Sangamon Sun

Village of La Grange Board of Trustees met Nov. 19

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 was called to order by President Kuchler at 7:30 p.m. On roll call, as read by Village Clerk  Saladino. 

Council Present: President Kuchler, Beth Augustine, Lou Gale, Peggy  Peterson, and Glenn Thompson 

Council Absent:Shawana McGee and Tim O'Brien 

Staff Present: Dan Reda, Jack Knight, Paul Saladino, Rick Colby, Suzy Mika, Tim Griffin, Charity Jones, and Caitlyn Culbertson 

President Kuchler invited Clerk Saladino to lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

2. President's Report 

President Kuchler noted that on November 17 the La Grange Fire and Police Departments responded to a fire in the 100 block of N. La Grange. Firefighters and Police Officers were joined by agencies from throughout the region and worked as a team to assist an estimated 60-plus residents  of the building. Thankfully, residents were brought to safety, and the fire was safely contained, with only two minor injuries reported. President Kuchler stated that on behalf of the Village of La Grange, extended heartfelt appreciation to Chief Reda, La Grange Fire Fighters and Police Officers, and all of the other responding agencies that contributed to a successful response. 

President Kuchler noted that La Grange is decking the halls and gearing up  to light up the season with festive activities for the entire family during Hometown Holidays in La Grange. The holiday shopping season kicks off  with Small Business Saturday, November 30 where shoppers can grab  special flash sale deals. In December, the tree lighting and Santa’s arrival  will kick off the holiday walk on Saturday December 7. All are invited to  join in this annual celebration of the season. 

President Kuchler noted that thework on the intersection of 47th Street  and East Avenue began last week. This $18 million project is being undertaken by the Illinois Department of Transportation and will result in  the reconstruction of the existing four-way stop intersection to a signalized  intersection with dedicated turn lanes, improved lighting, resurfacing, drainage, and other improvements. The project is anticipated to be  completed in fall 2026. The Village is aware of the impacts the project has had on residents in the area and is advocating for improvements to the  management of traffic in that area. The Village has also taken its own steps of erecting signs indicating that streets are closed to local traffic. This has  also included enhanced police enforcement in this area. Village representatives continue to communicate with IDOT to address the community’s concerns.  

President Kuchler noted that IDOT has indicated that they are aware of the condition and are actively collaborating with the contractor performing  the work to resolve traffic-related issues. Current ongoing steps to mitigate  traffic impacts include: 

● Changeable Message Signs (CMS) will be added to: 

○ Westbound 47th Street 

○ Plainfield Road prior to East Avenue 

○ 55th Street and East Avenue in westbound, eastbound, and  northbound directions 

● Additional detour signage will be installed: 

○ To guide industrial traffic from Sergo Drive and Dansher Road o On Plainfield Road before La Grange Road 

● Supplementary signage will be placed: 

○ "Road Closed to Thru Traffic" signs on Type 3 barricades on  East Avenue 

○ A Type 3 barricade with a "Local Traffic Only" sign at 10th  Avenue off 47th Street 

The Village is hopeful that these steps will serve to alleviate some of the traffic conditions experienced in the past few days. Staff will continue to be in touch with IDOT representatives and will continue to work on behalf of residents to ensure that the impacts of this project are minimized.  

3. Manager's Report 

Manager Knight noted that the Village offices will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29th for the Thanksgiving holiday.  Offices reopen on December 2nd. He wished everyone an enjoyable and memorable Thanksgiving. 

A. Village Code Comprehensive Update, Title 7 

Manager Knight noted this is the part of the Village’s ongoing effort in comprehensively updating the Village Code. The proposed updates to Title 7 have been prepared for the Village Board’s consideration. This is the last title scheduled for review prior to presentation for formal adoption by the Village Board. The updates have been reviewed by the Village’s consultant, staff, and Village Attorneys and are now presented to Village Board for consideration. Staff is prepared  to capture the thoughts and input of the Village Board on these proposed changes which will then be incorporated into a final draft which is planned for presentation to the Village Board in the fall.  

He noted that proposed updates to Title 7 include improved  regulations pertaining to abandoned and unlawful vehicles,  alarm technology and registration; noise, unsanitary  conditions, cruelty and other provisions relating to animals;  adopting State firework regulations; ambulance services; and  more.  

Trustee Augustine questioned the terminology "running at  large" and if there could be a better term to replace.  

Caitlyn Culbertson, Village Attorney, noted that is a common terminology and would not be changed.  

Tim Griffin, Chief of Police noted that terminology is not a hinderance on police department enforcement.  

4. Public Comments Regarding Agenda Items 

Dr. Bessie Boyd, 234 Sawyer noted that the residents of the East side were in agreement to keep the existing non-conforming three units but not  allow new three or four units. She also noted the property values east of the tracks are perceived as lower than the west side of La Grange.  

Kia Washington 43 Washington Ave. noted that traffic and speeding are issues on Washington Ave. and near the Community Center. She also noted that she is not in agreement for additional three-unit and four-unit  buildings. 

Bernadine Smith, 117 Washington Ave. noted that the comprehensive plan does not address options to beautify the Village and some on the construction is not consistent.  

Renee Hodges, 5 Sawyer noted that there is dumping of debris, construction material, and snow near the Ogden Ave bridge.  

John Pluto 718 East Ave. noted that the comprehensive plan regarding zoning should not change and remain as is regarding the Historic East Side. 

Carolyn Gothard was in agreement with Dr. Boyd regarding property value pricing of same style home on the East Side vs. West Side of La Grange Rd.  

Lena McDuffy, Hayes & Calendar noted that the proposed housing to be allowed would be across the street from her home and parking, maintenance, and upkeep of the properties are her main concerns.  

Regina McClinton, 208 East Ave. wanted to know the final goal of the Village regarding density. As the density in the Village has increased, this has caused issues regarding parking and sewer system.  

Ramon Lacey, 112 Washington reiterated his concerns regarding the lack of infrastructure in the Village to increase the density.  

Alice Woodson, 112 Sayer requested to know the boundaries for the R-6  East of Bluff. She also noted to grandfather in the current three units.  

Charity Jones, CD Director/Deputy Village Manger noted that the R-6 East of Bluff Ave. extends north from Ogden Ave, south to Cossitt, Hayes to East  Ave.  

Christian, 201 Washington Ave. agrees with no changes to the Comprehensive Plan and for the Village to be considered as a whole, no  labeling of north, south, west and east sides.  

Catherine Theisen 16 Sawyer is in support of 'grandfather in' the three units.  

Peg Moster, League of Women Voters noted that she in favor of increasing  density to address affordability in La Grange.  

5. Consent Agenda 

A motion was made to approve the Consent Agenda.  

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. 

Moved by: Lou Gale 

Seconded by: Glenn Thompson 

Aye Beth Augustine, Glenn Thompson, Lou Gale, and Peggy Peterson 

Approved by roll call vote. 4-0 

A. A Resolution Approving and Adopting the Update of the Cook  County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan 

A Resolution Approving and Adopting the Update of the Cook County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan 

B. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Meeting  Monday, October 14, 2024 

C. November 18, 2024 - Consolidated Voucher 

6. Current Business 

A. An Ordinance Adopting a Comprehensive Plan for the  Village of La Grange -Referred to President Kuchler President Kuchler noted that the Board may consider any of the following options in regard to including the soft density strategy as it relates to the R-6 Zoning district: 

1. Leave strategy as it currently appears in the plan, with a recommendation to include three and four-plexes in the R-6 Zoning District. 

2. Add language to clarify the plan’s intent of limited construction of three and four-plexes in the East Side neighborhood to preserve the character of the area. 

3. Amend the strategy to legalize existing three- and four unit buildings and allow only those sites to be improved or redeveloped with three- or four-plexes. 

4. Remove the strategy of allowing three and four-plex buildings in the R-6 District.  

Trustees Gale, Peterson, Augustine, and Thompson were all in agreement with option #3 - Amend the strategy to legalize existing three- and four-unit buildings and allow only those sites to be improved or redeveloped with three- or four plexes. 

Trustee Thompson asked for confirmation of the height  standards on page 33 of the plan.  

Ms. Jones noted that the policy of the plan was updated to modify the language to change the code from five stories to four story building with options for developers to request additional stories through a plan development process.  

Trustee Gale noted to amend the language on page 33 to add the word "consider' as part of the title for item #5. 

Trustees were directed to make the requested changes and prepare the Comprehensive Plan for approval at the November 25, 2024 Meeting.  

B. A Resolution Amending the Personnel Manual to Include a Leave Donation Program - Referred to President Kuchler President Kuchler noted that the Village’s 2024-2027 Strategic  Plan includes the strategic priority High-Performing  

Organization which states “La Grange has strong and well supported staff at all levels who continually strive to meet the needs of residents and businesses through modern and efficient operations and transparent governance.” During the course of an employee’s service to the Village, unforeseen circumstances such as serious illness or family emergencies can arise. In these cases, available leave time may be insufficient due to associated needs for medical treatment, dependent care, or time needed for recovery. Navigating these needs can add to an already stressful situation and represent a financial impact related to lost wages. 

President Kuchler noted that a Leave Donation Program provides an avenue in which employees may seek the support of their peers in amassing paid time off to support their needs in extenuating circumstances. These programs also provide an opportunity for employers and employees to support their colleague through the donation of unused leave. Program benefits beyond the immediate benefit to the employee include strengthening and supporting Village staff, fostering a culture of compassion, and demonstrating a commitment to employee welfare. Leave Donation Programs also help alleviate the financial burden that may arise from a lack of paid leave, enabling employees to focus on recovery or family matters.  

Further, a Leave Donation Program can work to improve employee satisfaction and enhance retention efforts by creating a workplace that cultivates employee dedication. Programs such as these can also better position the Village in the labor market, particularly in today’s competitive market where workplace culture and benefits are increasingly important. To qualify to receive donations under the program, an employee must not be in probationary status  and eligible to accrue sick leave, be experiencing a catastrophic injury or illness that qualifies for protection as a  serious health condition under the Family and Medical Leave  Act (FMLA) and be expected to exhaust all of their available leave time due to the qualifying injury or illness. Donated time  may not be used until the receiving employee has exhausted all of his/her accrued leave. Qualified employees’ whose spouse, child, or parent experience a catastrophic injury or illness that qualifies for protection as a serious health condition under the FMLA are also eligible. 

A motion was made to approve A Resolution Amending the Personnel Manual to Include a Leave Donation Program. 

Moved by: Beth Augustine 

Seconded by: Peggy Peterson 

Aye Beth Augustine, Glenn Thompson, Lou Gale, and Peggy Peterson 

Approved by roll call vote. 4-0 

C. A Resolution Ratifying the Execution of a Memorandum of Agreement with International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 Regarding a Leave Donation Program - Referred to President Kuchler 

President Kuchler noted that A Leave Donation Program provides an avenue in which employees may seek the support  of their peers to amass paid time off to support their needs in  extenuating circumstances such as these. In partnership with  International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 a Memorandum of Agreement was developed and executed, allowing for the associated bargaining unit employees to participate in the program at the time the agreement was executed. 

A motion was made to approve A Resolution Ratifying the Execution of a Memorandum of Agreement with International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 Regarding a Leave Donation Program 

Moved by: Glenn Thompson 

Seconded by: Beth Augustine 

Aye Beth Augustine, Glenn Thompson, Lou Gale, and Peggy Peterson 

Approved by roll call vote. 4-0 

7. Public Comments Regarding Non-Agenda Items 

John Pluto, 718 East Ave. proposed that the detour should begin northbound East Ave at Plainfield Rd.  

President Kuchler noted that the request is to not allow thru traffic but only local traffic.  

Mark Buchanan 8 W. Burlington requested that the residential parking lots change the hours for residents to park overnight (with proper permits). 

Al Foreman 56 7th Ave. requested the timeline for the zoning review  process.  

Ms. Jones noted that the process will take over one year to complete.  

Wilson Penn, 10th Ave. commented regarding the traffic issues around the 47th Ave. and East Ave.  

John Pluto, 718 East Ave. requested confirmation of the size of the north basin that is being used. He also requested the status of the water tower and the maintenance update. 

8. Trustees' Report 

Trustee Gale thanked the residents that came to the offer their comments and feedback regarding the comprehensive plan.  

9. Closed Session 

10. Adjournment 

A motion was made to adjourn at 9:20 p.m. 

Moved by: Lou Gale 

Seconded by: Peggy Peterson 

Aye Beth Augustine, Glenn Thompson, Lou Gale, and Peggy Peterson 

Approved by voice vote. 4-0 

https://lagrangeil.diligent.community/document/12784/?lastModified=638690368311970000