City Council Agenda - July 25, 2007

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2007

1. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, Mayor Conrad called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.  City Clerk Sweeney called the Roll of those physically present as follows:

PRESENT: Mayor Robert Conrad, Aldermen Wayne Straza, Karen Michalczyk, John Von Drasek, Michael Smetana, Robert Pondelicek

ALSO PRESENT: City Clerk Sweeney, City Treasurer Jasinski,  City Attorney Erik Peck, City Admin. Bailey, Police Chief Swanson,  CDD Onderdonk, Financial Director Paul, ESDA Coordinator Norman

OMNIBUS  AGENDA

2. Approval of Minutes of  Special Meeting July 10, 2007; Regular Meeting July 11, 2007.            

3. Statement of Bills for the period ending July 25, 2007 - $364,658.79

4. Application for a general business license from. HALLOWEEN USA, 5459 LaGrange Road.  Type:  Retail.  Applicant:  Chris Beares.

5. Application for a general business license from MISTER SOFTEE 1.  Type:  Ice cream truck.  Applicant:  Basher Snowber.

6. Application for a general business license from ROUTE 66 CLASSICS, INC., 6475 Joliet Road. Type:  Auto storage.  Applicant:  Michael Plazek.

7. Application for a general business license from HALF PRICE BOOKS, RECORDS, MAGAZINES, INC., 14 Countryside Plaza. Type: Retail sales. Applicant: Sharon Anderson.

8. Application for a general business license from EXCALIBUR EXPRESS, INC., 6475 Joliet Road, #300. Type: Trucking brokerage. Applicant: Sasha Markovic.

9. MEMBERSHIP:  Gateway Special Recreation Assn. – Recreation Director – Assistant Administrator - $6,458.85.

10. MEMBERSHIP:  American Water Works Assn. – M. Hartigan - $165.

11. MEMBERSHIP:  West Suburban Chamber of Commerce – Administration $215.

12. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve the Omnibus Agenda with the stipulation that  Item 6 above, Route 66 Classics, Inc. be reviewed by the attorney to determine whether it meets all ordinances and criteria of the City, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously.

ADDITIONS TO AND/OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA

13. Additions to the Agenda were noted by Mayor Conrad and Ald. Pondelicek.

QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE

14. Bob Stahurski, President  of NYCO Products in Dansher Park, thanked the Mayor and City Council for assisting his business when they encountered a sewer problem in June.  The City was very helpful in keeping the business functioning until the problem was resolved.  He attended the recent business lunch reception and thought it was beneficial. He again thanked the City Fathers as well as Mr. Hudson of the Building Department and the plumbing inspector for their assistance.  His partner John Wunderlich and the 15 employees express the same sentiments; Countryside is definitely a pro-business community and he again thanked the City for its assistance.

MAYOR’S  REPORT

15. FYI: Mayor Conrad discussed the invitation from Gov. Blagojevich re:  Local Officials Day on 8-11-07 at the Springfield State Fair, or 8-25-07 at the DuQuoin State Fair.  Responses must be returned by August 1 or August 17. Mayor Conrad  will attend; Interested parties should advise Mr. Bailey or the Clerk’s Office if they plan to attend .  The group may meet with IDOT on August 10 and address local issues on August 11.

16. Mayor Conrad received a request from Acting Mayor Jeff Tobolski of  the Village of McCook requesting permission to use the Countryside ESDA unit for assistance with traffic control on August 11, 2007, at the Burke’s Beverage Location charity event.. Ald. Smetana moved to allow ESDA to assist at the event, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously.

17. Mayor Conrad entertained a motion to approve attendance of elected officials, appointed officials and various department heads at the Illinois Municipal League’s  94^th Annual Conference October 18-21, 2007, in Chicago.  Full registration is $245pp; partial registration is $105.  Ald. Michalczyk moved to allow the above individuals to attend, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously.

18. Mayor Conrad entertained a motion to approve attendance of elected officials at the WSCC Welcome Breakfast for New Teachers and New Administrators on August 21, 2007 at Brookfield Zoo. The City normally sponsors four teachers from the appropriate school districts within the City at a cost of $25 per person.   Ald. Smetana moved to approve the expenditure, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

19. Mayor Conrad entertained a motion to approve attendance of elected officials at the Countryside Rotary Club Scholarship Golf Outing at Flagg Creek Golf Course on August 6, 2007.  Cost for golf and dinner is $50; cost for dinner only is $20.   The event is open to Department Heads and Mr. Bailey as well. Ald. Straza moved to approve the attendance, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

20. Mayor Conrad sought Council approval to draft a letter to Mayor Daley and Senator Durbin against the intention of BP Amoco to dump foreign materials , chemical waste water, into Lake Michigan.  Council agreed and suggested including Senator Obama and Congressman  Kirk as well.  Ald. Smetana moved to approve sending the letter, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously.

21. Mayor Conrad formally accepted the resignation of Treasurer Dick Stoffels from the Police Pension Board and appointed Gail Paul, Financial Director to fill his unexpired term until May 2008.  Mayor Conrad reappointed the present Treasurer, Steven Jasinski, to a two-year term expiring in May 2009.  Ald. Straza moved to approve those appointments, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

CITY  CLERK’S REPORT

22. City Clerk Sweeney requested a motion  to approve attendance for the City Clerk and Deputy Clerk to attend the Municipal Clerks of Illinois Institute & Academy continuing education workshop on September 23-28, 2007 in Springfield, IL.  Estimated expenses are $1,100 for the Clerk; $800 for the Deputy Clerk.  Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve the expenditure, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.

TREASURER’S  REPORT

23. City Treasurer Jasinski reminded Council that a Finance Committee meeting will be held on July 31, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.  He also took the opportunity to express condolences to Ald. Von Drasek and his family on the loss of his father; our prayers are with you at this time. Ald. Von Drasek appreciates everyone’s support.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

24. LICENSE COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN VON DRASEK, CHAIRMAN, presented a housekeeping matter concerning amending Section 3-2-1 re: Itinerant Merchants.  Mr. Hudson’s revisions provides language for temporary businesses to  conform to City Ordinance. He asked the City attorney to review the language and prepare a draft ordinance incorporating these changes in the near future.

25. WATER COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN STRAZA, CHAIRMAN, presented the recommendation of the committee to purchase a new 2008 F-250 truck for the Water Department. The low bid came from Westfield Ford in the amount of $25,000 with trade-in taken into account.    There was a lower quote but they were unable to provide the vehicle with the truck bed needed. Ald. Pondelicek moved to approve the purchase, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.

26. Ald. Pondelicek  stated that Central Blacktop has a policy which prohibits them from quoting private work to city residents. After discussing this with City Engineer Fitzgerald, he realized they can’t be competitive. After further discussion, he suggests that the city adopt a policy that would allow the city to credit property owners the city’s cost for any scheduled driveway repairs for the apron area. It would be a fee in lieu of paving the apron; that would provide flexibility for residents  and insure contiguous driveway pavement and not be an extra cost to the city. Mayor Conrad suggested that Ald. Pondelicek meet with Mr. Fitzgerald and Mr. Peck to formalize a city policy; this should also be reviewed by the Infrastructure Committee. Ald. Michalczyk noted that residents are adding other materials to their driveways, such as pavers, stamped concrete, coloring, etc. The city should reimburse residents at a regular rate and not for over-improved driveways. A maximum dollar amount should be included; the Financial Director should also be involved.  No decision will be made tonight. There is one resident desiring this continuous asphalt driveway installed. Central Blacktop wants to do the job tomorrow. Ald. Pondelicek will advise the resident that the city is putting together a policy and they will be reimbursed just for that portion of it – about $225.  The city could consider approving reimbursement in lieu of paving tonight and develop the policy for future situations. Ald. Pondelicek will try to provide an answer to the resident.

LEGAL  REPORT

27. City Attorney Peck presented the draft resolution for approving the urban area security initiative agreement between the City and Cook County. Police Chief Swanson explained that this is a federal funding mechanism for Homeland Security equipment.  They fund projects and programs; the city asked for a new flare video system and radio upgrade to be used in the regional air support program.  Cook County decided to fund that project in the amount of $300,000; the city must accept the equipment by resolution; it is just a straight grant in the amount of $300,000. There will be no cost to the city for insurance; the actual equipment will be under the name of Countryside; this will not affect any future grants.  Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve the agreement, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried by unanimous Roll Call vote.

City Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as RESOLUTION 07-15-R.

28. Attorney Peck presented the PC/ZBA recommendation to amend the zoning code to provide for swimming pool locations as created  by Section 10-2-17.  Ald. Smetana moved to concur with the recommendation, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously.

City Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 07-25-0.

29. Attorney Peck presented the PC/ZBA recommendation on the application of the Evelyn Treszka Trust for a zoning variation permitting a front lot line of 63.3 feet, per Section 10-5C-4A.  At the hearing held on July 3, 2007, the PC/ZBA denied the variance after considering the testimony and evidence presented, they found that the applicant failed to establish the required conditions for such variation. Ald. Michalczyk moved to concur with the recommendation of the PC/ZBA, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried by unanimous Roll Call vote.

30. Attorney Peck presented the PC/ZBA recommendation on the application of the Evelyn Treszka Trust  for a resubdivision of 9608 W. 57^th St.  At the hearing held on July 3, 2007, the PC/ZBA denied the request for Resubdivision. Ald. Straza moved to concur with the recommendation of the PC/ZBA, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried by unanimous Roll Call vote.

31. Ald. Smetana stated that a petition was signed by a number of residents who are in favor of smaller lots.  It is difficult to enforce ordinances on an individual basis; residents may petition their neighbors to allow a change in zoning requirements and present same to the PC/ZBA. Mayor Conrad stated that frontage size is an issue, not splitting the lots.  Ald. Straza stated that the PC/ZBA may allow a variance if it is in the overall best interest of the City; that’s why there is a variance and an exception. Attorney Peck stated that the zoning code is very specific; certain requirements must be met and evidence presented;  the variance may then be granted.

32. Attorney Peck presented the PC/ZBA recommendation to amend the zoning code to provide for gross floor area of Section 10-1-3.  On July 3, 2007, the PC/ZBA held a hearing with regard to the definition of gross floor area.  The zoning code was amended to update the gross floor area issue; several undesirable effects resulted from the revised code; the recommendation from the Building Department was to revert back to the original code to permit additional time for review and come up with an alternative.  The PC/ZBA agreed to revert back to the prior definition of gross floor area; that is the recommendation before you, specifically with regard to basement space; it will be included in the gross floor area if at least one-half of the basement height is above the established curb or ground level. Ald. Von Drasek moved to concur with the recommendation, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried by unanimous Roll Call vote.

City Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ordinance 07-26-O.

33. Attorney Peck presented the draft ordinance permitting electronic attendance at meetings effective January 1, 2007, whether by telephone or video. Two sets of rules are included:  the major difference is one provides for a right to attend the meeting, if requirements are met. The second one is permissive inclusion  where the person requests  the absence and the City Council votes upon whether the person may attend electronically.  The Open Meetings Act only provides three reasons for electronic attendance: 1) personal illness or disability; 2) employment purposes; 3) family or other emergency. If the person qualifies for one of those exceptions, they may attend electronically. Mayor Conrad suggested tabling this matter for further review by Council members. Ald. Straza moved to table the matter for further review, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

ADMINISTRATORS  REPORT

34. City Administrator Bailey presented engineer’s pay estimate #1 for the 2007 Street and Alley Rehabilitation Project  in the amount of $189,369.09  to Central Blacktop Company. Ald. Smetana moved to approve the payment, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously.

STAFF  REPORTS

35. Police Chief Swanson updated Council regarding ongoing speed traffic surveys conducted around 57^th and 58^th streets; they should be completed next week. There was discussion about putting in  speed bumps to reduce speed  in that area. They will make a recommendation – perhaps creating a city-wide policy – with possible future discussion at the next Infrastructure Committee Meeting.

36. Chief Swanson noted that when the automated Red Flex program is approved by resolution, it calls for a traffic manager to implement and run the system.  The Mayor can  appoint the Police Chief as traffic manager to operate the system. If that is agreeable, this matter will be put on the agenda for next month’s meeting.  Attorney Peck stated that his office is working on two agreements with the Red Flex contract at present; they will also be on the agenda for next month’s meeting.

37. CDD Onderdonk reminded the City Council about the Route 66 Workshop coming up on Monday, July 30 at 7:00 p.m.  Representatives from the Route 66 Heritage Project will be here to discuss the Scenic Byway. Members of the City Council and Public are welcome to attend. Their aim is to preserve and enhance Route 66 as an Illinois tourist center.

38. Treasurer Jasinski extended best wishes to Ald. Mike Smetana who underwent successful pacemaker surgery on Monday.

ADJOURNMENT

39. There being no further business to discuss, Ald  Smetana moved to go into Executive Session under Section 2Aa, 2Ah and 2Ac of the Open Meetings Act for the purpose of discussing personnel, land acquisition and litigation, seconded by Ald.Von Drasek and carried by unanimous Roll Call vote.

Mayor Conrad declared the meeting recessed at  8:15 p.m.

*   *    *

The Regular City Council meeting returned to Open Session with the same members present at 10:10 p.m. 

Ald.  Smetana moved to adjourn the Regular Meeting, seconded by  Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously.

Mayor Conrad declared the meeting adjourned at 10:11 pm.

SHARON SWEENEY, CITY CLERK

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