Sangamon Sun

Village of La Grange Board of Trustees met Sept. 25.

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: President Kuchler, Trustees Augustine, Gale, McGee. O'Brien, Peterson, and Thompson.

ABSENT: None

OTHERS: Village Manager Jack Knight

Village Attorney Caitlyn Culbertson

Deputy Village Manager/CD Director Charity Jones

Public Works Direaor 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 the grandchildren of Joe Munizza, Aiden and Jillian, to lead the audience in reciting the pledge of allegiance.

2. PRESIDENT'S REPORT

President Kuchler congratulated Auxiliary Police Office Jim Ward on his retirement after 24 years of service in the Village of La Grange.

A. Resolution Appreciating Assistant Finance Director Joe Munizza for 26 Years of Dedicated Service

President Kuchler thanked the Munizza Family, wife Linda, daughter Aimee, Son in-Law Josh, and grandkids Aiden and Jillian for their support of Mr. Munizza throughout his career.

President Kuchler read the Resolution of Appreciation for Assistant Finance Director Joe Munizza into the record.

A motion was made by Trustee Gale to approve the Consent Agenda. seconded by Trustee Mccee. Motion carried on a voice vote.

Former Finance Director Lou Cipparrone was invited to comment and thanked Joe Munizza for all the years of service and all the hard work Mr. Munizza has done to make the Village financially sound.

Mr. Munizza expressed his appreciation and stated how grateful he was for the opportunities that have been provided to him during his career. He thanked the current and past Board for their support. He thanked his current co-workers {or their hard work and dedication. Mr. Munizza thanked Mr. Cipparrone for bringing him onboard 27 years ago and creating an environment where he could be successful. Mr. Munizza thanked his family for all the love and support throughout the years.

President Kuchler thanked the Finance Department, Sandy Shalaby, Cheryl Arquilla. and Faith Czarnik for coming to support Mr. Munizza.

President Kuchler announced that in recognition of Fire Prevention week, the La Grange Fire Department will be hosting an Open House on Tuesday, October '1oth from 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Activities included a fire sprinkler demonstration, Sparky the Fire Dog, viewing of emergency vehicles and equipment, kids' activities, photos, and refreshments. Collection of expired fire extinguishers and smoke detectors also took place. Everyone was encouraged to take the opportunity to visit with La Grange Fire Fighters and join in an evening of family fun and education.

President Kuchler stated that starting in October, La Grange will invite the public to view the {estive skeletons throughout La Grange as part of Skeletober. They will be dressed in theme and displayed at participating businesses. Everyone is encouraged to take the opportunity to visit the skeletons and participating businesses.

President Kuchler noted that October is National Pedestrian Sa{ety Month. The initiative is intended to increase awareness around pedestrian safety and remind everyone of their role in maintaining the sa{ety o{ pedestrians. This is ever-more important as the days are shorter and it becomes darker early in the day. Pedestrians, bicyclists, walkers, joggers, motorists and all others are invited to take a few moments to consider how they can be safer as they travel in and around La Grange.

3. MANAGER'S REPORT

Village Manager Knight congratulated Assistant Finance Director Munizza and Auxiliary Officer Jim Ward on their retirement.

Mr. Knight noted that as fall has officially begun and leaves begin to collect, the Village has assembled resources available on its website that highlight several uses for leaves around homes that include mulching, protecting garden beds, and composting. There is also information on the Village's leaf pick-up program, which begins Monday, October 2, and runs through November 22. Under this program, residents can rake leaves to the street for collection by Public Works crews. See the website for specifics or contact the Public Works Department.

Mr. Knight noted that full restoration of streets impacted by the completion of the Brainard Avenue sewer rehabilitation project will take place. Landscape restoration is currently being coordinated for the Brainard Avenue water main replacement, with continued work taking place north of Hillgrove along Brainard. Work on this project will continue with connection to service laterals taking place in October.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None.

5. CONSENT AGENDA AND VOTE

A. A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Parkway Replacement Trees through the Suburban Tree Consortium

B. For Profit Solicitation Application by AT&T Boost, lnc.

C. For Profit Solicitation Application by Power Home Remodeling

D. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Monday, September 11, 2023

E. Consolidated Voucher 230925

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

Trustee Thompson asked if for-profit solicitors are required to be licensed by the Village.

Manager Knight confirmed that the current Code of Ordinances requires the completion of an application, review by administrative staff, and final approval from the Village Board. Mr. Knight noted that if solicitors do not have a license, residents can call 9-1-1 or direa them to Village Hall to obtain a license.

President Kuchler stated that the Village is not endorsing the solicitors, the license just indicates that they have completed the application and have informed the Village they will be in the area.

Trustee Augustine noted that the solicitation information is current and posted on the Village website. She inquired lf solicitation in{ormation can be sent out to residents periodically so they know what to look for {rom solicitors.

Approved by a roll call vote:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

6. CURRENT BUSINESS

A. An Ordinance Approving a Special Use Permit for a Motion Picture Theater, a Site Plan, and a Design Review Permit for Classic Cinemas La Grange Theatre at 76-80 South La Grange Road.

President Kuchler asked Trustee Gale to introduce the item. Trustee Gale stated that Tivoli Enterprises, lnc. DBA Classic Cinemas is the operator of Classic Cinemas La Grange Theatre located at 80 S. La Grange Road. The Applicant is requesting (1) a Special Use Permit {or a Motion Picture Theater, (2) Site Plan approval, and (3) a Design Review Permit in order construct an addition to the existing building at 70-88 S. La Grange Road. The project entails razing portions oI 70-76 5. La Grange Road (The Hot Dog & Burger Company lUnit Bl & Prime Cuts [Unit C]), immediately to the north o{ the theater, located in the rear of the property. The addition will accommodate three new theater auditoriums, two with 73 seats each, and one smaller auditorium with 39 seats. Currently, the theater houses six auditoriums with a total o{ 318 seats. Following the proposed addition, the theater will house nine auditoriums with a total of 503 seats. Prior to the recent renovation by Classic Cinemas in 2022, the La Grange Theatre held 986 seats.

Trustee Gale moved to approve the proposed ordinance, which was seconded by Trustee McGee.

Trustee Augustine asked for confirmation that the exterior of the building will be matched with the other existing exterior bricks.

Ms. Jones noted that the goal will be {or the new construction to match the existing bricks.

Trustee Augustine requested further clarification on the parking agreement between the Applicant, property owner and adjacent property owner. She also inquired if all business in the downtown commercial district were required to provide their own parking.

Ms. Jones responded that the parking agreement was proposed in order to eliminate possible future code violations and ensure that the parking lot remained accessible to the public. She also clarified that downtown commercial district businesses are not typically required to provide their own parking. However, if the subjea business is a Special Use and either the Plan Commission or Village Board see fit that the applicant provide additional parking, they can require it.

Chris Johnson, owner of the La Grange Theater, noted that the expansion of the theater will allow for a greater number of people to come to La Grange for the movie experience, who may then visit other local businesses.

President Kuchler thanked Mr. Johnson and noted that the Village was and still is excited that Classic Cinemas came to La Grange.

Approved by a roll call vote:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

B. A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an lntergovernmental Agreement for the Provision of Technology Services Among the Village of Riverside, the Village of North Riverside, the Village of La Grange, and West Central Consolidated Communications.

President Kuchler stated in recent years, staff has contemplated proposing the creation of an lnformation Technology Manager to help meet the Village's ever growing and evolving lT needs. The coordination of regular maintenance of the existing lT network and establishing a near-term plan for replacements and investments in the Village's future lT infrastructure, were put forward as a few of the needs to be addressed through creating the position. The Village's 2021- 2023 Strategic Plan includes Coordinating with Neighboring Communities to Provide Additional Efficiencies as a goal. The proposed IGA sets forth the framework for the shared services, including the entity employing the lT Director (Riverside), how services will be provided to partnering agencies, charges and payments for the services, and other agreement terms. Under the model, the Village would be poised to receive improved services at a significantly reducedcost.

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

Approved by a roll call vote:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

7. PUBLIC COMMENT

Becky Lorenzen, CommUNlTY Diversity Group, noted that the unveiling and dedication of the mosaic will be Sunday, Oaober 15th from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Community Center, 200 Washington Avenue.

President Kuchler thanked Ms. Lorenzen.

8. TRUSTEE COMMENTS

Trustee Augustine thanked Director Rick Colby and the Department of Public Works for their work on the Brainard Avenue project. She also thanked them for their coordination and work on the Cossitt Avenue Railroad Crossing project.

9. CLOSED SESSION

President Kuchler stated that it was the Village Board's intention to enter into Closed Session under Section 2(cX5) of the lllinois Open Meetings Act to discuss the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body; Section 2(cX l 1 ) to discuss pending, probable or imminent litigation; and Section 2(c)(21) to discuss minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the lllinois Open Meetings Act. 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 8:20 p.m., a motion was made by Trustee Gale to adjourn into Closed Session under Sections 2(cX5), 2(c)(1 1), and 2(cX21) of the lllinois Open Meetings Act, seconded by Trustee Thompson.

Approved by a roll call vote:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

10. ADJOURNMENT

At 8:58 p.m. Trustee Gale made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee O'Brien. Approved by a voice vote.

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