Special City Council Meeting Minutes - November 28, 2007

MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 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, Robert Pondelicek

ABSENT: Ald. Michael Smetana

ALSO PRESENT: City Clerk Sweeney, City Treasurer Jasinski,  City Attorney Erik Peck, City Admin. Bailey, Deputy Chief Novak,  CDD Onderdonk, ESDA Coord. Norman

MAYOR’S  REPORT

Presentation by TENG & Associates – Concept Design for LaGrange Road

Mayor Conrad introduced members of the TENG & Associates Group to present the LaGrange Road Enhancement Concept Design.  The three presenters are Alan Morris, Robert Stern and Joseph Murphy.  Mr. Morris stated that Mr. Stern is the project manager and has completed the Museum Campus and Lake Shore Drive relocation.  He can navigate the IDOT approval process with relative ease.  Mr. Murphy is the chief designer and urban planner who will introduce the three different concepts.  They are seeking feedback for a preferred alternate that they can then work on in greater detail.  IDOT is the grant administrator; the City must comply with the grant guidelines.

Mr. Murphy provided a power point presentation describing the three different themes. The actual limits of the project extend from north of 57^th St. southward to the Burger King parking lot on LaGrange Road. They began by taking an inventory of existing conditions –photos reveal a very auto-oriented area with many drive-thrus, car dealerships and service-related businesses. The typical cobra-headed light poles abound.  There is room within the ROW between the pedestrian zone sidewalks and LaGrange Road itself. The concepts should provide an identity for Countryside – give the City a unique look and a more modern image while luring visitors. 

#1 Route 66 – Americana Vintage Signs – embellish the auto theme and provide different links – icons such as antique gas pumps at intersections, signage, monuments celebrating Route 66; banners depicting drive-ins, vintage car shows, a ’57 Chevy – different markers at intersections; Las Vegas type signs; this provides sponsorship opportunities for adjoining businesses; enhances the area making it a unified corridor.

#2 Traditional Streetscape – depicted photos of Oak Lawn with ornamental lighting with decorations, street pavers, banners,  landscaping – replace some cobra heads, and add other elements; provide  seasonal decorations, kiosks with place finding maps, planting  beds with perennials and annuals as a buffer, (maintenance is involved) - benches, trash receptacles, markers at intersections, pylons with clocks at intersections providing a gateway entrance to the numbered streets – perhaps incorporating the Countryside logo on it.

#3 Illuminated Walls – more futuristic design  involving a more modern identity – embellish materials such as chrome, stainless steel – have a buffering wall with different materials, include low maintenance plantings. The walls would be undulating vertical and horizontal acting as a buffer between the pedestrians and LaGrange Road.  Incorporate LED lighting, perhaps fiber optics or movable lights (like the United terminal at O’Hare).

Mr. Morris stated that the total budget amount including matching funds from the City  is $1,052,500.  Design and design contingency are $679,000 City construction  contingency is $95,680; design/engineering $276,041.  They also provided three boards depicting various images of each concept showing placement of certain objects along LaGrange Road.  At this time hard copies were distributed and the presenters sought feedback from Council.

Treasurer Jasinski wondered whether concept #3 would be distracting for drivers. Mr. Stern stated that lights are not flashing but very soft. There was very little pedestrian activity along the road, very few walkers or bikers on sidewalks.  Concept #3 takes a different artistic approach; it may present an opportunity for more subtle advertising.

Ald. Von Drasek would like to get businesses more involved.  Mr. Morris suggested that is usually done through a façade improvement program which involves a grant or low-cost loan as an incentive for adjacent businesses to participate.

Mayor Conrad stated that the concept is to soften LaGrange Road and make it more pedestrian-friendly.  He likes the Route 66 concept but that is better left for Joliet Road at a later time.  The Mayor prefers concept  #2 incorporating portions of  #3 – brick pavers – traditional landscaping, more denser at intersections, incorporate benches at corners. He noted that money has been spent on landscaping and planters on LaGrange Road in the past; considering the harsh winters, very few plants survive.

Ald. McDermott suggested widening the sidewalk and making part of it a bike path; there is adequate width for a separate bike lane.  That suggestion will be examined.

Mr. Onderdonk stated that Council seems to prefer a blend of concept #2 and #3 – traditional elements with respect to pedestrian orientation. This will give TENG an opportunity to incorporate the feedback and present a unified design, return to the City for approval and then begin IDOT review in January.  Once the concept is approved and adopted by IDOT, final review leading to construction readiness could bring us to mid-summer.  Mayor Conrad agreed with that time line which will tie in nicely with other plans the City has; there are terrific business opportunities on LaGrange Road. 

The Mayor asked Council members for comments; he would like to see more activity at the intersections; one concept for resting as seen in other cities, is with bronze statues sitting on benches.  Council requested that the basic idea of architectural lighting for banners be kept in the plans, even at extra cost to the City.  Mr. Bailey suggested December 12 for a revisit to Council at the Regular Meeting.  Deputy Chief Novak stated that photo enforcement locations at intersections (Redflex)  should be taken into account; also the entrance to the Plaza.  The TENG group left the meeting.

Presentation of the Economic Development Consultant proposal

Mayor Conrad discussed the proposal in Council’s packet regarding the City’s action  plan for redevelopment of the commercial corridors.  With the  help of Serafin & Associates,  many suggestions coming out of the Economic Development Workshop were included in the proposal.  The next step is a market assessment to guide a continued economic redevelopment strategy reflecting local and regional market conditions. The City should aggressively move forward with this plan after prioritizing the five areas on the proposal.  Mayor Conrad asked for comments from Council, staff members, Administrator, etc.  Mr. Bailey stated that early momentum will carry the City into the next century; this is an exciting time. Mayor Conrad believes the City should become a guiding force for LaGrange Road for the next 20 years.

Mr. Onderdonk stated that the Request For Proposals (RFPs) will be sent out this week to appropriate companies in the development areas; responses should be received and reviewed prior to the second meeting in January – four to six weeks. Mayor Conrad is anxious to move forward with a definite concept chosen from TENG, and with the help of Serafin, he would like the first Newsletter of the year to include this exciting news for residents.  Ald. McDermott moved to authorize issuance of an RFP for consulting services to conduct a Commercial Corridor Marketing Assessment & Redevelopment Strategy for the City, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried by unanimous Roll Call vote – 5/0/1.

PROCLAMATION: National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month – December 2007.  Mayor Conrad received this proclamation from the State of Illinois and will sign the Proclamation as presented.

Consideration of approval of cost sharing agreement between City

And  YMCA for preliminary site investigation

Ald. Straza moved to approve the 50/50 cost sharing agreement between the City and YMCA not to exceed $20,000 – with  each party responsible for $10,000 -- to determine feasibility of the joint project, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by unanimous voice vote.

Approval of Joint City Hall-YMCA Design Concept

Mayor Conrad asked for Council comment regarding the general concept design; it is understood that this is not the final design. The initial concept was reviewed and accepted by the City Council.  Council members agreed to proceed.

Consideration of appointment of a sub-architect to represent the City

Mr. Bailey asked whether Council wishes a proposal from FGM for these services or to solicit competitive bids from a variety of firms.   Mayor Conrad has no problem retaining FGM to oversee the project.  Ald. Michalczyk would prefer that a variety of firms be solicited.  Mr. Bailey will request qualifications and RFPs from a variety of firms. He believes the cost will be substantial since  this will be a multi-million dollar facility.

Ald. Straza moved to approve RFPs for the sub-architect, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried by voice vote – 5/1/1 – Mayor Conrad opposed the motion.

Adjournment

There being no further business to discuss, Ald. Von Drasek moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by unanimous voice vote.

Mayor Conrad declared the meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

SHARON SWEENEY, CITY CLERK

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