City Council Minutes - October 24, 2007

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER  24, 2007

1. Mayor Conrad introduced Ward 2 resident Eagle Scout Ricky Lang who led the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.  Mayor Conrad presented Eagle Scout Lang with a Key to the City pin and congratulated him on his accomplishment. 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, Sean McDermott, Michael Smetana, Robert Pondelicek

ALSO PRESENT: City Clerk Sweeney, City Treasurer Jasinski,  City Attorney Erik Peck, City Admin. Bailey, Police Chief Swanson , Asst. City. Admin. Peterson, CDD Onderdonk, ESDA Coord. Norman, Fin. Dir. Paul

OMNIBUS  AGENDA

2. Approval of Minutes of  October 10, 2007.

3. Statement of Bills for the period ending October 24, 2007:  $292,338.35.

4. Application for a general business license for Patriot Range Technologies, 5300 Dansher Road. Type: Manufacturer. Applicant: Thomas Corcoran.

5. Application for a special use license to Greater Chicago Productions to conduct an antique postcard show at Local #150 Union Hall, 6200 Joliet Road on November 9-10, 2007.

6. Treasurer’s Report – for period ending September 30, 2007.

7. Ald. Smetana moved to approve the Omnibus Agenda, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek. Correction noted to item #23 of the October 10, 2007 minutes. Ald. Von Drasek moved to award the bid to the Kenneth Company, not approve payment.  With that correction the Omnibus Agenda was approved as presented by unanimous voice vote.

ADDITIONS TO AND/OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA

8. Additions to the Agenda were noted by  Mayor Conrad and  Ald. Von Drasek.

QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE

9. Attorney Philip Fornaro addressed Council regarding the proposed PUD at 6305 Brainard Avenue (formerly Wishing Well Motel).  He stated that due to scheduling conflicts they were not able to meet with City Staff; he requests that this matter be tabled to the November or December meeting.  It will be addressed in the legal report. Mayor Conrad stated that Attorney Peck will advise Mr. Fornaro regarding the date.

10. Resident Frank Zickus, 7375 Prescott Lane, spoke regarding the same property. He is opposed to the proposed PUD which would eliminate any Route 66 historical aspect of the property.  Developers in the immediate and surrounding areas are at a standstill. Strip mall vacancies in the surrounding communities are numerous.  A viable alternative would be to rehab the existing structure and create a Route 66 museum which would provide local jobs, employment and revenue. The City could buy the property and lease it to one of the neighboring hotels to annex or operate the site with a Route 66 theme.  Communities in other states are acquiring Route 66 properties; our business owners would love to see the Route 66 theme expanded. The City needs a new attraction and this could be the site.

11. Sue Moss and Maggie Parish, representing 6630 Brainard Avenue are here to thank the City Council, especially Ald. Von Drasek and Ald. Michalczyk for their invaluable assistance in annexing the rest of their building into the City. This matter will be further addressed in the Legal Report.

MAYOR’S  REPORT

12. Mayor Conrad  stated that the Robert E. Coulter Jr. American Legion Post #1941 is preparing the annual “Gifts To Yanks” fund raising campaign.  They seek to solicit funds at various locations within the City on Saturday November 3 and November 10, 2007.  Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve the request, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously.

13. Mayor Conrad stated that the City received a letter from Mayor Aredia of DesPlaines thanking Chief Swanson for the assistance offered by the City to the flood-prone areas during the recent storm disaster.  Helicopter use furnished by the City was invaluable; the residents of DesPlaines are extremely grateful.

14. Mayor Conrad presented the draft Resolution to approve the Sergeants & Master Sergeants Labor Agreement. Ald. Smetana moved to approve the Resolution as presented, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by unanimous Roll Call vote – 6/0.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as RESOLUTION 07-22-R.

CITY  CLERK’S  REPORT

15. City Clerk Sweeney  sought Council approval for the 2008 Schedule of Meetings as presented.  Ald. Pondelicek moved to approve the Schedule, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

TREASURER’S  REPORT

16. FINANCE COMMITTEE – TREASURER JASINSKI, CHAIRMAN, presented recommendations from the committee meeting of 10-23-07.  The first is consideration of hiring a consultant to evaluate the City’s IT system.  He asked that this matter be tabled to get a secondary consultant to do an independent review of the IT system and make a recommendation re: full-time individual or outsourcing.

17. Treasurer Jasinski sought acceptance of the Required Information on the FY 2007 Audit from Sikich.  The company provided the report with some very minor findings and they recommend acceptance. Ald. Von Drasek moved to accept the Audit, seconded by Ald. McDermott and carried unanimously.

18. Treasurer Jasinski discussed the City’s opposition to SB 1429, Streamlined Sales & Use Tax Agreement. They are still seeking feedback however the City will oppose this tax agreement which proposes that sales taxes will be collected  at the site where people are located, rather than at the site where stores are located. In other words, sales tax revenue generated from Countryside stores will go to towns where purchasers are located.  The City is against that proposal.  Mayor Conrad will draft a letter in opposition and urged residents and friends to contact their state legislators in like manner.  Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve the City’s opposition, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

19. Treasurer Jasinski discussed the proposed Cook County Phone Tax, which is the same situation stated above; this will include cell phones as well and may be double taxation. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve the City’s opposition, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

20. RECREATION COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN VON DRASEK, CHAIRMAN, thanked all the City departments involved in making the Harvest Fest a huge success – the Police Department, ESDA, Recreation Department, City Staff and sponsors – Vulcan and Dominick’s.  Mayor Conrad promised more pumpkins next year.

21. In the document dated October 12, 2007, Finance Director Gail Paul and Asst. City Administrator Sharon Peterson recommended the fee structure for programs beginning January 1, 2008. Ald. Von Drasek moved to increase fees for Recreation Department programs as presented, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously.

22. Ald. Von Drasek moved to authorize hiring three part-time employees for Playshool, seconded by Ald. McDermott and carried unanimously. Ms. Peterson stated that between all three individuals they would work no more than 28-30 hours per week.

23. LICENSE COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN VON DRASEK, CHAIRMAN, presented the recommendation to amend the sign ordinance regarding Garage Sale signs. Residents will need a permit to conduct a sale and must remove signs 12 hours after the event or face penalties.  Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve the ordinance as presented, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will  be known as ORDINANCE 07-36-O.

24. HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN PONDELICEK, presented the recommendation to hire a Water Plant Operator.  Ald. Straza moved to approve the recommendation, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

25. Mayor Conrad stated that condolences are again relayed to Ald. Smetana first on the passing of his mother and now on the passing of his father-in-law.  Ald. Michalczyk also notified Council that her father passed away; condolences from the Countryside family are extended to Ald. Michalczyk and her family as well as Ald. Smetana.

LEGAL  REPORT

26. City Attorney Peck sought to continue consideration of a consulting agreement with NAI Hiffman for economic development assistance at this time.

27. Attorney Peck presented the PC/ZBA recommendation to permit a hand car wash at property commonly known as 5640 LaGrange Road.  On October 2, 2007, Chris Chudzik appeared at a hearing seeking a special use permitting the operation of a hand car wash at the above location. The petitioner provided evidence and testimony which complied with all necessary requirements. Received in evidence was Petitioner’s Exhibit A, a document entitled site plan ARTE 3 Ltd.  The PC/ZBA approved the special use with the following conditions:  All construction is to be in compliance  with Petitioner’s Exhibit A; hours of operation are 7:00 am to 9:30 pm Monday through Friday; 8 am to 8pm Saturday; 9 to 5 on Sundays; signage stating ”employee parking only” will be posted on the west side of the building and said use must commence within six months of the effective date of granting the ordinance.  Ald. Smetana moved to concur with the  PC/ZBA recommendation, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously by Roll Call vote.  Treasurer Jasinski asked whether this service organization will generate any funds for the City. Mayor Conrad stated that the owner plans to sell high-end accessories, rims, roofs and other equipment; the owner has a working relationship with tire stores in the area.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 07-37-O.

28. Attorney Peck discussed the Notice of Annexation of 6630 So. Brainard Avenue. Some units of the building at that location had not been previously annexed into the City through possible County error many years ago.  The  best route to remedy the situation was to force annex the property since it is completely surrounded by the City of Countryside. Notice has been published in the newspaper for CountryClub Hills Condominium Units 103, 104, 105, 203, 204, 205, 303, 304, 305, 403, 404, 405 at 6630 South Brainard Avenue.   Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve the annexation of the above units, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously. The Plat of Annexation will be recorded with the County.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 07-38-O.

29. Attorney Peck discussed the PUD at 6305 Brainard Avenue – Mr. Fornaro requested continuing this matter; the Council may do so or act on the recommendation of the PC/ZBA to deny the application. Mr. Onderdonk stated that two parties have expressed interest in the property; the parcel has never been actively marketed.  Ald. Straza moved to table this matter to the November 14, 2007 meeting, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously.

ADMINISTRATOR’S  REPORT

30. City Administrator Bailey discussed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) concerning the possible joint development of a project comprised by one or more facilities located in the City of Countryside, on land owned by the City of Countryside, by and between the City of Countryside and the YMCA of Chicago.  The document states that both parties are mutually interested in a joint project; no terms or conditions are included in the MOU other than a 90-day term of expiration.  The reference of Illinois Municipal Law should be removed in Section D; it is not necessary. Mayor Conrad believes this is a great opportunity for the City; all possibilities should be fully considered. The City will work with the YMCA to get what is best for the residents of Countryside; it should be a great addition to the City.  Ald. Pondelicek moved to approve the MOU, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried by unanimous Roll Call vote.

31. Mr. Bailey recommended awarding Pumphouse # 1 and 2 Rehabilitation Project to Genco Industries, Inc., as the low bidder in the amount of $857,480. Ald. Straza moved to award the bid to Genco Industries, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

STAFF  REPORTS

32. Police Chief Swanson discussed the stop sign recommendation at Kensington and 61^st St.  The City Attorney will have a proposal for a three-way stop sign at the next meeting – for safety purposes.

33. Chief Swanson stated that a meeting with RedFlex will be held on November 5, 2007 at 10 a.m. with Attorney Peck, Admin. Bailey, Fin. Dir. Paul and Chief Swanson; additional meetings will be held in the future.

34. CDD Onderdonk stated that the City Council and residents are invited to a meeting held at City Hall on Thursday, November 8 at 7 p.m.  to review the Central Council of Mayors’ Bicycle Plan and discuss facilities and recommendations; consultant staff will attend to answer questions. The plan covers the entire region including many surrounding communities.

35. Mr. Onderdonk was elected to the Board of Directors of  the Route 66 Heritage Project whose purpose is  promoting the route as a center of tourism, promoting economic development and preserving icons along the route.  International visitors consider Route 66  the #2 destination in the country. Mayor Conrad noted the City’s interest as well.

ADJOURNMENT

36. There being no further business to discuss, Ald. McDermott moved to adjourn to Executive Session under Section 2Ac of the Open Meetings Act for the purpose of discussing real estate, seconded by Ald.  Von Drasek and carried by unanimous Roll Call vote.

Mayor Conrad declared the meeting recessed at 8:20 p.m.

*   *   *

37. The Regular City Council meeting returned to Open Session with the same members present at 9:46 p.m.

38. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve the real estate consulting agreement with NAI Hiffman, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.

39. Ald. Von Drasek moved to eliminate the Playschool program as of December 19, 2007, based on lack of DCFS certification and no site for the program. The City will grant the final four weeks at no cost to enrollees who are residents of Countryside, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously.  Ms. Peterson will send notice to parents this week.

40. Ald. McDermott moved to authorize Mr. Onderdonk to seek RFPs to actively market the firehouse property, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.

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

Mayor Conrad declared the meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.

SHARON SWEENEY, CITY CLERK

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