City Council Minutes - January 23, 2008

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2008

1. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, Mayor Conrad called the meeting to order at 7:43 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, Asst. Admin. Peterson, Fin. Dir. Paul, ESDA Coord. Norman

OMNIBUS AGENDA

2. Approval of Minutes of January 9, 2008.

3. Statement of Bills through January 23, 2008:  $484,354.21.

4. Treasurer’s Report for November 2007 and December 2007.

5. Membership:  International City/County Management Assn. – Asst. Adm. $588.

6. Application for a general business license from Continental Nissan, 5700 S. LaGrange Road. Type: Auto Storage & Car Detailing. Applicant: John Weinberger.

7. Application for a general business license from SPI dba National Parts Network, LLC, 5332-34 East Avenue. Type:  Parts wholesaler. Applicant: Michael Rogers.

8. Membership: South Suburban Water Works Assn. – 2 water plant operators $90.

9. Mayor Conrad noted the absence of Ald. McDermott who is attending his son’s basketball playoff game tonight; Ald. McDermott will join us as soon as possible.

10. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve the Omnibus Agenda as presented, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously.

ADDITIONS TO AND/OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA

11. Treasurer Jasinski requested tabling the Finance Committee recommendation regarding appointment of a bond counsel and financial advisor to the next meeting.

Two additions were noted by Mayor Conrad.

12. Ald. Straza requested action on the “No Parking” signs in the rear of the union building on 55^th and Kensington due to special needs children being picked up by a school bus in the morning. If cars are parked there the bus has difficulty making the turnaround.  Mayor Conrad requested a motion. Ald. Straza moved to have “No parking” signs installed at the cul de sac at 55^th & Kensington, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 08-01-O.

MAYOR’S REPORT

13. Mayor Conrad welcomed the TENG & Associates Group back for the presentation of the refined LaGrange Road Streetscape proposal.  Mr. Joseph Murphy and Mr. Alan Morris addressed Council; they are returning to present what they believe is the consensus design, utilizing feedback from Council at their last appearance. If Council approves the final concept they will proceed into the detailed design and begin the drawing review with IDOT.  Mr. Murphy discussed the project limits from 57^th, 58^th and 59^th Streets not including the Plaza entrance. 

14. He presented the new image wall and the more traditional wall with a flare – they came up with three different concepts – a family of interchangeable parts. The first was large blocks of brick material, jagged design, diagonal wall with variations in height, low in front building up toward the rear including low maintenance landscaping.  The second is the L-shaped wall with interchangeable parts, including aerial views, four walls at each intersection with the gateway pylon markers anchoring each corner. The third shows the T-intersection with individual blocks and pylon markers mimicking the clock tower – eight feet tall -- with several options for the pylons including the City logo, lights either at the top or base and a triangular cap.  Mr. Murphy restated additional costs for the bike path (estimated $100,000) lighting (replace 10 poles & fixtures $200,000) Pedestrian lighting (12 poles -$120,000) or paint poles, add banners (10 poles $18,000).

15. At the conclusion of the presentation Mayor Conrad expressed his displeasure with the end result and stated that he anticipated an adaptation of the curved wall concept; several Aldermen agreed. Tonight’s version is totally different than what was presented previously, plus the pylons seemed smaller in height than originally shown. Admin. Bailey commented that low curved walls seem like a magnet for skateboarders. Steps could be taken to deter that from happening. Council members chose to go with the curved walls. Mr. Morris stated that the time line involves beginning construction during the latter part of the summer. Mr. Bailey stated since this is an IDOT project, the City’s plans must coincide with their scheduled bid-letting process. We are aiming at the April bid-letting with a 60-day period thereafter for awarding the bids and beginning construction.  The time line is up to the City. Mayor Conrad and Council are in agreement regarding the curved wall concept with taller pylon markers, plantings along the wall and lighting either at the top or at the base of the pylons and/or wall.

16. Mr. Morris stated that feedback is very clear tonight; he apologized for reading a different meaning into the plan.  He suggested coming back to the next Council meeting with refinement to the curved wall scheme. Mr. Murphy will need at least three days to revise the options and present them to the City. Mayor Conrad will call a Special Meeting if necessary; he asked that they bring better photos; the ones presented tonight were not the best views. Mr. Morris stated they will be ready on Monday.  He will advise Mr. Bailey as soon as work is completed so the City can move forward with this project.

17. Mayor Conrad stated that approval of the LaGrange Road Streetscape proposal will be tabled at present.

18. Mayor Conrad welcomed Bob Ware, new Director of the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce.  Mr. Ware introduced himself to the City Council and stated that the Chamber would like to do more for the City in the future.  He has been in contact with City Staff. The Chamber represents the City and six other associated communities in trying to make this area a healthier economic climate in which to do business. Please ask the Chamber for help if needed.

19. Mayor Conrad presented the draft resolution accepting the labor agreement with the FOP Patrol Officers expiring 4-30-09.  Ald. Straza moved to approve the Resolution, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried by Roll Call vote – 5/0/1.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as RESOLUTION 08-02-R.

20. Mayor Conrad discussed the invitation to the WCMC Legislative Breakfast on February 23, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. at the Riverside Golf Club; $30pp. In the past the City has purchased a table of ten; all Council members and Administrator Bailey are invited to attend; invitations are extended to other elected local officials – Township, Senators, State Reps. and Congressmen. Mayor Conrad will attend; all others should advise the Clerk’s Office if they plan to attend. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve purchasing a table of ten for the WCMC Legislative Breakfast on 2-23-08, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously.

21. Mayor Conrad sought confirmation of Committee Appointments for City Council committees.  Ald. Smetana asked whether he will remain ESDA Liaison – Mayor Conrad confirmed that.  Ald. Smetana moved to confirm the Council Appointments as presented, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried by Roll Call vote – 5/0/1.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 08-02-O.

22. Mayor Conrad stated that Paul DeMaertelaere, a city employee in the Building Department has retired. He was also a member of the Police/Fire Board. That seat has been vacated and Mayor Conrad has appointed Mark Burdett to the Police-Fire Commission Board, term expiring on May 2, 2010.  Mayor Conrad administered the Oath of Office to Mark Burdett as a member of the Police/Fire Board of Commissioners.  City Council members congratulated Mark on his appointment and welcomed him.

23. Mayor Conrad received a letter from Brendan Houlihan, Cook County Board of Review, regarding appeals for property tax reduction; the appeals application deadline is February 11, 2008.  Reductions can be made based on proper evidence of properties in your area -- This is FYI -- for City residents.

24. Mayor Conrad praised Police Chief Swanson who has recently been sworn in as Vice President of the Illinois Chiefs of Police Association.  Council congratulated him.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

25. FINANCE COMMITTEE - TREASURER JASINSKI, CHAIRMAN, noted that appointment of a bond counsel and financial advisor has been tabled.

26. Treasurer Jasinski presented recommendations from the committee meeting including consideration of pay increases for part-time employees, as presented.  Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve the increases, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried by unanimous voice vote.

27. Treasurer Jasinski presented the recommendation to adopt a formal written Special Events and Recreation Programs policy.  Ald. Von Drasek moved to adopt the policies as presented, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously.

28. Ald. Pondelicek congratulated the individuals on successfully negotiating the FOP contract – Police Chief, Deputy Chief, Administrator and Finance Director; they all did a great job in getting this matter resolved.

29. Ald. Von Drasek expressed condolences to the Smetana Family on the loss of Audrey Smetana’s mother.  Mayor Conrad echoed the sentiments on behalf of the entire City Council; many Council members have shared the loss of family members during the past year. Ald. Smetana stated that three parents were lost in four months.

LEGAL REPORT

30. City Attorney Peck presented the draft ordinance re: permanent structures in parkways.  The City only had a policy in place but no ordinance. Most directly affected will be mailboxes. This ordinance defines a permanent structure and states that the City is not liable for any illegal / non-conforming structures in the parkway. As of January 1, 2008, any such structures that are damaged more than 50% of the replacement value cannot be rebuilt.  Ald. Smetana moved to adopt the ordinance as presented, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote 5/0/1.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 08-03-O.

31. Attorney Peck presented the draft contract re: cooperative agreement between the City and the YMCA for the Summer Camp program. Mr. Peck and Ms. Peterson revised the contract and sent it to the YMCA for review; Mr. Peck has not seen the response.  He suggested this matter be continued to the next meeting.

32. Attorney Peck presented the PC/ZBA recommendation regarding the PUD at 6404-06 Joliet Road from the Illinois Facilities Fund and Township of Lyons. The City has received communication requesting that this matter be continued for one month.  The City met with them and they are exploring other possibilities.  They are requesting that the City pass on this recommendation for 30 days while they review their options. The matter could go back to the PCZBA for an additional hearing if necessary.  Ald. Smetana moved to continue the matter for 30 days, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

32. Attorney Peck presented the PC/ZBA recommendation regarding the same property as above. The Township purchased the lot to the west and seeks to consolidate the two lots into one.  The PC/ZBA held a hearing on 1-8-08 and recommended preliminary and final approval of the Plat of Consolidation subject to review by the City attorney and City engineer.  Ald. Michalczyk moved to concur with the recommendation, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek; carried by unanimous voice vote.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 08-04-O.

33. Attorney Peck presented the Resolution of Possession of 5745 S. LaGrange Road – the former fire house for the Pleasantview Fire Protection District that has been returned to the City since it is no longer being used for fire protection purposes. It appears that the property is contaminated.  This Resolution sets forth for the record that while the City accepts possession of that property, it does not accept title and ownership of that property until such time as the contamination has been identified and, if necessary, has been resolved.  Ald. Pondelicek moved to adopt the Resolution as presented, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried by unanimous voice vote.

Ald. McDermott arrived at 8:35 p.m.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as RESOLUTION 08-03-R.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

34. City Administrator Bailey recommends authorization for the Finance Director to attend the GFOA Conference in Ft. Lauderdale, FL from June 15-18, 2008; estimated expenses are $1,476.  Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve the expenditure, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.

35. Mr. Bailey presented engineer’s pay estimate #1 for Ward 2 sanitary sewer maintenance to National Power Roding Corp., Chicago, IL in the amount of $26,786.70. Ald. Straza moved to approve payment, seconded by Ald. McDermott and carried unanimously.

36. Mr. Bailey presented the FGM application for payment #3 for the Brancato & Woodland Ridge Parks to the Kenneth Company in the amount of $8,829.72.  Ald. Smetana moved to approve payment, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously.

37. Mr. Bailey presented the request from IRMA for payment of the 2008 Annual Contribution; the premium is $280,272.  Ald. Smetana moved to approve payment, seconded by Ald Pondelicek and carried unanimously.

38. Mr. Bailey sought authorization for his attendance at the ILCMA Winter Conference in Springfield from February 20-22, 2008; estimated expenses are $300.  Ald. Straza moved to approve payment, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.

STAFF REPORTS

39. Police Chief Swanson stated that the Annual D.A.R.E.  Basketball Game will be held on Wednesday, February 27 at 6:30 p.m.  It is a Council meeting night; if any members can come out prior to the meeting, it would be appreciated.  Last year the Police Department did beat the Junior High students; all participants have a good time. Mayor Conrad stated it is a nice event and the Police Department does a good job.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Mayor Conrad declared the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

SHARON SWEENEY, CITY CLERK 

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