the parking garage.

Ms. Connelly noted that the study included data collection that Sam Schwartz conducted over the aforementioned two days, but it also takes into account the historical data that the Village monitors annually and provided from 2018, in order to see historical trends. She noted that the recommendations are not based on just the two days of study, but also on the zone analysis that breaks down percentage of parking utilized during peak times in the downtown.

8. TRUSTEE COMMENTS

Trustee Augustine noted that she felt blasting from the quarry on February 21't. She noted that blasting for surface mining has been ongoing for generations The blasting now is subterranean, the effects of which are stronger and more deeply felt. She noted that there is not much that can be done at the local level, but encouraged residents to contact Hanson Quarry  when a blast is felt by calling (866) 934-327 B. She noted that she is working with a group to apply pressure and get more communication from the Quarry. The Facebook group to join is Lyons Township Quarry  Information/Underground Blasting at McCook Quarry .

President Kuchler stated that if vibrations from the blasting are not called in, the Quarry  will assume that only one person is having the issue. When the Quarry meets with the area Villages, the Quarry  should be notifying the Village about the number of complaints they receive.

9. CLOSED SESSION

None.

10. ADJOURNMENT

At 9:21 p.m. Trustee Gail made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee McGee. Approved by a roll call vote.

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