City Council Minutes -
December 12, 2007
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 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, Sean McDermott, Michael
Smetana, Robert Pondelicek
ALSO PRESENT: City Clerk Sweeney, City
Treasurer Jasinski, City Attorney Erik Peck, City Admin. Bailey, Police
Chief Swanson, City Engineer Fitzgerald, CDD Onderdonk, ESDA Coord.
Norman, Chrm. Fullmer
OMNIBUS AGENDA
2. Approval of Minutes of November 14
and November 28, 2007.
3. Statement of Bills for the period
ending November 28, 2007: $244,583.38; and December 12, 2007: $229,
749.91.
4. Application for a general business
license for VK-RePlay, Inc., 10711 5th Ave. Unit 304. Type:
Home Office. Applicant: Vladimir Kostik.
5. Application for a general business
license from SALON ON 55th, 921B W. 55th St.
Type: Hair Salon. Applicant: Susan Nolan (formerly Cheveaux).
6. Application for a general business
license for J & J Partnership, 5901 S. LaGrange Road. Type: Business
office. Applicant: John Weinberger.
7. Application for a general business
license for REMEMBRANCE FLORAL, 1025 W. 55th St. Type:
Wholesale Floral. Applicant: William James (in Hallowell & James).
8. Application for a general business
license for LaPetite Ecole, 5800 Longview Drive. Type: Home office.
Applicant: Maryse Jerich.
9. Application for a general business
license for Neuport Sales & Promotions, 10250 5th Avenue
Cutoff. Type: Home office. Applicant: Gina Ballauler.
10. From Misericordia requesting
permission to solicit on April 25-26, 2008 at various locations within
the City.
11. From the Girl Scouts USA requesting
permission to solicit on January 4-6, 2008 and January 11-13, 2008 at
various locations within the City.
12. Application for a general business
license for SILK FOR ALL SEASONS, 921 W. 55th St. Type:
Gallery and Studio. Applicant: Karen Snow.
13. Membership: WCMC Metro Mayors
Caucus dues – Legislative - $209.69.
14. Ald. Von Drasek added one item to
the Omnibus Agenda – application for a general business license for
Peter Shannon & Company, 6412 Joliet Road, an accounting firm. Ald. Von
Drasek moved to approve the Omnibus Agenda with that addition, seconded
by Ald. McDermott and carried unanimously.
ADDITIONS TO AND/OR DELETIONS FROM THE
AGENDA
15. Additions to the Agenda were noted
by Mayor Conrad and Ald. Michalczyk.
QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE
AUDIENCE – none
MAYOR’S REPORT
16. Mayor Conrad noted the presentation
by TENG & Associates of a revised preliminary concept plan for the
landscaping and enhancement (ITEP) of LaGrange Road. Messrs. Morris,
Murphy and Stern discussed the revisions made after getting feedback
from Council at the last meeting. Mr. Murphy, landscape architect,
discussed the blending of two proposals thereby creating a transition
zone or conceptual buffer between the pedestrian area and LaGrange
Road. Streetscape elements are repeated throughout the corridor to
provide a sense of continuity. They repeat the pylon gateway markers and
decorative walls with brick paver plazas between the intersections of
57th, 58th and 59th Streets, with low
maintenance landscape beds behind the walls and adding street trees.
Aerial views of the intersections showed all the elements anchored at
each corner of the intersection. Pylon markers are 12 feet tall with
the ability to display street names on one panel; also to incorporate a
steel die cut Countryside logo within another panel and the ability to
utilize LED lighting within the frame. He showed before and after
photos of various intersections. The wall could be curvilinear or brick
with a limestone cap. A 3,000 linear foot walkway or bike path five feet
wide would cost an additional $100,000. Replacing ten cobra heads with
ornamental lighting and side arm (for banner poles) would add $200,000.
Pedestrian lighting for 12 poles would cost $120,000; to paint the
existing 12 poles and add new brackets totals $18,000, which is within
the grant amount; that concludes the presentation.
17. Mayor Conrad was pleased with the
revised concept; Council members gave general approval and especially
liked the metal die cut logo idea in the lighted pylon markers. Council
approved the flat level surface wall rather than the undulating type.
Council is satisfied with the changes made and congratulated TENG on
doing a terrific job. Ald. Michalczyk suggested replacing the ten Cobra
lights They will work on getting IDOT approval of the drawings in line
with the grant at the conceptual level. TENG will work with Mr. Bailey
for feedback. The Mayor thanked them for the fine job.
18. Appointments to Ideal School
Playground Joint Planning Committee. Mayor Conrad appointed Ald.
Pondelicek, Ald. Von Drasek, Administrator Bailey and Asst.
Administrator Peterson to the Ad Hoc Committee, which will remain in
effect until the end of the project. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve
forming the new committee, seconded by Ald. McDermott and carried
unanimously.
19. Mayor Conrad discussed notification
to the City by the Village of McCook that water rates are increasing
effective 1-1-08 by 15%; on 1-1-09 by 15%; and 1-1-10 by 14%. New water
rates charged by the Village of McCook will be: $2.26/1000gal on
1-1-08; $2.55/1000 gal on 1-1-09; $2.86/1000gal on 1-1-10. He
requested that this increase be passed onto the City’s contract
customers, Indian Head Park and LaGrange Highlands. Ald. Straza moved to
approve the water rate increase and pass it on to the City’s contract
customers, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried by unanimous Roll
Call vote – 6/0.
Clerk Sweeney declared that this will
be known as ORDINANCE 07-44-O.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
20. FINANCE COMMITTEE – TREASURER
JASINSKI, CHAIRMAN, requested acceptance of the Annual Audit and
Management Letter by Sikich. There were two comments in the management
letter. Ald. Von Drasek moved to accept the Annual Audit and Management
Letter as presented, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried
unanimously.
21. Treasurer Jasinski presented the
recommendation on the License Agreement for FMHC Corporation (Cricket
Communications) to install equipment at the water tower. The Finance
Committee has requested that the annual license fee be paid up front
each year rather than monthly. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve annual
payment, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously.
22. Treasurer Jasinski presented the
recommendation on the Contractual Agreement with Serafin & Associates
for two years at a cost of $10,000 per month. The Council has until
January 31, 2008 to propose individual concepts to Serafin. Ald. Straza
moved to approve the recommendation, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and
carried unanimously.
23. Treasurer Jasinski sought approval
of the October 31, 2007 Financial Statement, a summary of which was
presented at the last committee meeting. Ald. McDermott moved to
approve, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.
24. RECREATION COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN VON
DRASEK, CHAIRMAN, sought special recognition for the Playschool Staff
including Linda Hubacek, Loretta Malec and Carol Belieff. Playschool
will resume at the Hope Lutheran Church in January; the City thanks the
dedicated Playschool staff for their work over the years. A letter will
be sent to all parents involved in Playschool. Mayor Conrad thanked
Ald. Von Drasek, Mr. Bailey and Lyons Twp. Supv. Pat Rogers and his
staff for their invaluable assistance.
25. HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE –
ALDERMAN PONDELICEK CHAIRMAN, presented the recommendation for an
amendment to the Nonunion Employee Pay Plan. Ald. Michalczyk moved to
approve the amendment, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried by
unanimous voice vote.
26. INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN
SMETANA, CHAIRMAN, presented recommendations from the committee meeting
held earlier this evening. The committee discussed amending Policy #16
re: permanent structures in the parkway. Rather than amending the
policy, the committee decided to eliminate that policy and provide a
clarifying ordinance that will address these structures. Mr. Peck will
prepare the ordinance and present it to Council.
27. Ald. Smetana stated the committee
discussed the engineer’s recommendation re: the Police Speed Study on 57th
and 58th Streets as it pertains to speed HUMPS– which are six
feet graduated rises in each direction; speed bumps are illegal. It was
determined that it is more cost-effective to install speed humps when
the above streets require re-paving. A decision will be made at that
time.
28. Ald. Smetana – discussion regarding
Standing Committees that were not approved per Ordinance. Certain
committees will be restructured, deleting some, adding some, changing
membership on others. That matter will be continued to the next
committee meeting for further discussion.
29. Ald. Smetana discussed alternate
driveway apron replacement policy – in the past when parkway work was
done and a driveway apron removed, the City replaced it. Some residents
did not like the piecemeal appearance and wanted the entire driveway
done. The committee will discuss an alternate policy wherein the City
will reimburse the resident for the cost of the apron and the resident
would then be able to apply the City payment toward complete replacement
of the driveway.
30. Ald. Smetana presented the
recommendation to approve a R.O.W. Ordinance – Mr. Peck will address
that matter in his portion of the agenda.
30A. All Aldermen and Mayor Conrad took
turns wishing all residents and those present - A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS
AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
LEGAL REPORT
31. City Attorney Peck presented the
PC/ZBA recommendation to approve the creation of a PUD, with variances
and special uses at 5555 Brainard. On December 4, 2007 Inland Commercial
Property Mgmt. (Salem Square) appeared before the PC/ZBA; after hearing
the testimony and evidence presented, it was determined that the
petitioner did meet all the requirements for the PUD. Conditions
attached to the recommendation include: all construction be in
compliance with Petitioner’s Group Exhibit A in evidence, comprised of
the site plan, drainage plan, landscape plan, elevations and impact fee
inlieu of retail development. Mr. Onderdonk noted that the developer has
agreed to include a non-retail fee in lieu of sales tax. Staff used
businesses in the Countryside Plaza to develop a “parallel case”
comparison; the proposal is for twenty cents per month per square foot
that would apply to the non-retail uses in the shopping center, not just
the two outlot buildings. Mr. Murphey on behalf of Inland, agreed to
the proposal for the entire project, not just the two outlots and will
modify the draft accordingly. Mr. Fitzgerald noted that storm water
detention is proposed for 76.7% of the site; currently there is none;
also final engineering must be approved for the turnaround radius for
outlot #1. Ald. McDermott moved to concur with the recommendation of the
PC/ZBA subject to the above conditions, impact fee and final
engineering approval, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek carried by unanimous
Roll Call vote.
Clerk Sweeney declared that this will
be known as ORDINANCE 07-45-O.
32. Attorney Peck presented the PC/ZBA
recommendation to allow for specific standards and criteria for a
mixed-use PUD at 6404-6406 Joliet Road from IFF and Lyons Twp. Attorney
Peck stated that a request has been made to continue this matter to the
City Council meeting of January 23, 2008. Mayor Conrad described some
details of the project; certain issues must be addressed; he believes
this will be a great project. They need to tweak variances and return
with a revised plan. Ald. McDermott moved to continue the matter to the
January 23 meeting, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.
33. Attorney Peck presented the draft
ordinance abating the Tax Levy on the GO bonds, Series 2006 for bond
principal and interest due in the amount of $385,533.76. Ald. McDermott
moved to adopt the ordinance abating the Tax Levy on the Series 2006 GO
bonds, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously.
Clerk Sweeney declared that this will
be known as ORDINANCE 07-46-O.
34. Attorney Peck presented the draft
ordinance abating the Tax Levy on the GO bonds, Series 2000 for bond
principal and interest due in the amount of $539,118.76. Ald. Smetana
moved to adopt the ordinance abating the Tax Levy on the Series 2000 GO
bonds, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.
Clerk Sweeney declared that this will
be known as ORDINANCE 07-47-O.
35. Attorney Peck presented the draft
ordinance re: R.O.W. construction and use of public ways and fees policy
recommended by the Illinois Municipal League. Ald. Smetana moved to
adopt the ordinance as presented, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and
carried unanimously.
Clerk Sweeney declared that this will
be known as ORDINANCE 07-48-O.
36. Attorney Peck presented the draft
ordinance declaring surplus property for donation to a charitable
organization, in this case Playschool items retained by the City and
donated to the Hope Lutheran Church. Ald. Von Drasek moved to adopt the
ordinance, seconded by Ald. McDermott and carried unanimously.
Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known
as ORDINANCE 07-49-O.
37. Attorney Peck presented the draft ordinance
amending Section 7-6-4 Billing and Collection Procedures to read
“rendered monthly to both commercial and residential users” – rather
than bimonthly. Ald. Smetana moved to adopt the ordinance as presented,
seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.
Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known
as ORDINANCE 07-50-O.
38. Attorney Peck presented the draft ordinance
adding Section 7-8-21 Cable and Video Customer Protection Law,
recommended by the Illinois Municipal League. There is a state statute
in place and the City is adopting that statute; the monetary penalty is
$750 for each day of the breach not to exceed $25,000 for each
occurrence per customer. The providers will be informed. Ald. Smetana
moved to adopt the ordinance as presented, seconded by Ald. Straza and
carried unanimously.
Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known
as ORDINANCE 07-51-O.
39. Attorney Peck presented the draft ordinance
adding Section 7-8-20 – Cable/ Video Service Provider Fees and PEG
Access Support Fee – this ordinance provides for a 5% fee in accordance
with state statutes. Ald. Smetana moved to adopt the ordinance as
presented, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.
Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known
as ORDINANCE 07-52.O.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
40. City Administrator Bailey presented
engineer’s pay estimate #6 and final for the 2007 Water Main Replacement
to Gerardi Sewer & Water Co. in the amount of $112,500.81. Ald. Straza
moved to approve payment, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried
unanimously.
41. Mr. Bailey sought Council approval for
draft policies concerning Installation of Funeral Bunting, Observance of
Illness or Death, U.S. Flag Display, and Employee Holiday Gift Policy.
Ald. Smetana moved to approve the policies as presented, seconded by
Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.
42. Mr. Bailey presented invoice #1 from TENG &
Assoc. re: landscaping and enhancement plan for the ITEP LaGrange Road
project in the amount of $19,975.73. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve
payment, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.
43. Mr. Bailey presented invoice #2 from TENG &
Assoc. contractors for ITEP LaGrange Road landscaping/enhancement
project in the amount of $5,992.28. Ald. Smetana moved to approve
payment, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously.
44. Mr. Bailey sought Council authorization to
contract for Phase II environmental services for the property at 5745
LaGrange Road (firehouse) for an amount not to exceed $10,000. Ald.
McDermott moved to approve payment, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and
carried unanimously.
45. Mr. Bailey presented pay estimate #1 to the
Kenneth Company for the Woodland Ridge/ Brancatto Park Improvement in
the amount of $4,690.80. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve payment,
seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously. Ald. Von Drasek
drove by the area and noted an exposed ditch. Police Chief Swanson
stated that the ditch will be secured.
46. Mr. Bailey presented pay estimate #2 to the
Kenneth Company for the Woodland Ridge/Brancatto Park Improvements in
the amount of $68,177.34. Ald. Smetana moved to approve payment,
seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously.
47. Mr. Bailey presented FGM Architects’
invoice for professional services at 61st & Kensington in the
amount of $2,850. Ald. Smetana moved to approve payment, seconded by
Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously.
48. Mr. Bailey presented FGM Architects’
invoice for professional services for park improvements in the amount
of $2,793.68. Ald. Straza moved to approve payment, seconded by Ald.
Smetana and carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
49. There being no further business to discuss,
Ald Von Drasek moved to adjourn to Executive Session under Section
2Ac of the Open Meetings Act for the purpose of discussing land
acquisition, seconded by Ald. McDermott and carried by unanimous Roll
Call vote.
Mayor Conrad declared the meeting adjourned at
8:53 p.m.
SHARON SWEENEY, CITY CLERK
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