Sangamon Sun

Village of La Grange Board of Trustees met Oct, 23.

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: Chairperson Pro Tem Gale, Trustees Augustine, McGee, O'Brien, Peterson, and Thompson.

ABSENT: PresidentKuchler

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

Clerk Saladino 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.

Clerk Saladino noted that a quorum has been established. As President Kuchler is unavailable for tonight's meeting, a motion was requested to appoint senior most Trustee Lou Gale as President Pro Tem to preside over the meeting.

A motion was made by Trustee McGee and seconded by Trustee Peterson to appoint Trustee Lou Gale as President Pro Tem. The motion carried on voice vote.

Chairperson Pro Tem Gale invited the audience to recite the pledge of allegiance. 

2. PRESIDENT'S REPORT

A. Recognition of Lieutenant Cramer on his 25 Years of Service to the Village of La Grange

Brian Cramer joined the Village in '1998 shortly after he began his fire service career with the Blue lsland Fire Department as a full time Firefighter in 1997. During his career, Lieutenant Cramer has earned numerous lllinois Office of State Fire Marshal fire certificates and his Associate's Degree in Fire Science Technology. Brian was promoted to Lieutenant in January 2015 and has been involved with many areas of the Department since being hired. He has served as President of the Foreign Fire lnsurance Board, a child safety seat technician, a CPR instructor, and handles the Department's national fire reporting system. Lieutenant Cramer has also been a fire investigator for both the Department and the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) Division 10 Team since 2004. Brian's enthusiasm and professionalism for the Village is second to none. He assists with and completes numerous public education projects using his interest and knowledge of the Department and Village. He is currently assigned to assist with Fire Prevention activities.

Lieutenant Cramer thanked the Village Board, Fire Chief, his co-workers and family for the support the past 25 years.

Chairperson Pro Tem Gale noted that Skeletober, the month-long display of sharply-dressed and friendly skeletons, continues through Tuesday, October 31't. Everyone is encouraged to snap a selfie and post your pics using the hashtag #skeletober tag the LGBA to enter into a random drawing. A walking map to help you find all the skeletons is also available, visit the LGBA's website for more information.

Chairperson Pro Tem Gale announced that Trick or Treating hours on Halloween, Tuesday, Ocober 31 , are 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Chairperson Pro Tem Gale stated tree leaves are changing color and falling to the ground. As tree leaves begin collea, keep in mind that they can be composted, added to planting beds, or passed over with a mulching mower. ln addition to those options, the Village's Fall Leaf Pick up Program will continue through November 22. Under this program, residents may rake their leaves to the curb for pick up by Public Works which occurs every two - three weeks.

Chairperson Pro Tem Gale announced that Saturday, Oaober 28th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Village will participate in the US Drug Enforcement Administration's Drug Take Back Day. During the event, prescription and non prescription drugs will be accepted. Please see the Village website for a list of accepted items.

3. MANAGER'S REPORT

Village Manager Knight thanked and congratulated members of the Fire Department for hosting an educational and engaging Open House on October 1Oth. The live demonstrations, interactive displays, tables, and personal exchanges provided a great opportunity to provide education and tips on fire safety. He thanked everyone who worked to put together the event.

Mr. Knight thanked the La Grange Police Department Officers that participated in the Trunk or Treat hosted by the Park District. This was yet another example of the excellent community engagement efforts being undertaken by Village staff.

Mr. Knight announced that on Friday, October 27 and Saturday, Oaober 28, the Village Board and Management Team members will engage in the Village's strategic planning effort. This regularly occurring effort serves to create a plan for the next three years through establishing a vision and priorities for that period.

Mr. Knight reminded residents of the Village's backup prevention grant program. Through a partnership with Cook County and funds available through the American Rescue Plan Act, $325,000 is available to support the program. Easy to fill out applications are available online, with up to $3,000 is available for the installation of backflow devices and $5,000 for overhead sewers. Those interested should visit the Village's website.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None.

5. CONSENT AGENDA AND VOTE

A. A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Purchase Agreement with MacOueen Equipment, LLC for the Purchase of a Pierce Enforcer PUC Pu mper

B. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 78 of the La Grange Code of Ordinances Regarding Parking Schedules

C. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Monday, September 25, 2023

D. Consolidated Voucher 231009

E. Consolidated Voucher 231023

A motion was made by Trustee Augustine to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Trustee O'Brien.  

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.

Trustee Peterson asked how the Fire Department determines the expected life of a fire truck is it millage or years.

Fire Chief Steve Norvilas stated that the life expectancy of a fire truck is determined by its age. Chief Norvilas noted that once the new truck is in use, the old fire truck will be put on auction.

Approved by a roll call vote:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

6. CURRENT BUSINESS

A. FY 2022-23 Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports

Chairperson Pro Tem Gale asked Trustee Thompson to introduce the item. Trustee Thompson stated that the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) of the Village of LaGrange for the Fiscal Year May 1,2022, to April 30, 2023, as prepared by the Finance Department and reviewed by auditors, Sikich LLP is presented. Sikich has rendered a clean opinion indicating that financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the Village's financial position and results of its operations as of April 30, 2023. The FY 2022-23 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report was also posted on the Village website and copies of the audit report were made available for inspection at the La Grange Public Library, in the Village Clerk's office and in the Finance Department. The report will be submitted to the Government Finance Officers' Association to be considered for the Certificate o{ Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, which the Village has received for the past twenty-seven years.

James King, Sikich LLC. was in attendance and presented a brief overview of the 2022-2023 audit report.

Chairperson Pro Tem Gale noted that no vote is required and the FY 2022-23 Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports will be accepted as presented.

7. PUBLIC COMMENT

Laura West, 100 block of Sunset, shared comments regarding flooding north of 47th Street.

Chairperson Pro Tem Gale thanked Ms. West.

8. TRUSTEE COMMENTS

Trustee Augustine asked if the engineering proposal would be complete in the Spring ol 2024 and if it would offer any relief to the residents north of 47th Street.

Manager Knight confirmed that the proposal conducted by engineers is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year. The Village will then have the opportunity to consider some of the recommendations, prioritize, and budget appropriately. A presentation of the study's findings is also planned.

9. CLOSED SESSION

Chairperson Pro Tem Gale 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 and Section 2(c)(1 1) to discuss pending, probable or imminent litigation. He 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 8:08 p.m., a motion was made by Trustee Thompson to adjourn into Closed Session under Sections 2(cX5) and 2(cX1 1) of the lllinois Open Meetings Act, seconded by Trustee McGee.

Approved by a roll call vote:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

10. ADJOURNMENT  

At 9:06 p.m. Trustee Peterson made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee by a voice vote. Approved by a voice vote. 

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