Sangamon Sun

Village of La Grange Board of Trustees met Feb. 24

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, Paul Saladino, Beth Augustine, Lou Gale, Shawana McGee, Tim O'Brien, Peggy Peterson, and Glenn Thompson 

Staff Present: Jack Knight, Charity Jones, Benjamin Schuster, Suzy Mika, Russell Davenport, Tim Griffin, and Dan Reda

2. President's Report

A. A Proclamation Honoring the 100th Anniversary of the La Grange Theatre

President Kuchler stated that one hundred years ago, the La Grange Theatre opened its doors at 80 S. La Grange Road becoming an entertainment destination and cultural cornerstone. The Village has long recognized the theatre’s meaning to the community, and, in 2013, the Village provided financial support to rehabilitate the theatre and ensure its continued operation as an entertainment venue. Today, in a sign of its recent success, the theatre is undergoing a major expansion which will add three new auditoriums broke ground. The new screens are scheduled for a summer 2025 opening.

Chris Johnson, owner of the La Grange Theatre, thanked the Village Board and community for their support. Mr. Johnson provided an update of the changes happening at the theater and the upcoming events for the 100th year celebration.

B. Oath of Office for Firefighter Timothy Trocke

President Kuchler stated that on February 19, 2025, the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners approved the appointment of Timothy Trocke to the position of Firefighter Paramedic.

Mr. Trocke completed his paramedic program with Ascension Saint Francis, and he also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Southern Illinois University. He was most recently employed with Elite Ambulance as an EMT and will be attending the Romeoville Fire Academy in March to obtain his Basic Operations Firefighter Certification.

President Kuchler asked Clerk Saladino to administer the Oath of Office to Timothy Trocke.

President Kuchler announced that La Grange Restaurant Week begins on Thursday, February 27 through Sunday, March 9, 2025. For more information including participating restaurants, please visit the La Grange Business Association website at www.lagrangeevents.com.

President Kuchler announced that this year’s Spring Clean Up will be held the week of April 14th for residents on their regular collection day. The contract with Flood Brothers requires a separate “Spring Clean Up” sticker for unlimited participation. Spring clean-up stickers will be sold at the same locations as refuse and yard waste stickers. More information on the program will be available in early March.

President Kuchler noted that the Village will hold its annual Budget workshop on Saturday, March 8th at 8:00 a.m. at the Village Hall auditorium.

The next regular meeting of the Village Board will be held Monday, March 10, 2025.

3. Manager's Report

A. Proposed FY 2025-26 Capital Projects Fund Budget

Manager Knight noted the Capital Budget is a key component of the Village’s annual budgeting process. It accounts for substantive investments in Village facilities, roads, sewer and water systems. He noted that the Capital Projects Fund does account for more significant capital projects, and this is not an exhaustive list of projects that are anticipated for next year.

Director Mika provided a financial overview.

Acting Director Davenport provided a projects overview.

Trustee Gale commented on the hard work of the staff in obtaining 4 million in grants to fund infrastructure in the Village.

Trustee Thompson commented on the 50th Street storm sewer which dropped in price, but does not include the outfall, which will incur additional costs.

President Kuchler confirmed that the 50th Street storm sewer is part of the litigation with the Quarry and the Village is awaiting the appellate court ruling. The Village is moving forward with the project and the various partners to obtain permitting.

Trustee Augustine asked regarding the north basin and if sub lining and point repairs will be done block by block. She also asked about the street patching paving and its success.

President Kuchler noted that although not on the capital budget the Village does have money from Cook County for individuals to do work inside their home overhead sewers and the check valves. He noted that the funds available are not indefinite, so residents are urged to take advantage of this program.

4. Public Comments Regarding Agenda Items

John Pluto, 718 East Ave. commented on the water reservoir on East Ave. and requested more updates by the Village regarding flood mitigation, 50th Street sewer project, and the Quarry litigation.

President Kuchler noted that the Board has been united in taking the Quarry to litigation and the goal is to look out for the best interest of all residents.

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: Tim O'Brien

Aye Beth Augustine, Glenn Thompson, Lou Gale, Peggy Peterson, Shawana McGee, and Tim O'Brien

Approved by roll call vote. 6-0

A. A Resolution Approving an Extension of a Master Service Agreement with Sikich LLP for Audit Services

Exhibit A - Sikich LLP Service Proposal for Auditing Services

B. February 24, 2025 - Consolidated Voucher

C. Minutes of the Village Board of La Grange of Trustees Meeting

6. Current Business

Items under Current Business are presented for action by the Board of Trustees.

A. A Resolution Approving a Task Change Order for Task Number 270 with Baxter & Woodman Inc. for Professional Engineering Services -Referred to Trustee McGee

Trustee McGee noted that in July of last year, the Village was provided notification of an award of $2 million in State of Illinois grant funding for flood mitigation. A portion of this funding, $1 million, is administered through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Economic Development & Public Safety Grant program (DCEO). The grant is available on the State’s Fiscal Year, which began July 1, 2024 and concludes June 30, 2025. As DCEO grant terms dictate expenditure of the funds within this year’s State fiscal year, funds provided through the grant will be applied towards flood mitigation efforts in the Village’s North and South basins and will serve to offset public safety salaries in accordance with grant terms. Savings derived from offsetting public safety salaries will in turn be reinvested in ongoing flood mitigation efforts.

Trustee Gale noted that there's going to be some green infrastructure analysis that will take place while waiting for the 50th Street storm sewer project to get started.

Moved by: Shawana McGee

Seconded by: Peggy Peterson

Aye Beth Augustine, Glenn Thompson, Lou Gale, Peggy Peterson, Shawana McGee, and Tim O'Brien

Approved by roll call vote. 6-0

B. An Ordinance Approving a Variation from the Requirements for Fences in Corner Side Yards at 1426 Mason Drive - Referred to Trustee Peterson

Trustee Peterson noted that Peter K. Berg and Martha Flores Berg the property owners at 1426 Mason Drive have applied for a variation to construct a six-foot privacy fence along the corner side lot line of the property. Per Section 9-105-D-2 of the Zoning Code, fences along a corner side lot line are limited to three and a half (3.5) feet in height from the rear of the principal building to front building line (from the rear corner of the home to the rear lot line, the maximum height is six feet). Zoning Code Section 14-303-E-1-(i) (Authorized Variations) allows the increase of the maximum allowable height and location of any fence.

Moved by: Peggy Peterson

Seconded by: Shawana McGee

Aye Beth Augustine, Glenn Thompson, Lou Gale, Peggy Peterson, Shawana McGee, and Tim O'Brien

Approved by roll call vote. 6-0

7. Public Comments Regarding Non-Agenda Items

John Pluto, 718 East Ave. commented on the Park District catch basins located at Sedgwick Park.

President Kuchler noted that the Village works with the Park District to support each other, especially in trying to obtain grant funds.

Al Foreman 56 7th Ave. commented on having a central location for providing information on major projects, flood mitigation, meetings and project timelines.

8. Trustees' Report

Trustee Augustine noted the La Grange Historical Society has a Special Exhibition for Black History Month - The Bernardine Sims Family Memorabilia and Art Collection about a La Grange Resident.

Trustee Augustine inquired about a central location to post about meetings, water main breaks, police emergencies, etc. for the benefit of the residents.

Village Manager noted that residents can sign up on the current Village website to receive notifications on the Village Board meetings, news, and news flash.

Trustee Thompson asked about having the engineers coming in to do a presentation and provide updates regarding the storm sewers projects. He also inquired about the display boards around town to provide information to the residents.

President Kuchler noted that staff can work on getting the engineers to come in to provide updates regarding the ongoing projects.

Charity Jones stated that the display boards will be updated with the La Grange Business Association 2025 Events by March.

9. Closed Session

Items to be discussed confidentially under the provisions of the Illinois Open Meetings Act will be considered in closed session.

10. Adjournment

A motion was made to adjourn at 8:45 p.m.

Moved by: Lou Gale

Seconded by: Tim O'Brien

Aye Beth Augustine, Glenn Thompson, Lou Gale, Peggy Peterson, Shawana McGee, and Tim O'Brien

Approved by voice vote. 6-0

https://lagrangeil.diligent.community/document/18139/?lastModified=638780862818500000