This page contains an AI-generated summary of the Village of La Grange’s Board Meeting that was held on November 18, 2024.  For your convenience, a video of the meeting is embedded on this page.

To follow the Village of La Grange on YouTube, where the videos are originally hosted, please visit https://www.youtube.com/@villageoflagrangeofficial363.

General Updates:

  • Public Works Leadership Transition:
    Rick Colby, Director of Public Works, was honored at his final board meeting for his impactful tenure. His contributions included leading capital improvement projects, such as water main replacements, street resurfacing, and stormwater solutions. Rick is stepping away to focus on his family and new opportunities.
  • Upcoming Events:
    • Small Business Saturday: November 30, 10 AM–3 PM, featuring flash sales and promotions across local businesses.
    • Holiday Walk: December 7, offering tree lighting, trolley rides, petting zoo, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and special holiday deals.

Infrastructure and Financial Updates:

  • Comprehensive Infrastructure Capital Plan:
    The board reviewed a proposed $121 million six-year plan for water, sewer, and road improvements. The plan aims to align projects for efficiency, minimize disruptions, and secure funding opportunities. A GIS-based tool will assist in prioritizing and managing projects. Financing discussions are set to begin in mid-2025.
  • Police and Fire Pension Fund Actuarial Review:
    Contributions for the pension funds will increase by 7.3%, driven by new hires and market factors. Current funding levels stand at approximately 52%.

Key Discussions:

  • Comprehensive Plan Zoning Updates:
    The board addressed preserving the character of the R6 zoning district, emphasizing that current triplexes and fourplexes will remain while prohibiting new multi-unit developments. Community concerns about maintaining neighborhood integrity were central to the discussion.
  • Stormwater Management Projects:
    Updates were provided on key projects, including the 50th Street relief storm sewer and collaboration with funding partners like the MWRD. Several projects are dependent on external funding and ongoing litigation.

Public Concerns:

Residents voiced concerns about solar panel restrictions, road conditions on East Avenue, and clarity in zoning language. The board committed to reviewing these issues, including solar panel ordinances and collaboration with IDOT for road repairs.

Other Administrative Actions:

  • Consent Agenda Approvals:
    Routine matters approved included Parkway replacement trees, agreements for taser and crash reporting services, and zoning variations.

The board continues to encourage community participation and engagement in these vital discussions. For more information, visit the Village website.