MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012

1. Mayor Krzeminski called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. City Clerk Sweeney called the Roll of those physically present as follows:

PRESENT: Mayor Edward Krzeminski, Aldermen: Robert Pondelicek, John Von Drasek, James Jasinski, Sean McDermott, Karen Michalczyk, Scott Musillami.

ALSO PRESENT: City Clerk Sweeney, City Treasurer Jasinski, City Attorney Peck, Police Chief Ruth, City Admin. Paul, Asst. Admin. Peterson, Fin. Dir. Drazner, City Eng. Fitzgerald, ESDA Crd. Norman, Police Bd. Chrm. Welch, member Burdett, PC/ZBA member Benson.

OMNIBUS AGENDA

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 28, 2012.

3. STATEMENT OF BILLS through April 11, 2012 – $342,239.91.

4. Application for a general business license from MAAS AUTO, 5640 LaGrange Road. Type: Auto repair. Applicant: Marty Maas (second location).

5. Application for a special use to hold an international Chili Society Cookoff on May 26, 2012 at the Best Western Countryside parking lot area, 6251 Joliet Road (contingent upon approval from Cook County Public Health Dept).

6. Application for a raffle in conjunction with the Chili Cookoff on May 26, 2012 to benefit the Leadership, formerly known as CEP Youth Leadership Group.

7. Application for a special event from the William Tell Banquets to serve alcoholic beverages in their parking lot in conjunction with the Chili Cookoff on May 26, 2012.

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

QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE

9. Ed Pilarski, 10735 Maplewood – urged the police to carry the defibrillators in the squad cars because police are usually first on the scene of an accident; they would make good use of the defibrillators.

10. Jim Kucera and Maureen Barrett thanked Council for approving the Chili Cookoff. Ms. Barrett stated the event will take place at the Best Western parking lot on May 26, 2012; there should be 40-50 cooks with about 500 attendees. They are seeking support from the City; the sponsorship levels are in the packet. Mayor Krzeminski stated that is a matter for discussion at the Finance Committee. Ms. Barrett also asked to borrow the City’s picnic tables for the event. Ms. Peterson stated that they are six foot long regular tables, not picnic tables. Council members had no objection; DPW may drop off and pick up tables over the weekend.

11. John Pesach, 5431 – 8^thAvenue, thanked the Council for adopting the new Ordinance. Mary Lou Pisone, 6940 Lorraine Drive, was impressed with the speed that the road signs were installed at the Senior Housing complex. Compliments to the City.

MAYOR’S REPORT

12. Presentation of Meritorious Award to Officer Karl Rodey from the Countryside Police Department. Police Chief Ruth read the Meritorious Award aloud – …for outstanding police performance and extraordinary personal action while responding to a serious motor vehicle crash; the driver struck an electric utility pole at Joliet Road & Willow Springs Road on April 7, 2011, and was pinned inside the vehicle with live electrical wires causing an extremely dangerous/hazardous situation. At great risk to himself Officer Rodey entered the vehicle and rendered aid to the semi-conscious victim for almost an hour until the victim was extricated by the Pleasantview Fire Department. Mayor Krzeminski thanked Officer Rodey for this action and for many acts of heroism that are never adequately acknowledged throughout a long career in the police department. Council members congratulated him on his accomplishment.

13. Presentation of Letters of Commendation to Sgt. John Andree and Officer Nathan McDonald. Police Chief Ruth read the Letter of Commendation relating to the above accident where Sgt. Andree and Officer McDonald were in attendance during the entire incident. The driver was seriously injured and trapped inside the overturned vehicle. Both officers assisted Officer Rodey who entered the vehicle and rendered aid to the victim. Both officers are commended for their attention to duty, for rendering aid and for securing a dangerous scene until the electrical power was shut off almost one hour later. Their actions are consistent with the highest level of service and they are to be commended for their dedication to duty. Photos were taken and congratulations offered.

14. Presentation of a Letter of Commendation to Officer Brendan Gleespen. Police Chief Ruth read the contents of the Letter of Commendation . . . Officer Gleespen, was off duty at the time, March 10, 2012, traveling in unincorporated Cook County, when he observed a motorcycle accident with the rider thrown from the motorcycle and sustained severe head trauma. Officer Gleespen immediately called 9-1-1 to summon emergency assistance and began to render aid to the injured cyclist until medical personnel and Sheriff’s Police arrived. The actions of Officer Gleespen are consistent with the highest tradition of service and dedication to duty, both on and off duty, which continues to be the foundation of the Countryside Police Department. Congratulations to all the above police officers for a job well done! Officer Rodey thanked the City on behalf of the Police Department; he appreciates the award and would do it again if called upon.

Swearing in Appointments:

15. E9-1-1 Board: Deputy Chief Scott Novak, Fire Chief Kevin Doyle, Communications Director Bill Srejma and Pat Schwartz. Mayor Krzeminski administered the Oath of Office to the above individuals en masse. He thanked them for serving in these positions and for playing a role in a critical part of the City’s involvement with the community. The City began the reverse 9-1-1 service some years ago.

16. Discussion of Joliet Road and Willow Springs Intersection signs. Mayor Krzeminski asked City Engineer Fitzgerald to contact IDOT for signage re: No Right Turn on Red if pedestrians are in the crossway. He also asked him to mention installing crosswalks and a timer. The Mayor has received calls from the senior housing apartments stating that people are walking to Walgreen; it has become a very busy intersection.

17. Pierce Equipment Update. Mayor Krzeminski discussed his allowing Mr. Pierce to store some equipment in the rear of his building for a two-week period. The equipment was removed in a timely manner. Ald. Pondelicek stated that it was replaced with a huge motor home that is parked there now blocking access for emergency vehicles. Ald. Von Drasek challenged the Mayor’s authority to allow any storage in light of the City’s litigation history with Mr. Pierce for the past five years at a cost of $80,000. The Mayor denied rumors of receiving $5,000 from Mr. Pierce as a campaign contribution but did acknowledge the receipt of campaign signs worth $1,000. Ald. McDermott stated that an in-kind contribution amounts to the same thing. Treasurer Jasinski asked to keep the Staff involved in City matters of this nature so that everyone is on the same page. Mayor Krzeminski stated that he has never violated the State Board of Election rules.

18. Mayor Krzeminski read a Proclamation and Letter of Commendation proclaiming the Month of May 2012 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in the State of Illinois. He will provide copies to Council members.

CITY CLERK’S REPORT

19. Approval of Executive Session minutes of City Council – 9-14-11 and 9-28-11.

Ald. Pondelicek moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Jasinski and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

20. FINANCE COMMITTEE – TREASURER JASINSKI, CHAIRMAN, presented the Recommendation to adopt fiscal year 2013 Appropriation Ordinance. Ald. Michalczyk moved to return this to the Finance Committee for discussion of two items not included, seconded by Ald. Musillami and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

21. Treasurer Jasinski presented the recommendation to authorize staff to execute NIMEC agreement for electric aggregation consulting services. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Musillami and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

22. Treasurer Jasinski presented the recommendation to extend the current printing contract to Infinity Signs & Graphics for one year in the amount of $29,491.65. Ald. Pondelicek is opposed to this motion not due to the quality of the work but to the fact that it was not put out to bid. Ald. McDermott moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Musillami and carried by Roll Call vote – 5/1.

23. HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE – ALD. PONDELICEK, CHAIRMAN,

Requested authorization to advertise for a DPW Maintenance Worker 1. Ald. Musillami moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

24. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE – ALD. MC DERMOTT, CHAIRMAN, stated that the draft term sheet from Shorewood Development/GMX for the City Center Development will be tabled due to the number of significant changes made to the document. The City attorney will review the revision and Council will bring this matter to the table again.

25. Ald. Musillami thanked the Police Department for its diligent efforts in curtailing speeders up and down Catherine & 57^thSt. Kudos on the quick progress made. Ald. Von Drasek stated that all police officers should be recognized for their continued efforts in keeping the City well patrolled. The officers were at the Easter Egg Hunt; he thanked all the volunteers who made the event a success – especially Ms. Peterson and City Staff members who participated. Ald. Jasinski stated that a great time was had by all; he thanked every Staff member and ESDA’s Mr. Norman for their efforts.

LEGAL REPORT

26. City Attorney Peck presented consideration of an ordinance granting a special use to Time Out Sports Bar, 6025 LaGrange Road, to permit construction and operation of an outdoor patio and deck. At the hearing held on April 3, 2012, the PC/ZBA heard all the testimony and evidence, and it was their finding that the applicant met all the requirements and the PC/ZBA granted the special use subject to the following conditions: 1) that the east side of the building be re-sided; the door on the east be repainted and the overall condition of the building exterior be improved; 2) that a minimum of three U-shaped bicycle racks be installed within 50 feet of the main entrance; and 3) that the potholes in the parking lot be repaired. Ald. Pondelicek moved to concur with the PC/ZBA recommendation, seconded by Ald. Jasinski and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 12-29-O.

27. Attorney Peck presented consideration of an ordinance approving a final plat of subdivision for Autobarn Mazda & Subaru Subdivision, 6060 and 6070 LaGrange Road.

At the special hearing held on April 5, 2012, the PC/ZBA heard all the testimony and evidence and it was their finding that the applicant, Fish-A-Car, LLC, met all the requirements for subdividing one large lot into two smaller lots, with the Mazda Dealership on one lot and the Subaru Dealership on the other lot. The PC/ZBA recommended that the City Council pass an ordinance approving the final plat of subdivision. Ald. Musillami moved to concur with the PC/ZBA recommendation, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0. Ald. Jasinski commented that the Fisher Group is doing a fantastic job of advertising the City of Countryside during the White Sox pre and post-game shows. He thanked them.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 12-30-O.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

28. City Administrator Ms. Paul stated that the Rider’s Edge portion of the City Center Development was completed yesterday. Final inspections for the Harley site are scheduled for the next two days. Schwartz has resumed excavation of the site; the road is tentatively in place. We hope to finalize the site plan soon.

ADJOURNMENT

29. There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Krzeminski sought a motion to adjourn to Executive Session under Section 2C1, review of Executive Session minutes of 10-26-11 and Police Executive Session minutes of October 26, 2011, Section 2Ac, to discuss real estate, and Section 2Ah pending litigation. Ald. Von Drasek moved to adjourn to Executive Session, seconded by Ald. Jasinski and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

Mayor Krzeminski declared the meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

SHARON SWEENEY, CITY CLERK