Village of La Grange Board Meeting Summary – July 14, 2025

This page contains an AI-generated summary of the Village of La Grange’s Board Meeting that was held on July 14, 2025.  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.

🔹 Meeting Highlights

1. Special Recognition: Miloan Gojek Retirement
   The meeting opened with a resolution of appreciation for General Utility Worker Miloan “Milo” Gojek, honoring his 25 years of service with the La Grange Public Works Department.
   Milo was recognized for his work on water and sewer systems, annual Arbor Day tree plantings, and his joyful spirit—often leading tree “Happy Birthday” songs and singing opera or the national anthem at events. Trustees and staff offered heartfelt remarks, and Milo closed with emotional thanks and a brief song.

🔹 President’s Report

• Trustee Assignments (2025–26):
  Updated assignments were announced for trustee liaison roles and presentation responsibilities across commissions such as Economic Development, Planning & Zoning, Public Works, Public Safety, and more.

• Board & Commission Appointments:
  The Board approved new and returning appointments to various commissions, including:

  • CEDC: Megan Gage (new); Justin Hansen, Camille Hall, Steven Nazar (reappointed)

  • Design Review: Fernidad Demal (new); Matt D’vorak (reappointed)

  • Environmental Quality: Ari Leva, Lori Braun, Brandon Simick, Amanda Lammonica Weir (reappointed)

  • Plan Commission: Greg Pace (Chair), Jeff Hoffenberg

  • Zoning Board of Appeals: Liam Breahan

  • Liquor Commission: Trustee Gale (new); Trustee O’Brien (reappointed)

  • Fire & Police Board: Brian Borisma (reappointed)

• Event Recaps & Announcements:

  • Craft Fair: Thanked LGBA and Village staff for a successful July 12–13 event.

  • Native Plant Tour: Scheduled for July 27, hosted by La Grange and La Grange Park commissions.

  • Flood Mitigation Update:
    Provided comprehensive updates on several major projects (see below).

  • Summer Break: No board meetings will be held July 28 or August 11; meetings resume August 25.

  • In Memoriam: President Cougler acknowledged the passing of longtime coach Steven Kent.

🔹 Village Manager’s Report

• Thanked Village staff and LGBA for their coordination on the Craft Fair.

• Announced that summer parking is available at Cossitt School thanks to District 102.

• Shared that Cook County will hold a public open house about the Plainfield Road project on August 4.

🔹 Flood Mitigation Update
Major updates were provided on three projects:

1. 50th Street Storm Sewer Project:

   • 90% designed; final outfall design to quarry pending.

   • Waiting on IDOT and MWRD permits.

   • Construction possible in 2026, pending appellate court resolution.

   • Residents expressed frustration over timeline and sought more regular updates.

2. LT High School Underground Storage Project:

   • 95% designed; will hold 3.26 million gallons of stormwater.

   • $2M secured; more funding sought.

3. USACE Sewer Lining Project:

   • $2M project to line 13,000 feet of combined sewer pipe.

   • Construction likely to begin Fall 2025.

Other efforts include:

• Cleaning 20,000+ feet of sewer

• Over 1,000 hours of catch basin maintenance

• 50+ homes helped via 50% matching grants for overhead sewers and backflow preventers

• 16 private stormwater systems approved in development projects

🔹 Key Approvals & Votes

Consent Agenda (Approved):

• Renewal of engineering agreements (Baxter & Woodman; Christopher B. Burke)

• Disposal of surplus vehicles (moved to current business due to 2/3 vote requirement)

• Public safety employee benefits ordinance

• Plat re-subdivision (901 S. 6th Ave)

• Street Renaming: Officially renamed Linklater Court to 48th Street following public testimony from a childhood abuse survivor.

• Vouchers and board meeting minutes (June 9 and June 23)

🔹 Current Business

1. Flood Brothers Contract Extension:

   • 5-year contract renewal approved

   • Retains pickup schedule; provides 65-gallon recycling carts to all households

   • Introduces universal stickers, organics program enhancements, and vacation holds

   • 3% service fee increase and modest sticker price adjustments

   • Trustees praised the partnership for quality service and cost control

2. Storm Sewer Design Contract (Change Order):

   • Approved for final design of the 50th St. sewer outfall

3. Zoning Code Text Amendment:

   • Approved to allow outdoor storage for tent rental and party supply businesses in the I-1 district

4. Special Use Permit + Site Plan:

   • Approved for 15 & 17 Beach Ave (Chicago Tent LLC)

5. Firefighter Union Agreement:

   • Ratified new CBA with IAFF Local 2338

6. Intergovernmental Agreements:

   • Shared electricity costs for street lighting with McCook, Countryside, and Brookfield

7. New Local Grocery Tax:

   • Approved 1% local grocery tax to maintain funding after state repeal (effective Jan 1, 2026)

   • Expected to retain ~$325,000 annually in revenue

🔹 Public Comments

• Flooding: Multiple residents expressed continued concern over flooding and project delays.

• Sedgwick Park Contamination: John Pluto raised environmental concerns and urged better remediation standards.

• Pedestrian & Train Safety: A resident raised concerns about the timing of traffic lights at Ogden/La Grange and pedestrian safety at the train station.

• Access to Sewer Grants: A resident questioned why homes in South Lyons Township are excluded from La Grange’s sewer reimbursement program.

🔹 Executive Session
The board entered closed session to discuss personnel, property acquisition, litigation, and minutes of prior closed sessions. No action followed.