Village of La Grange Board of Trustees met August 28.
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 Clerk, John Burns. On roll call, as read by Village Clerk John Burns, the following were:
Present: Trustees Gale, Holder, Kotynek, Kuchler and McCarty
Absent: President Livingston, Trustee Arnett
Others: Village Manager Andrianna Peterson
Village Attorney Mark Burkland
Finance Director Lou Cipparrone
Public Works Director Ryan Gillingham
Community Development Director Charity Jones
Acting Police Chief Andrew Peters
Fire Chief Don Gay
Village Clerk John Burns announced that President Tom Livingston was unable to attend the Village Board Meeting. Clerk Burns requested a Motion be made to elect senior
Trustee Mark Kuchler to preside over the meeting as Chairperson Pro Tem.
Trustee Holder moved to elect Trustee Kuchler as Chairperson Pro Tem, seconded by Trustee Kotynek.
Motion approved by voice vote.
Chairperson Kuchler asked Village Clerk Burns to lead the audience in reciting the pledge of allegiance.
2. Presidents Report:
Chairperson Kuchler thanked the La Grange Business Association and the Park District of La Grange for the successful Endless Summerfest event the weekend of August 5. He reiterated that events of this calibertake a tremendous amount of work from all involved. He also recognized the efforts of the LGBA regarding the Moon at Noon solar eclipse party.
Chairperson Kuchler announced that the Robert E. Coulter American Legion will conduct a commemoration ceremony to honor the victims of September 11, 2001. The ceremony will take place at 12 p.m. on Monday, September 11 at the Robert E. Coulter Post 1941, located at 900 S. La Grange Road. Chairperson Kuchler also extended his gratitude to the Legion, our first responders, and military personnel both past and present.
Chairperson Kuchler reminded everyone that last week was the first week of school for most elementary and high school students in La Grange, traffic and pedestrian safety is a priority, and to remember to drive carefully.
A. Appointments and Re-Appointments - Advisory Boards and Commissions
Chairperson Kuchler reported on the recommended appointments of Regina McClinton and Christine Banks to the Design Review Commission and Adam Hoffer and Bill Robinson to the Environmental Quality Control Commission. The appointments were approved by a voice vote.
B. Oath of Office - Rocco Piraino, Police Officer
C. Proclamation - CommunITY Diversity Group 26" Annual Race Unity Rally
Chairperson Kuchler recognized the efforts of the CommunITY Diversity Group. Proclamation approved by a voice vote.
3. Managers Report:
Village Manager Peterson reported that work continues to proceed on the La Grange Road, Ogden Avenue and Locust Intersection Improvements Project. This joint effort between the Village of La Grange, IDOT and Uptown La Grange is to improve traffic and safety in this corridor. The project includes lane widening to accommodate a new right hand turn lane on westbound Ogden Avenue, and installation of conduits and foundations for new traffic signals and street lighting. Over the next several weeks, the west lane for southbound traffic on La Grange Road will be closed in order to make radius modifications. In approximately three weeks the contractor will start the process of resurfacing Ogden Avenue and La Grange Road within the project corridor. The project is generally on schedule, and is anticipated to be substantially complete in November.
Ms. Peterson stated that the Village Hall will be closed on Monday, September 4 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Normal business hours will resume Tuesday September 5. As always, a full complement of public safety personnel will be available in the event of an emergency.
Ms. Peterson also stated as a result of the Labor Day holiday, refuse collection will take place one day later than regularly scheduled and the next free monthly brush pick up for La Grange residents will begin the week of September 11. More detailed information can be found at the Village’s Website at www.villagoflagrange.com.
4. Public Comments Regarding Agenda Items
There were no comments regarding agenda items.
5. Consent Agenda and Vote
A. Ordinance - Design Review Permit #97, 702 West Burlington, 702 Burlington LLC
B. Ordinance - Design Review Permit #98, 46 South La Grange Road, Cheesies
C. Professional Services Agreement - Fire Lieutenant Promotional Examination Services, Industrial / Organizational Solutions (IO Solutions)
D. Award of Contract-Tree Inventory Program
E. Consolidated Voucher 170724
F. Consolidated Voucher 170814
G. Consolidated Voucher 170828
H. Minutes of the Village of La Grange Board of Trustees Regular Meeting, Monday, July 10, 2017
Trustee Kotynek moved to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Trustee Holder. Approved by 5 to 0 roll call vote:
Аyes: Trustees, Gale, Holder, Kotynek, Kuchler, and McCarty
Nays: None
Absent: President Livingston, Trustee Arnett
6. Current Business
A. Special Event - La Grange Business Association 22" Annual “West End Art Festival. Referred to. Trustee Kotynek
The Village received a request from Kathy Dierkes, La Grange Business Association President, seeking approval to conduct the 22" annual “West End Art Festival”. The festival is planned to take place on Saturday, September 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sunday, September 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This event would again be held on Burlington Avenue between Brainard and Spring Avenues, as well as in the park surrounding the Stone Avenue train station. It is anticipated that up to 55 artists and exhibitors, as well as a few food vendors will be at the event. Along with art, patrons will also have the opportunity to enjoy a culinary tent featuring the Art of Food with cooking demonstrations and tastings by local restaurants, performance art with music and dance, as well as food from local restaurants and art activities for children and families.
In addition, the auction of insulated coolers which have been exhibited in La Grange for the summer art project will be held on Saturday, September 9, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. following a performance by the Elmhurst College Jazz Band.
The Liquor Commissioner will separately consider permission for the tastings and sale of beer and wine pursuant to the request in the letter dated August 23, 2017, from Kathy Dierkes, La Grange Business Association President.
The Village will need to formally approve the closure of Burlington Avenue, portions of Stone and Waiola Avenues, and waive restrictions for outdoor display and sale of goods and services in the C-2 Zoning District.
Trustee Kotynek moved to approve the Special Event - La Grange Business Association 22 Annual “West End Art Festival”, seconded by Trustee Holder.
This event was approved by voice vote.
B. Resolution – Request for Class 6(b) Assessment Reduction, Napali Holding, LLC, 417 Bluff Avenue: Referred to. Trustee Kotynek
Napali Holding, LLC, contract purchaser of Unit 400 in 417 Bluff Avenue has requested a Class 6(b) Cook County assessment reduction. The property is currently owned by Nebojsa Dubak and was previously occupied by Dubak Electrical Group.
The Class 6(b) program is administered though the Cook County Assessor's Office and requires that the local municipality provide a resolution or ordinance supporting and consenting to the 6(b) application stating that the municipality finds the incentive necessary for development to occur on the subject property.
A motion was made by Trustee Kotynek to approve the resolution, seconded by Trustee Holder.
Mr. Reveliotis, representing the petitioner, provided an overview of the request for the Board. Following his presentation, Trustees presented the petitioner with questions regarding the request.
Trustee Holder asked the petitioner about the number of people that would be employed at this location. The petitioner responded that the La Grange location would be considered a hub headquarters, and that 12-15 employees are anticipated.
Trustee Holder asked the petitioner why they chose La Grange for their hub. The petitioner responded that they have grown from two to twenty four trucks, and La Grange was geographically perfect for their needs.
Trustee McCarty asked where the trucks will park. The petitioner responded that there will be 7 trucks and that they would park inside and they plan to lease to lease space in the yard next door. He noted that Zoning may not allow for truck maintenance.
Trustee McCarty asked how the rest of the space will be utilized. The petitioner responded that the space will be utilized for sorting items to be picked up by groups such as the Salvation Army, Goodwill, and mission groups.
Trustee McCarty asked if the facility will accept any waste. The petitioner responded that the building will be used for Warehousing, no garbage is accepted.
Trustee Holder asked the petitioner if taxes are current. Finance Director Cipparrone stated that the taxes are currently up to date. He also stated that the 6(b) assessment reduction is attached to the property and would be transferred if the property is sold.
Trustee Kuchler asked Finance Director Cipparrone about whether the tax reduction would be shifted to other taxpayers. He stated that the Village levies a set dollar amount and any reduction for one property is then reallocated to residential properties and commercial properties.
Trustee Kuchler stated that the property in question has been on the market for four months with not much investment planned for the property. He acknowledged the current property's owner's previous investment in the community and support, but is reluctant to support this resolution.
Trustee McCarty stated that he appreciated the presentation by the petitioner and recognized the previous investment by Mr. Dubak in a property that was not on the Village's tax rolls. The subject property is not proposed to be improved and it is not abandoned. He also stated that people who locate their business in Cook County are willing to pay for the value of the location. He expressed concern that other businesses would need to make up for the tax reduction for this one property.
Trustee Gale echoed Trustee McCarty comments. He also hoped that the petitioner would still consider locating in La Grange.
Trustee Kotynek stated that although the property was only on the market a short time, it is unknown when another quality business may be interested in the property. He supports the application.
Trustee Holder stated that the redistribution of taxes is similar to an appeal on property taxes. He believes that the actual impact on residents will be minimal. He does not believe this application meets all of the criteria, but is supporting the application as the positive impact of a productive use outweighs a potential vacancy.
Motion denied 3 to 2 by roll call vote:
Ayes: Trustees Holder, Kotynek
Nays: Trustees, Gale, Kuchler, McCarty
Absent: President Livingston, Trustee Arnett
7. Public Comments Regarding Matters not on Agenda
None.
8. Trustee Comments
Trustee Holder thanked the Community Diversity Group for planning their 26th annual event and ongoing inspirational community message. He also thanked the La Grange Business Association for their work preparing for the West End Art Festival, and encouraged residents to attend the event.
Chairperson Pro Tem Kuchler echoed Trustee Holder's comments
9. Closed Session
None.
10. Adjournment
At 8:32 p.m. Trustee Holder moved to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Kotynek. Motion approved by a voice vote
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