Sangamon Sun

Village of La Grange Board of Trustees met Sept. 8

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 Village Clerk Saladino at 7:30 p.m. On roll call, as read by Village Clerk Saladino.

Present: President Kuchler, Clerk Paul Saladino, Trustees Beth Augustine, Lou Gale, Shawana McGee, Tim O'Brien, Peggy Peterson, and Glenn Thompson

Staff Present: Jack Knight, Charity Jones, Benjamin Schuster, Timothy O’Brien, Tim Griffin, and Dan Reda

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

2. President's Report

The Village President provides a report on matters of community interest.

A. A Proclamation Establishing Sunday, September 14, 2025, as Race Unity Day

President Kuchler stated that the CommUNITY Diversity Group of La Grange is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in government, civic, and cultural life so that everyone in the La Grange community is represented and heard.

The 34th Annual Race Unity Rally will be held Sunday, September 14, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. Join Desiree Scullly, Executive Director of Aging Care Connections, Regina McClinton who will be honored with the Minnie Carr Service Award and Jim Hinkley who will be honored for the Diversity Achievement Award. The rally will also include an invocation from Reverend Brian Damrow of First Congregational Church, The Caring Place Youth Choir, diversity essays, LTHS students sharing thoughts on identity and belonging, and more.

Additional Diversity Days events include antiracist story time on Thursday 9/11/25 at 10:30 a.m. at the Farmer’s Market. A Screening and discussion of documentary “A Binding Truth” on Friday, September 12th at 6:00 p.m. at the La Grange Library.

Thank you to the Community Diversity Group for its consistent positive messages of inclusion and understanding which serves to strengthen and improve the quality of life in our community. Also, thanks to all those involved in planning and supporting this important annual event – including the efforts of Marian Honel-Wilson, Harold Gibson, Becky Lorentzen and others that are associated with the group.

President Kuchler read the proclamation.

B. Appointment and Re-Appointment of Individuals on Advisory Boards and Commissions

President Kuchler stated that La Grange is fortunate to have many talented and generous individuals willing to volunteer their time to serving their community. As appointment terms for several commission and advisory board members have expired, it has come time to consider the appointment and reappointment of several individuals:

 - Beverly Hayes and Maurice McGee to the Community and Economic Development Commission

 - Peter O’Connor to the Plan Commission

 - Ray Baker to the Design Review Commission

A motion was made to approve the annual re-appointment of individuals on Advisory Boards and Commissions.

Moved by: Lou Gale

Seconded by: Beth Augustine

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

Approved by roll call vote. 6-0

President Kuchler stated that La Grange hosted the annual West End Arts Festival on September 6 & 7, 2025. This annual festival attracts artists from around the country to the west end near the Stone Ave Metra station. The weather was beautiful, and the crowds were great, with many people taking the opportunity to appreciate and purchase excellent artwork, participate in activities, and experience great food and drink, as well as live music as summer winds down.

Thank you to the LGBA, Village staff, and the many others that worked together to coordinate another successful festival. President Kuchler noted that the La Grange Home and History tour will take place on Sunday, September 14 from 8:00 am5:00 pm. As part of the event, participants will enjoy touring through six unique La Grange residences. Homeowners will be available to answer questions and chat about their experience living in their home. Thank you to the La Grange Historical Society and La Grange Business Association for their work in putting this event together. To register, please visit the Historical Society's website, lagrangehistory.org.

President Kuchler noted that School has been back in session for a couple of weeks now. As in years past, the Village has undertaken several efforts to promote back to school safety.

This year included a Town Hall meeting held on August 26 at the La Grange Library which provided an excellent opportunity for officers to engage with members of the public regarding their concerns.

Members of the Police Department were also out near schools and popular intersections engaging with students and sharing safety tips. Digital traffic signs with reminders on school zones and driving safely were also in place. Members of the Fire Department also attended Back to School events emphasizing a safe school year. For these efforts, and the efforts that are taken day in and day out, thank you to our emergency responders.

3. Manager's Report

Manager Knight noted that September is National Preparedness Month.

The goal of the effort is to encourage individual to take small steps that can make a big difference in begin prepared. There are four key actions that can be taken to prepare for any disaster you might face. This includes knowing your risk, making a family emergency plan, building an emergency supply kit, and learning more about actions you might take during an emergency. You can learn more on the www.ready.gov website.

Looking ahead to October, Halloween takes place on the last Friday of the month. Hours for trick-or-treating were recently announced for La Grange and neighboring towns and will be from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

4. Public Comments Regarding Agenda Items

None

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: Peggy Peterson

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

Approved by roll call vote 6-0

A. September 8, 2025 Consolidated Voucher

B. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Regular Meeting July 14, 2025

6. Current Business

None

7. Public Comments Regarding Non-Agenda Items

Jennifer McElroy, 233 S Ashland Ave. - commented on parking and traffic concerns around Cossitt Elementary School.

Randy Valente, 19 S La Grange Rd. - commented on the United Methodist Church day care pick up and drop off and the impacts to Cossitt School Elementary.

John Pluto, 718 East Ave. - commented on the traffic topic and installing AI / radar cameras on East Ave. Also, commented on the water reservoir and the recent testing.

8. Trustees' Report

Trustee Augustine thanked the parent group that came to discuss the safety, parking, and traffic issues around Cossitt School. She thanked the Police and Fire Departments for hosting the Town Hall for back-to-school safety. Finally, she promoted some upcoming events hosted by the La Grange Historical Society.

9. Closed Session

A. At this time, the Village Board intends to meet in Closed Session under Section 2(c)(11) for the purpose of discussing pending or probable litigation; and under Section 2(c)(21) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act to discuss minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the provisions of the Illinois Open Meetings Act.

The Village Board will not reconvene to open session as no formal action will occur following the Closed Session.

A motion was made to adjourn into closed session.

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

10. Adjournment

A motion was made to adjourn at 8:42 p.m.

Moved by: Beth Augustine

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/27411/?lastModified=638951253394200000