City Council Minutes - September 12, 2007

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 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, Asst. Admin. Peterson, City Engineer Fitzgerald, CDD Onderdonk

OMNIBUS AGENDA

2. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of August 22, 2007; Special Council Meeting of August 30, 2007; Final Hotel/Motel Committee Meeting of August 2, 2007.

3. Statement of Bills for the period ending September 12, 2007:  $298,760.63.

4. Application for a general business license from. Harry’s Sports Bar & Grill, 9901 W. 55^th St. Type:  Restaurant & bar.  Applicant: Carla Cyscon (new owner).

5. Application for a general business license from Willow Springs Cleaners, 1417 W. 55^th St. Type:  Dry Cleaners/tailor shop.  Applicant:  Paula Kim.

6. Application for a general business license from Music Moment, Inc., 6475 Joliet Road. Type:  Music studio. Applicant: Ada Ignator (formerly 913 55^th St.).

7. Application for a special use from United Moravian Societies to conduct an ethnic festival at IUOE Local 150 on September 23, 2007.

8. Application for a special use from Unique Events to conduct a model car toy show at Park Place of Countryside on October 7, 2007.

9. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve the Omnibus Agenda as presented, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried by unanimous voice vote.

ADDITIONS TO AND/OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA

10. Four minor additions to the Agenda were noted by Mayor Conrad.

QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE – none.

MAYOR’S REPORT

11. Mayor Conrad addressed the application for a J-2 Liquor License from Carla Cyscon for Harry’s  Sports Bar & Grill, 9901 W. 55^th St. All documentation has been completed. A new license is not being created, but transferred from the current owner to the new owner. Ald. Straza moved to approve the J-2Liquor License, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously.

12. Mayor Conrad noted the request from the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor Civic Center Authority for ESDA assistance with crowd control for the I& M Rendezvous on September 29-30, 2007. Ald. Smetana moved to approve the request, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

13. Mayor Conrad sought Council approval for the request to use the City’s DPW to erect a Rendezvous banner across Willow Springs Road. Mr. Bouse noted that the banner has been erected; they will need assistance is removing the banner.  Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve removal of the banner, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously.

14. FYI - Mayor Conrad received a letter inviting the City to attend the Opening Ceremonies of the Rendezvous on September 29^th at 1:00 p.m.

15. Mayor Conrad noted the request from the Countryside Lions Club for assistance in conjunction with joint sponsorship of the Halloween Party, October 31 at the William Tell, between 6:30-8:3- p.m.  The City allows them the use of this room to assemble goodie bags on October 29 at 7:00 p.m.  They are also requesting ESDA assistance with crowd control, as well as assistance from the City Clerk’s Office to distribute tickets for the party from October 15-26, 2007.  Ald. Pondelicek moved to approve the above three requests, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

16. The Lions Club has also requested a $500 contribution to help purchase the treats used at the Halloween Party.  Ald. Smetana moved to approve the donation, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously.

17. FYI – Mayor Conrad reminded the audience that there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony tomorrow, 9:00 a.m. at Half Price Books in Countryside Plaza.

18. FYI – Countryside Police Officers will be busing tables at Ledo’s Pizza on Friday, September 14 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.with all donations going to support the Special Olympics Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run.

19. FYI – Mayor Conrad reminded everyone that the 94^th Illinois Municipal League Conference Seminar begins Thursday, October 18-21.  Interested parties should advise the Clerk’s Office.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

20. RECREATION COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN VON DRASEK, CHAIRMAN, presented the solo bid for Woodland Ridge Park Improvements in the amount of $32,036 submitted by Great Lakes Landscape Co.  This amount is double the estimated cost.  After discussion and per recommendation of Administrator Bailey, Council agreed to reject this bid but combine it with the Brancatto Park construction documents in the form of an addendum.  The economy of scale will be gained by bidding both parks as a single project allowing for a Spring start.  Ald. Von Drasek moved to reject the bid of Great Lakes Landscape Co in the amount of $32,036, and add this project to the Brancatto Park documents, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.

21. Ald. Von Drasek sought Council consideration for moving the Countryside Play School program from 5540 East Avenue, to Lyons Township Hall, 6404 Joliet Road, as a temporary move while the City works out logistics. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve the move, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously. Ms. Peterson will begin telephoning parents tomorrow.  Ald. Von Drasek stated that several programs within the Recreation Department are being reviewed with an eye towards eliminating certain programs, creating new programs and revising the fee structure.

22. LICENSE COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN VON DRASEK, CHAIRMAN, presented the Notice of Business License Suspension to Mister Softee ice cream. Included is the report from the Cook County Department of Public Health. The matter will go to adjudication.

23. INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN SMETANA, CHAIRMAN, presented the draft policy and procedures for Street and Alley Vacation dated 8-29-07. Ald. Smetana moved to approve the draft policies / procedures as presented, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously. The City had no policy in place should a request be made to vacate an alley or street; this will remedy the situation.

24. HUMAN RESOURCE COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN PONDELICEK, CHAIRMAN, presented the ESDA request to hire a replacement member due to a resignation. After reviewing the background information on the applicant, Ald. Pondelicek moved to approve hiring the individual, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

25. WATER DEPARTMENT – ALDERMAN STRAZA, CHAIRMAN, presented the recommendation to amend Section 7-6-3 to clarify the water rate schedule.  Minor changes were made; all rates will remain the same.  Ald. Straza moved to approve the amendment, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 07-31-O.

26. Ald. Straza moved to waive the formal bidding process and award a contract to M.E.Simpson for valve location, exercising and computer mapping in the amount of $23,200, including the full GPS system, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously.

27. Ald. Michalczyk extended her condolences to Ald. Smetana on the recent death of his mother.  Mayor Conrad extended the sympathy of the City Council and citizens of Countryside to Ald. Smetana and his family.

28. Ald. Michalczyk stated that the new billboards have gone up on I-55 promoting Countryside and a banner with the slogan – “Santa shops and plays, and dines and stays”. She stated that visitors to the goCountryside.net Website may win $500 by filling out a form.  Mayor Conrad stated that the banner is outside on a tripod in front of City Hall. Santa was actually in a bright red convertible, usage donated by Autobarn for the day so that Santa and his elf could drive around the City. They did a great job.

LEGAL REPORT

29. City Attorney Peck presented an update regarding 6600 Brainard Ave. Condos. Council directed him to prepare the Ordinance and send out Notice for annexation of the condos that were not in Countryside. A Plat of Annexation is being prepared; a problem has arisen regarding the exact legal description of the property but that has been resolved. As soon as City Engineer Fitzgerald has the updated Plat of Annexation, we can move forward, publish Notice and pass the Ordinance and formal annexation will take place.

30. Attorney Peck presented the recommendation to consider creation of a PUD to allow a mixed use development of residential and commercial uses at 6305 Brainard Avenue.  Attorney Philip Fornaro addressed the Council on behalf of the Applicant. After the PC/ZBA hearing, the vote was 4/3. Rather than proceed on the petition he would like a meeting to discuss this matter with Council and staff. The Applicant has gone through several plans and discussions, but is hoping to get more guidance from Council; they have spent time, money and effort in promoting their plan. He asked to work together with Council to get a better understanding of what is best for the site.

Mayor Conrad believes that is a good idea; no vote will be taken tonight. Mr. Peck asked whether there will be significant change to the plan. Mr. Fornaro stated they have gone through other alternative plans; they are seeking more input from Council at the Board level, perhaps with a special meeting, including staff in the discussion. Mr. Peck stated that if substantial change is made, an additional hearing before the PC/ZBA will be necessary. There is no problem continuing this matter to work with the developer and perhaps hold a special meeting with building department personnel. Mayor Conrad states it all depends on how aggressive they are with the plan change.  Mr. Fornaro asked for a special meeting to discuss concepts after they meet with the building department and at least two Aldermen prior to developing further plans. The Mayor agreed to a future meeting to work out details.  Ald. Straza moved to continue this matter to October 24, 2007, after meeting with the Building Department, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously.

31. Attorney Peck presented the draft resolution indemnifying the State of Illinois for photo enforcement equipment attached to IDOT facilities; this is for the Redflex equipment and is a hold harmless agreement necessary for State approval. Ald. Smetana moved to approve the Resolution as presented, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously by Roll Call vote – 5/0.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as RESOLUTION 07-20-R.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

32. City Administrator Bailey presented engineer’s pay estimate #3 for the 2007 Street & Alley Rehabilitation project to Central Blacktop in the amount of $55,170.

Ald. Smetana moved to approve payment, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.  Ald. Von Drasek noted that the residents in Ward 2 are very pleased.

33. Mr. Bailey presented engineer’s pay estimate #4 for the 2007 Water Main Replacement to Gerardi Sewer & Water Co., in the amount of $47,931.97. Ald. Straza moved to approve payment, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.

34. Mr. Bailey sought Council consideration to approve participation through an agreement with the U.S. Census Bureau for full participation in the Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) program. An accurate population count is important because the City has expanded its boundaries since the 2000 census. There is no direct cost to the City, although staff time will be needed to support the project. The more residents counted, the greater the revenue sharing. Ald. Von Drasek moved to authorize full participation in LUCA program, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.

35. ESDA Coordinator Norman discussed updating the Emergency Warning Siren system.  He stated that on September 6 a meeting was held at the Emergency Operations Center; in attendance were Ald. Pondelicek, Mr. Bailey and Mr. Norman, along with Hodgkins representatives, Federal Signal Corp. and Braniff Communications (provider of the sirens).  They recommend replacing the siren located behind Ideal School that was installed in 1969. Reliability is an issue; parts are becoming obsolete so used or reconditioned parts are the only choice.  He requested a proposal from Braniff for to replace the outdoor siren with new technology.  He asked that this matter be formally presented at the next Regular Council meeting. The new siren will increase coverage; no action is necessary tonight.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to discuss, Ald. Von Drasek moved to adjourn into Executive Session under Section 2Aa of the Open Meetings Act for the purpose of discussing salary schedules for one or more classes of employees, seconded by Ald.      Pondelicek and carried by unanimous Roll Call vote.

Mayor Conrad declared the meeting recessed at 8:10 p.m.

 *   *   *   *   *

The Regular City Council meeting returned to Open Session minus Peterson, Onderdonk and Fitzgerald at 9:25 p.m.

Mayor Conrad thanked Mr. Bailey and Chief Swanson for returning to the Open Session.  He noted that the wage structure was discussed in Executive Session. Council will vote on the matter in Open Session. Individuals with review dates following their names will remain at the same salary till their anniversary date; pending satisfactory review, they will receive raises. The other five individuals will receive no retroactive pay raise but will move to the new salary schedule effective the first pay period in October 2007. The next increase for all other individuals on the list will be May 1, 2008, pending satisfactory review.

Ald. Pondelicek moved to approve the salary schedule as presented, effective October 1, 2007, seconded by Ald. Smetana and approved by unanimous Roll Call vote – 6/0.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to discuss, Ald. Von Drasek moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously.

Mayor Conrad declared the meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

SHARON SWEENEY, CITY CLERK

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