La Grange trustees approve Flood Brothers extension, zoning changes, firefighters’ contract and a local grocery tax

The La Grange Village Board on July 14 approved a package of business items that included a refuse/recycling contract extension, zoning approvals and local tax and personnel decisions.

Contract with Flood Brothers: Trustees voted unanimously to extend the village’s agreement with Flood Brothers LLC for residential refuse and recycling collection. Trustee McGee introduced the extension and staff described several service and program changes: the contractor will supply 65‑gallon labeled recycling carts at no cost to households without two‑wheeled carts, 35‑gallon carts will be available on request, pickup days (Monday and Thursday) will be retained, universal service stickers will simplify collection rules, and a vacation‑hold program will allow up to three consecutive months of service suspension once per year (with an account in good standing).

Staff said the extension includes a modest 3% increase on subscription services to reflect higher disposal fees and labor costs, an initial sticker cost shown as about $30.30 in the first year with smaller increases in later years, and an increase in backdoor service from $111.60 per year to $155 per year. Trustee McGee said the rollout of carts and elimination of open‑top recycling bins is expected to reduce village costs, with staff estimating approximately $3,500 in annual savings from the new system.

Zoning and site plan at 1517 Beach Avenue: The board unanimously approved a zoning code text amendment to allow outdoor storage as a special use accessory to party‑supply and tent‑rental businesses in the I‑1 district, and approved a special use permit and site plan for Chicago Tent LLC at 1517 Beach Avenue. Trustee Gail said the plan commission reviewed the application on June 10 and recommended approval after determining standards could be met through the special‑use process.

Surplus vehicles: The board approved an ordinance authorizing disposal of surplus village vehicles, including two 2021 Ford Explorers, a 2017 Ford Explorer and a 2012 Ferrara H50 10 MVP; the vehicles were declared surplus and will be sold as provided in the ordinance.

Firefighters’ contract: Trustees ratified the collective‑bargaining agreement between the village and IAFF Local 2338 (representing firefighters and lieutenants). Trustee O’Brien said union membership approved the contract on June 19, 2025, and staff confirmed funds were included in the FY 2025–26 budget.

Intergovernmental streetlight agreements: The board approved intergovernmental agreements with McCook, Countryside and Brookfield to identify a lead agency and split electricity charges for newly replaced IDOT streetlight controllers near 47th and East Avenue; La Grange will serve as lead for controller 2. Staff estimated annual costs (La Grange’s share) at about $1,560 for one agreement and $200 for the other; both were approved unanimously.

Grocery retailer tax: Trustees adopted a local grocery retailer’s occupation tax and grocery service occupation tax to replace the state grocery tax that will be repealed statewide effective Jan. 1, 2026. Trustee Augustine said the village previously received roughly $325,000 in food‑category sales tax in 2022 and staff estimated continuation of a local grocery tax would generate about $2,325,000 annually.

Votes at a glance: all recorded votes reported in the meeting were unanimous where roll calls are recorded. Representative roll calls included the Flood Brothers extension, the disposal of surplus vehicles (item 5c moved from consent), the zoning text amendment and special use, IAFF ratification and the grocery tax ordinance.

What happens next: Many of the approved items involve implementation by staff (contract administration, cart distribution, permit compliance and budget adjustments). The board will enter closed session after the meeting for personnel, property and litigation matters and will not reconvene for public action.