Sangamon Sun

Village of La Grange Board of Trustees met June 26.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

1. CAIL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Board of Trustees regular meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Clerk Saladino. On roll call, as read by Clerk Saladino, the following were:

PRESENT: Trustees Augustine, Gale, McGee, O'Brien, and Thompson; and President Kuchler

ABSENT; Trustee Peterson

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

Interim Police Chief Kurt Bluder

President Kuchler welcomed the Village Board and shared that video of the meeting is available on YouTube, and will also be available on Facebook and posted to the Village website.

President Kuchler invited Sylvia Gonzalez's nephew Aiden and niece Isabel to lead the audience in reciting the pledge of allegiance.

2. PRESIDENT'S REPORT

A. Employee Recognition - Community Development Administrative Assistant Sylvia Gonzalez - 25 Years of Service.

President Kuchler recognized Sylvia Gonzalez, Administrative Assistant for her 25 years of dedicated service to the Village.

Sylvia Gonzalez thanked her family for their support and everyone with the Village for making it a place that she enjoys working.

B. Oath of Office - Steven Norvilas, Fire Chief

President Kuchler noted that Mr. Norvilas has recently retired from the Pleasantview Fire Protection District where he last served as Fire Chief. He served as Chief for four years, and as Deputy Chief for the five years prior to that.

Trustee Gale made a motion to approve the Fire Chief, seconded by Trustee O'Brien.

Approved by a roll call vote:

appointment of Steve Norvilas as

Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, McGee, O'Brien, and Thompson 

Nays: None

Absent: Trustee Peterson

President Kuchler asked Clerk Saladino to administer the Oath of Office to Steve Norvilas.

President Kuchler noted that he enjoyed participating in the Juneteenth Celebration with the CommUNlTY Diversity group, Dr. Bessie Boyd, Lynn Lacey, Trustees Augustine, Thompson, McGee, Village staff and many others at the community center. The celebration provided a great occasion to celebrate the freedom announced by union troops in Galveston Bay, Texas on June 19, 1865.

President Kuchler stated that the Village is updating its Comprehensive and Downtown Plans and wants to ensure that these guides for future decision making convey a shared community vision. Visit LadranqeForward.org to learn more, share ideas, and subscribe for project updates.

President Kuchler reminded residents that the Village has regulations regarding the watering of lawn and gardens which are in place from May 15th through September 15th. These regulations are important in managing the Village's drinking water supply and are particularly important during times of drought. He noted that mid-day watering is not permitted between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.; with even numbered addresses may water on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and odd numbered addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

President Kuchler stated that flooding remains a priority for the Village. He noted that the Village was successful in winning litigation, but realizes that it does not solve all the issues south of 47th Street or north of 47th Street. He noted that, amongst other efforts, the Village will continue to fund the Residential Sewer Backup Prevention Program and directed individuals to the Village website.

President Kuchler stated that Christopher Burke Engineering has begun collecting information and analyzing the areas north of 47th Street in an effort to develop a prioritized plan for addressing flooding in that region. He noted that it is a long-term project.

President Kuchler stated that, during the summer months, more people are out on foot or traveling by means other than a vehicle. Combined with higher vehicle traffic, the potential for accidents increases. Everyone is encouraged to be more vigilant, slow down and be cognizant of others while traveling through the Village. A little bit of effort on everyone's behalf will go a long way towards ensuring safe travel.

3, MANAGER'S REPORT

Village Manager Knight welcomed Fire Chief Steve Norvilas to the Village.

Mr. Knight congratulated Officer Bugaj and Sergeant Kaiser on receiving the Police Department's Life Saving Award for decisive actions taken during an accident including a bicyclist on June 9th.

Mr. Knight noted that the Village Board Meeting will be held on July 10, 2023, with the next Village Board meeting following that scheduled for Monday, August 28,2023.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None.

5. CONSENT AGENDA AND VOTE

A. An Ordinance Amending the Village Fee Schedule, Incorporating a Pass-Through Water Rate Increase

B. A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of a 2023 Ford Police Interceptor from Sutton Ford in Matteson, Illinois, in an Amount Not to Exceed $ 40,457

C. Approval of La Grange Board of Trustees Closed Session Meeting Minutes from November 14,2022; January 9,2023; and May 8,2023

D. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Monday, June 12,2023

E, Consolidated Voucher 230626

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

Trustee Augustine stated that, in consideration of her relationship to 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, McGee, O'Brien, and Thompson 

Nays: None

Absent: Trustee Peterson

6. CURRENT BUSINESS

A. A Resolution Approving a Contract Between the Village of La Grange and Suburban General Construction for the 2023 Combined Sewer System Rehabilitation.

President Kuchler asked Trustee Augustine to introduce the item. Trustee Augustine stated that each year, the Village conducts a cleaning and televising inspection of the combined sewer system. Through this process, repair needs are identified and slotted into one of four categories: a) immediate repairs; b) critical repairs previously flagged as an emergency; c) collapsed pipe/missing pipe or on the verge o{ collapse; d) strongly consider. This process helps to determine which locations have the highest priority for repairs and also works to inform {uture infrastructure planning.

A motion was made by Trustee Augustine to approve the proposed resolution, which was seconded by Trustee Gale.

Approved by a roll call vote:

Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, McGee, O'Brien, and Thompson

Nays: None

Absent: Trustee Peterson

B. An Ordinance Granting Zoning Variations Regarding Maximum Building Coverage and Maximum Lot Coverage at 124 S. Waiola Avenue

President Kuchler asked Trustee Gale to introduce the item. Trustee Gale stated that Brian Murray, owner of the property located at 124 S. Waiola Avenue, has applied for two variations to exceed the maximum allowable building and lot coverages in order to construct a detached garage and patio, as well as reconfiguring the existing driveway at the subject property. Zoning Code Sections '14-303E1 (a) and 1 4-303E1 (c) (Authorized Variations) allows variations from maximum coverage requirements.

Trustee Gale moved to approve the proposed ordinance, which was seconded by Trustee O'Brien.

Approved by a roll call vote:

Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, McGee, O'Brien, and Thompson

Nays: None

Absent: Trustee Peterson

7. PUBLIC COMMENT

John Pluto, 700 block East Avenue, asked about the status of the 5Oth Street storm sewer project.

President Kuchler noted that the Village is in the process of moving forward with the project which was pending the results of the litigation.

Becky Lorenzen, CommUNlTY Diversity Group thanked the Village for the support of the Juneteenth event. She noted the community mosaic tiling will take place August 22nd - August 30th.

President Kuchler thanked Ms. Lorenzen. More information on the mosaic project can be found on the CommUNlTY Diversity Group website, www.communitydiversity.org.

Todd Van Cleave, 121 8th Avenue, congratulated Ms. Gonzalez on her 25 years of service. He stated his interest in allowing the keeping of chickens and requested for an opportunity to include it as an agenda item for public discussion.

President Kuchler thanked Mr. Van Cleave.

Tim Trompeter, 318 S Ashland Avenue, noted that he supported the chicken initiative.

President Kuchler thanked Mr. Trompeter.

Mike Duncan, 723 S la Grange Road, inquired about the Residential Sewer Backup Prevention Program and inquired about the denial of his application.

President Kuchler thanked Mr. Duncan and noted that the program began in 2022 and would not be retroactive to work done prior to that time frame.

Michael Sorbara, 730 12th Avenue, asked the Village Board how many of their homes have been flooded or damaged. He noted that flooding has caused much damage to his home and homes in the surrounding area.

President Kuchler thanked Mr. 5orbara for voicing his concerns.

Laura West, 140 Sunset Avenue, voiced her concerns regarding that increased {looding in her neighborhood.

President Kuchler thanked Ms. West.

8. TRUSTEE COMMENTS

Trustee Gale noted the resident's frustration with flooding as his home has also been flooded many times. He noted that with respect to the property taxes, only a small portion of the overall total collected is allocated to the Village.

Trustee Augustine stated that many residents have dealt with flooding. She noted that the Facebook group at "Lyons Township Ouarry Information/Underground Blasting at McCook Quarry" has increased to about 4OO members.

Trustee Thompson stated that Dry Up La Grange has initiated a lawsuit against Hanson Ouarry to help residents recoup damages for flooding.

9. CLOSED SESSION

President Kuchler stated that it was the Village Board's intention to enter into Closed Session under Section 2(c)(5) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act to discuss the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body; and Section 2(c)(21) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act to discuss minutes of meetings lawfully closed to the public. He also stated that the Village Board will not reconvene in open session at the end of the closed session, as no formal action will occur

At 8:35 p.m., a motion was made by Trustee Augustine to adjourn into Closed Session under Sections 2(cX5) and 2(c)(21) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act to discuss matters the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body and to discuss minutes of meetings lawfully closed, seconded by Trustee Gale.

Approved by a roll call vote:

Ayes: Trustees Augustine, Gale, McGee, O'Brien, and Thompson 

Nays: None

Absent: Trustee Peterson

10. ADJOURNMENT

At B:58 p.m. Trustee Thompson made a motion to McGee. Approved by a voice vote.

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