La Grange trustees approve social-media contract, ratify union deal and OK fire-training IGA

At its Oct. 27 meeting the Village of La Grange approved three resolutions: a social-media and communications services contract, ratification of a collective bargaining agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, and an intergovernmental agreement with the La Grange Park District to use a building at 4903 Willow Springs Road for firefighter training.

Trustee Augustine presented the resolution to hire City Social Marketing Solutions under a one-year contract with an option to renew for up to two additional one-year terms. She said the village sought a consultant to improve official communications after the decline of local print media and noted that roughly $32,000 is available in the FY25 budget for the work and that a $7,700 budget amendment was proposed to cover printing and mailing costs for two newsletters. In response to a trustee question, staff confirmed the full contract level of service is approximately $65,000 per year and that the remaining costs would be covered in FY26–27 budgets. Trustees asked to remove a clause that would have allowed the village manager to approve renewals without board action; the board agreed to strike that sentence before voting.

Kevin Thomas, founder of City Social Marketing Solutions, introduced his team and said the firm will emphasize local photo and video content and neighborhood-focused messaging: "Most of my team grew up in this area, so we know La Grange very well," he said.

Trustee McGee presented the resolution ratifying the collective bargaining agreement between the village and IUOE Local 150, which represents public works employees. The transcript notes the agreement expired April 30, 2025; union membership approved the new agreement on Sept. 29, 2025, and the village confirmed that budgeted funds exist in the FY25–26 budget to cover costs.

For training preparedness, the board also approved an intergovernmental agreement with the La Grange Park District allowing the fire department to conduct realistic live-fire suppression and rescue drills inside the building at 4903 Willow Springs Road prior to its demolition. Village staff said they have obtained an EPA burn permit, completed lead abatement procedures, incorporated NFPA 1403 guidance on live-fire training evolutions and prepared a comprehensive training plan.

All three measures passed unanimously on roll call. The manager and trustees said the new communications contract will be followed by outreach materials and the village will coordinate training logistics with the park district and fire department.

Next steps: staff will finalize contract terms reflecting the board's edits, process the budget amendment for printing and mailing costs, and schedule training exercises under the agreed IGA.