Village of La Grange Board of Trustees met April 22.
Here is 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 regular meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Village President, Thomas Livingston. On roll call, as read by Village Clerk John Burns, the following were:
PRESENT:
Trustees Gale, Holder, Kuchler and McCarty, with President Livingston presiding.
ABSENT:
Trustees Arnett and Kotynek
OTHERS:
Village Manager Andrianna Peterson
Village Attorney Mark Burkland
Public Works Director Ryan Gillingham
Community Development Director Charity Jones
Finance Director Lou Cipparrone
Police Chief Kurt Bluder
Fire Chief Don Gay
President Livingston asked Village Clerk John Burns to lead the audience in reciting the pledge of allegiance.
2. PRESIDENT’S REPORT
A. Re-appointments - Advisory Boards and Commissions
President Livingston presented the proposed re-appointments of Brian Boersma to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, Kevin Cahill to the Design Review Commission and Andrew James to the Police Pension Board.
Trustee Holder made a motion to approve the appointments seconded by Trustee McCarty. Motion carried on a voice vote.
B. Proclamation – Arbor Day in La Grange, April 26, 2019
President Livingston asked Clerk Burns to read a proclamation declaring Arbor Day in La Grange on Friday, April 26, 2019.
An Arbor Day tree planting ceremony will be held at St. John's Lutheran School.
Trustee Holder made a motion to approve the proclamation, seconded by Trustee McCarty. Motion carried on a voice vote.
President Livingston announced that the La Grange Farmers Market will begin on Thursday, May 9 and continue each Thursday through October. The outdoor market, located in the surface parking lot behind the Village Hall at Harris and Sixth Avenues and around the Village Hall to La Grange Road, features homegrown vegetables, fruits, flowers and much more. For additional information, please contact the La Grange Business Association or visit their website.
President Livingston thanked the Branding Working Group, CEDC, and Village Board for their work on the Village's branding initiative. Last week, preliminary logo concepts and tag line concepts were provided by the consultant. The process has allowed the Village to be creative and focused.
President Livingston announced that at the May 13 Village Board Meeting the Village will be recognizing the efforts of our citizen volunteers who serve on our Boards and Commissions, as well as welcoming new Trustee Beth Augustine and swearing in Trustee Kotynek and Kuchler for an additional term.
3. MANAGER'S REPORT
Manager Peterson stated that the Village Hall will offer extended hours on Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 9 a.m. to noon and also on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 until 6 p.m. in order to provide residents an opportunity to purchase new vehicle and animal licenses. Vehicle Stickers and animal tags can also be purchased on line through the Village website. Resident vehicle and animal licenses are due for renewal on April 30. If you
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
Anna Davidson from Blackberry Market at 36 South La Grange Road introduced herself and explained that their restaurant will open soon. President Livingston thanked her for her investment in La Grange.
Mary Libsch and Chris Spagnola from Milkstop explained that they were excited to open a new all day café with seasonal American food at 700 W. Burlington. President Livingston welcomed them back to La Grange and thanked them for the investment.
5. CONSENT AGENDA AND VOTE
A. Ordinance - Creating an Additional Class A-2 License, Milkstop LLC d/b/a Milkstop
B. Ordinance - Creating an Additional Class A-3 License, Blackberry Market Inc. d/b/a Blackberry Market La Grange
C. Ordinance - Design Review Permit #108 – 36 South La Grange Road, Blackberry Market
D. Contract - Purchase, Installation and Integration of a Camera System for the Parking Deck, Police Department and Public Works Facilities
E. Resolution - Budget Amendments for Fiscal Year Ending April 30, 2019
F. Purchase - Color Copier, Fax and Scanner for Village Hall
G. Ordinance – Disposal of Surplus Property – Police Department
H. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Monday, April 8, 2019
I. Consolidated Voucher 190422
A motion was made by Trustee Holder and seconded by Trustee Gale to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Ayes: Trustees Gale, Holder, Kuchler, and McCarty
Nays: None
Absent: Trustees Arnett and Kotynek
6. CURRENT BUSINESS
A. Ordinance - Approving an Amendment to the La Grange Zoning Map, a Special Use Permit, and a Site Plan for Child Day Care Services at 248 Sawyer Avenue, Pillars Community Health
Ordinance – Amending Chapter 78 of the La Grange Code of Ordinances Regarding Parking Regulations (Sawyer Avenue)
President Livingston asked Trustee Holder to introduce the item. Trustee Holder stated that the applicant, Pillars Community Health, is the lessee of the property at 248 Sawyer Ave. (the “Subject Property”) and is seeking approvals for (1) an amendment to the Zoning Map to reclassify the Subject Property from the R-6 Two Family Residential District into the IB Institutional Buildings, (2) a Special Use Permit to authorize child day care services, and (3) a Site Plan. The Applicant is proposing to operate child day care services (Head Start Program) on the Subject Property.
On March 12, 2019, the Plan Commission held a public hearing on this matter. At the hearing, the Applicant provided information on the proposed zoning map amendment and special use permit. No members of the public spoke regarding the application.
The Plan Commission found that the proposed Zoning Map amendment was consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The Plan Commission also found that the proposed special use was consistent with the Zoning Code standards for special uses. The Plan Commission found that the Applicant's proposed busing plan for the Head Start students was important to mitigate adverse traffic and parking impacts of the proposed special use.
The Plan Commission further found that changing the time limits for the existing on street parking on Sawyer Avenue adjacent to the proposed development would also facilitate orderly traffic patterns.
After deliberation, the Plan Commission voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend approval of the applications with eight conditions related to the proposed parking plan, busing of students, and limitations on the total number of employees and students. The Applicant has revised the plans to comply with the conditions of the Plan Commission.
As stated in the staff memorandum dated March 12, the building may be required by the State Fire Marshal to have a fire suppression (sprinkler) system because the use is proposed in a two story building. The Applicant will be required to comply with all requirements of the State Fire Marshal and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
Angela Curran, Director of Pillars Community Health, stated that Pillars has operated the Head Start program since 1974 out of Hickory Hills and is a Head Start grantee. As School District 102 had decided not to pursue the grant they instead asked Pillars to take on the services previously provided in the community.
Trustee Holder inquired as to what area would be served by the program. Cherita Tousson-Bowens stated that Head Start currently serves 6 La Grange children as well as children from Summit, Hodgkins and Countryside. Services are planned for 37 children at the proposed location.
Trustee McCarty inquired as to the number of parking spaces provided for the staff of 7. Community Development Director Jones responded that there would be 8 parking spaces for staff and the Plan Commission found bussing service for students was key to reducing traffic and parking impacts of the program. Some parents will be dropping off/picking up their children but parking restrictions are put in place to facilitate orderly operations and minimize disruption. The traffic engineer for the project did not find any other improvements to the area or alley that were recommended.
A motion was made by Trustee Holder and seconded by Trustee Gale to approve an ordinance amending the La Grange Zoning Map, a Special Use Permit, and a Site Plan for Child Day Care Services at 248 Sawyer Avenue, Pillars Community Health.
Ayes: Trustees Gale, Holder, Kuchler, and McCarty
Nays: None
Absent: Trustees Arnett and Kotynek
A motion was made by Trustee Holder and seconded by Trustee Gale to approve an ordinance amending Chapter 78 of the La Grange Code of Ordinances Regarding Parking Regulations for Sawyer Avenue.
Approved by a roll call vote:
Ayes: Trustees Gale, Holder, Kuchler, and McCarty
Nays: None
Absent: Trustees Arnett and Kotynek
B. Ordinance – Proposed Increase in the Village's Water Rate
President Livingston asked Trustee McCarty to introduce the item. Trustee McCarty stated that as part of the ongoing effort to address aging infrastructure, last year the Village reallocated the pay-as-you go funding previously identified for the Maple Avenue Relief Sewer (MARS) to street resurfacing projects. This shift in funding results in the Village resurfacing twice as many streets as previously identified/budgeted. As a part of this work, it is good governance to also replace older water mains as needed, at the same time. The accelerated replacement of water mains requires an increase in the water rate so that the Village can continue with ongoing maintenance and repairs.
It has been a longstanding Village policy to "pass on” water rate increases from the Village of McCook which supplies Lake Michigan water to the Village. McCook receives Lake Michigan water directly from the City of Chicago. The City of Chicago implemented a water rate increase which was passed on by the Village of McCook to its municipal customers, effective June 1, 2018. The increase of 1.8% from McCook results in an increase of water purchases of approximately $50,000 annually.
In order for the Water Fund to: 1) fund the increase in water main replacement as part of the neighborhood street resurfacing program; 2) fund ongoing operations including the water rate increase from the City of Chicago; 3) continue to replace mains where know deficiencies exist, and 4) rebuild/maintain reserves; the Village increased the water rate by 7.5% effective May 1, 2018, with an additional planned 7.5% increase included in the proposed budget effective May 1, 2019. It is estimated that each 7.5% increase will cost homeowners approximately $60 per year.
Trustee Kuchler noted that performance measures enacted by the Department of Public
Works continued to capture water loss. Public Works Director Gillingham reported that the figures have improved.
Trustee Kuchler thanked staff and stated that he would like to see a break from increases for a period of time and compare our rates to what other Villages are charging.
Trustee Holder stated that it is important to balance revenues with the need to maintain infrastructure and repave streets.
A motion was made by Trustee McCarty and seconded by Trustee Holder to approve the Ordinance - Proposed Increase in the Village's Water Rate.
Approved by a roll call vote:
Ayes: Trustees Gale, Holder, Kuchler, and McCarty
Nays: None
Absent: Trustees Arnett and Kotynek
C. Ordinance - Proposed Increase in the Village's Sewer Rate
President Livingston asked Trustee McCarty to introduce the item. Trustee McCarty reported that the Village is proposing a sewer rate increase effective May 1, 2019 as part of the ongoing effort to address aging infrastructure. Additional sewer mains are anticipated to be replaced as a part of the neighborhood street resurfacing program. A sewer rate increase in the amount of 7.5% is included in the proposed budget starting May 1, 2019. It is estimated that the 7.5% increase will cost homeowners approximately $12 per year.
A motion was made by Trustee McCarty and seconded by Trustee Holder to approve the Ordinance - Proposed Increase in the Village's Sewer Rate.
Approved by a roll call vote:
Ayes: Trustees Gale, Holder, Kuchler, and McCarty
Nays: None
Absent: Trustees Arnett and Kotynek
D. Resolution - Approving the FY 19-20 Operating and Capital Improvements Budget
President Livingston asked Trustee McCarty to introduce the item. Trustee McCarty reported that the Village's budget process began in November 2018 with a pre-budget development workshop that included pension funding and consideration of the preliminary property tax levy, adoption of the final 2018 property tax levy in December, and then continuing with workshops to discuss capital projects and operating budgets. In addition, a public hearing was held at the Village Board meeting on April 8th to provide residents with an opportunity to comment on the proposed budget document.
The proposed budget is a status quo budget while we continue to monitor state legislation that has an impact on municipal revenues. Within the Village's conservative revenue projections and proposed expenditures, the Village will still be able to deliver high quality Village services across all funds and continue to advance the Village Board's strategic priorities of economic development, public safety and capital improvements.
A $548,000 surplus is projected at the end of FY 2018-19 due, in part to two large building permits issued for the Pathway Senior Living facility and Amita La Grange Memorial Hospital; and vacancies in the Public Works & Administration departments. Partially offsetting the surplus is anticipated decreases in property and sales tax revenue.
The General Fund reserve balance is expected to be at 55.4% at the end of the five year plan, which is slightly above the Village's fiscal policy goal of 50% as the stated minimum level for its range of reserves.
Trustee Kuchler thanked staff for their hard work on the Village budget. He highlighted the funding allocated for capital improvements which enhance quality of life.
President Livingston thanked the Village Board, Village staff, and residents for all of the hard work that went into developing this year's budget. The Village is looking forward to implementing the budget with integrity and transparency.
A motion was made by Trustee McCarty and seconded by Trustee Holder to approve a resolution adopting the FY 2019-20 Operating and Capital Improvements Budget.
Approved by a roll call vote:
Ayes: Trustees Gale, Holder, Kuchler, and McCarty
Nays: None
Absent: Trustees Arnett and Kotynek
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
Trustee Holder thanked Community Development Director Jones for facilitating a recent article in West Suburban Living featuring La Grange.
President Livingston expressed sympathies to former Trustee Lanagan's family for the loss of his mother.
9. CLOSED SESSION
None.
10. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:23 p.m. Trustee Holder made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee McCarty. Approved by a voice vote.
https://www.villageoflagrange.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2245
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