Sangamon Sun

Village of La Grange Board of Trustees met Sept, 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

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

The Board of Trustees regular meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Clerk Saladino. On roll call, as read by Clerk Saladino, the following were:

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

ABSENT: Trustee Augustine and McGee

OTHERS: Village Manager Jack Knight

Village Attorney Benjamin Schuster

Deputy Village Manager/CD Director Charity Jones

Public Works Director Richard Colby

Finance Director Susan Mika

Chief of Police Tim Griffin

Fire Chief Steve Norvilas

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 Rocco Sr. and Dominique Venute to lead the audience in reciting the pledge of allegiance.

2. PRESIDENT'S REPORT

President Kuchler noted the 22"d anniversary of the September I1th attack on our country. While over two decades have passed, the tragedy of that day has left an indelible impression on many of us. Since that time, our country has proven that it is resilient, and together we have overcome the evil actions of those that sought to tear us apart. Today is an occasion where we are reminded of the brave actions of the first responders, are able to show our gratitude to them, and remember those that were lost that day.

A. Oath of Office, Police Officer Rocco Venute

President Kuchler invited Rocco Venute to step forward for the Oath of Office. 

Rocco, the son of a retired Melrose Park Police Officer, obtained an Associate's degree from Triton College before transferring to Governor's State University, where he has been working to complete his Bachelor's degree. Prior to coming to La Grange, Rocco most recently served as an Auxiliary Officer with the Rosemont Public Safety Department.

President Kuchler asked Clerk Saladino to administer the Oath of Office to Rocco Venute.

President Kuchler provided a summary of this year's Field of Honor event, "Building Community and Healing Together", which was organized by Operation Support Our Troops.

President Kuchler stated that over the course ofthe past several months, we've heard from residents with concerns over speeding and traffic safety. The Village has responded through education and enforcement activities and has continued to pursue greater compliance with traffic regulations through a variety of efforts. Chief Griffin has recently taken steps towards continued improvement of conditions.

Tim Griffin, Chief of Police, noted T.E.D. program has been revamped for more structured traffic enforcement plans. This allows officers to have dedicated time specific to dealing with traffic safety issues. Chief Griffin noted that the Traffic Enforcement Plan (TEPs) has been implemented to address two issues. First, the Police Department will be conducting structured weekend enforcement plans for the downtown business district from Friday evenings to Sunday evenings with more frequent foot patrols. The secondly component will address traffic concerns in other areas of town through structured enforcement plans.

President Kuchler noted that a La Grange resident who lives near Ogden Avenue has invited President Kuchler, State Representative LaShawn Ford and State Senator Mike Porfirio to observe the traffic patterns, before school, to determine if there is a possibility of having IDOT do a school speed zone or what other changes can be made.

President Kuchler noted the participation in the 32nd annual Race Unity Rally. The rally was a great opportunity to recognize and celebrate the diversity in La Grange. The theme was the importance of belonging and included awards presented to Dr. Bessie Boyd and Michael Thomas. The Caring Place Choir, youth diversity essays, and the introduction of the Village's new Police Chief were also a part of the event. He thanked those that organized and participated in the event. He encouraged all to appreciate and cherish the diversity of La Grange, and our society, for how it enriches our daily lives.

President Kuchler noted that the West End Arts Festival took place the weekend of September 9 & 10. This two-day event was well attended and included the work of some amazing artists, great live music, and events for the kids. He thanked the La Grange Business Association (LGBA), Village staff, and everyone else that came together for such a wonderful community event.

3. MANAGER'S REPORT

Village Manager Knight welcomed Officer Venute to the Village. He noted that the Village is delighted to have Officer Venute and wished him a long and successful career.

Mr. Knight welcomed Scott Wallace. Mr. Wallace will serve as the Village's part-time {ire inspector and joins us having previously worked at the City of Elmhurst Fire Department for 28 years, retiring as Deputy Fire Chief. Mr. Wallace was also employed as a Fire lnspector at the Village o{ Lemont and the Village of Schaumburg. Mr. Wallace will perform inspections for buildings and special events. The Village is also pleased to have Mr. Wallace join our team.

Mr. Knight noted that the capital projects continue with the Village's sewer rehabilitation program which is currently underway and proceeding on schedule. As part of this project, point repairs are being completed with additional restoration of sewers through relining efforts. Work is progressing on time with full restoration of work areas planned to occur by September 22"d.

Mr. Knight stated that the Brainard Avenue watermain construction project north of Hillgrove is progressing as planned along with coordination regarding the replacement of service lines. Pavement restoration for areas south of Maple Ave is expected to be completed by early next week.

Mr. Knight noted that the lllinois Harbor Belt Railroad has updated their closures of the Cossitt Ave Railroad Crossing to September 18,2023. The crossing is scheduled to close for approximately 3 weeks for reconstruction. Motorists are encouraged to look for posted notice boards that display detour information.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

Randy Valenta asked if the zoning code text amendment and granting special use permit in conjunction with retail sales in the C-1 & C-2 districts was for all uses or just this particular business.

Charity Jones, Community Development Director noted that the text amendment is only relative to personal physical fitness training and supervised exercise facilities in conjunction with retail sa les.

5. CONSENT AGENDA AND VOTE

A. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Meeting, Monday, August 28, 2023

B. Consolidated Voucher 23091 'l

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

Approved by a roll call vote:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Trustee Augustine and McGee

6. CURRENT BUSINESS

A. A Resolution Approving the Execution of a Subrecipient Agreement American Rescue Plan Act - State and Local Recovery Funds between the Village of La Grange and County of Cook, lllinois.

President Kuchler stated that the Village's Sewer Backup Prevention Grant Program serves to encourage homeowners to improve their quality of life and enhance property values through the reduction of sanitary sewer backups. Funds available through the program are targeted at assisting single and two-family homeowners with the cost of plumbing improvements to address sanitary sewer backups. The program provides 50% reimbursement of eligible costs for installing a backflow device or overhead sewer (capped at $3,000 for backflow devices and $5,000 for an overhead sewer). Permit fees for work performed as part of this program are waived. Entering into this agreement with Cook County will provide the Village with funding of up to $325,000 in grant funding. The funding will support the Village's Sewer Backup Prevention Grant Program which aims to reduce sanita ry sewer backups

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

Trustee Peterson asked if the allocated amount of $275,000 for 2024 need to be used in 2024 or until all the funds are used.

Mr. Knight noted that this is a reimbursement program, so funds would be available up to the $275,000 amount.

Trustee Thompson asked if the funds would rollover r.o 2025 if not all of it is utilized in 2024.

Mr. Knight noted that the program runs on a fiscal year basis.

Approved by a roll call vote:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Trustees Augustine and McGee

B. A Resolution Authorizing Engineering Services Task Order #276 Regarding lnfrastructure Capital Planning

President Kuchler asked Trustee Thompson to introduce the item. Trustee Thompson stated that in pursuit of maximizing the impact of investments in its infrastructure, the Village has contracted for the performance of comprehensive studies of its street, water, sewer, and stormwater systems. These studies have served to analyze the conditions o{ these systems, identify needed investments, and develop a prioritized plan for investment by need or overall improvement to the system.

Trustee Thompson moved to approve the proposed resolution, which was seconded by Trustee Gale.

Approved by a roll call vote:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Trustees Augustine and McGee

C. An Ordinance Granting a Zoning Variation from the Minimum Required Front Yard at 1301 West Cossitt Avenue.

President Kuchler stated that Nick Peranich, representing the La Grange Area Department of Special Education (LADSE) at 1301 W. Cossitt Avenue, has applied for a variation to encroach within the minimum required front yard in order to construct concrete stairs at the Subject Property. Zoning Code Section 14-303E1 (a) (Authorized Variations) allows variations that reduce the dimension of any required yard.

Trustee Gale moved to approve the proposed resolution, which was seconded by Trustee Peterson.

Approved by a roll call vote:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Trustees Augustine and McGee

D. An Ordinance Approving a Zoning Code Text Amendment and Granting a Special Use Permit to Authorize a Personal Physical Fitness Training and Supervised Exercised Facilities in Conjunction with Retail Sales in the C-1 and C-2 Districts and at 4 West Calendar Avenue. 

President Kuchler asked Trustee Gale to introduce the item. Trustee Gale stated Jay Aldrich of Stretchlab, the future lessee of the property at 4 W. Calendar Avenue, has requested (1) a Text Amendment to Section 5-105C of the Zoning Code to allow Personal Physical Fitness Training and Supervised Exercise Facilitles in Conjunction with Retail Sales without a minimum 25' depth of retail sales; and (2) a Special Use Permit to operate Personal Physical Fitness Training and Supervised Exercise Facility in Conjunction with Retail Sales called Stretchlab at the Subject Property. No exterior work is proposed.

Trustee Gale moved to approve an ordinance to approve a text amendment to Section 5-105C of the zoning code to allow personal physical fitness training and supervised exercise facilities in conjunction with retail sales without a minimum 25' depth of retail sales, which was seconded by Trustee O'Brien.

Approved by a roll call vote:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Trustees Augustine and McGee

Trustee Gale moved to approve an ordinance to approve a Special Use Permit to operate Personal Physical Fitness Training and Supervised Exercise Facility in Conjunction with Retail Sales in the C-1 and C-2 Districts, which was seconded by Trustee Thompson.

Trustee Gale noted the two-step process for this item, stating that the code needs to be amended for the special use to be allowed. Therefore, both items need to be approved independently.

Approved by a roll call vote:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Trustees Augustine and McGee

7. PUBLIC COMMENT

Becky Lorenzen, CommUNlTY Diversity Group, thanked those who attended the Race Unity Rally. She noted that the mosaic tiling project has been completed early and will be mounted the week of September 11. She noted that the unveiling and dedication of the mosaic will be on Sunday, Oaober 1 5th from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Community Center, 200 Washington Avenue.

President Kuchler thanked Ms. Lorenzen and all the other volunteers at the Race Diversity Weakened. 

Sterling Topol, noted that as a 40+ year resident he would like to keep the leaf pickup program. He suggested the possibility of a referendum to let the residents decide to keep the program.

President Kuchler thanked Mr. Topol and noted that some residents have shared similar concerns.

John Pluto, 718 East Avenue, noted his concerns regarding the project on 47th Avenue and East Avenue and flooding. He also had concerns about the water tank and the possibility of a crack.

President Kuchler thanked Mr. Pluto for sharing his concerns and noted that Mr. Colby and the Village website will be helpful in addressing his concerns.

8. TRUSTEE COMMENTS

None.

9. ADJOURNMENT

At 8:21 p.m. Trustee Gale made a motion to adjourn, by Trustee O'Brien Approved by a voice vote.  

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