MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2004

1. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, Mayor LeGant called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Acting City Clerk Bartelt called the roll which was as follows:

PRESENT: Mayor Carl LeGant, Aldermen Robert Conrad, Wayne Straza, Michael Smetana, Joseph Fajdich, Karen Michalczyk, Edward Krzeminski

ABSENT: City Clerk Herberts, City Engineer Fitzgerald

ALSO PRESENT: Acting Clerk Bartelt, City Treasurer Stoffels, City Attorney Erik Peck, City Administrator Bailey, Police Chief Swanson, Deputy Treasurer Wenzel, Police/Fire Bd. Members Pondelicek, Welch

OMNIBUS AGENDA

2. Approval of Minutes – March 24, 2004.

3. Statement of Bills for the period ending April 14, 2004.

4. Subscription: ILLINOIS ISSUES – Mayor’s Office – $39.95.

5. Application for a charitable game license and raffle from St. Louise de Marillac School, LaGrange Park, IL to hold a fundraiser at the William Tell Restaurant, April 25, 2004, noon to 4 p.m. Also requesting waiver of $50 license fee.

6. Membership: National Tactical Officers Assn. – Officer Mikel – $40.

7. Subscription: Route 66 Magazine – CDO Muenzer – $16.

8. Request from the Paralyzed Veterans of America to solicit in intersections on April 23-24, 2004.

9. Application for a general business license from I DETAIL, 6420 Joliet Road. Type: Auto Detailing. Applicant: Ed Screens.

10. Application for a general business license from Kenny’s Irish Pub, 917 B W. 55th St. Type: Restaurant/tavern. Applicant: Craig Lodico (new owner).

11. Application for a general business license from Harry’s Sports Bar & Grill, 9901 W. 55th St. Type: Restaurant/bar. Applicant: John Mueller.

12. Alderman Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Krzeminski, to approve the Omnibus Agenda as presented. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

ADDITIONS TO AND/OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA

13. Additions to the Agenda were noted by Mayor LeGant, Aldermen Fajdich, Ald. Smetana and Ald. Conrad.

QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE

14. Resident Ed Pilarski addressed Council suggesting that the City consider a wild animal abatement program. There have been numerous coyote sightings as well as a rabid raccoon; possums and groundhogs take up residence in back yards. Mayor LeGant stated that a call to the Police Department will get information regarding private professional contractors who deal with wild animals at a cost to the homeowner.

15. Long-time Resident John Drover supports the ordinance banning dogs from City parks. He has been a dog-bite victim and made a moving speech against allowing dogs in the park. The City spent $1 million for the park; even leashed dogs break free and are a menace to individuals walking in the park. Do not let dogs in the park.

16. Resident Kathy Buhe, 5731 Longview, rebutted the previous argument and stated that the Suburban Life article was fair and balanced. National Parks allow dogs. She stated that the city ordinance is selectively enforced; children without helmets ride bikes in the park; also kids without shin guards use the skate park without being banned. Dogs are banned. Ed Pilarski suggested that the city set up a specific area in the park for dog walking. There may be some city parks large enough to accommodate that plan. Discussion turned to possibly adding a dog-walking path behind Frank’s on the east side of Kensington in the plaza. No action taken tonight.

MAYOR’S REPORT

17. Mayor LeGant sought approval for a Class E Liquor License for a new applicant, Craig Lodico, dba Kenny’s Irish Pub. Ald. Krzeminski moved, seconded by Ald. Conrad, to approve the request. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

18. Mayor LeGant sought approval for a Class J-2 Liquor License for new applicants, John Mueller and John Dernis, dba Harry’s Sports Bar & Grill. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk, to approve the request. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

19. Mayor LeGant sought confirmation of reappointment to the Police & Fire Board of Commissioners Jerry Welch and Paul DeMaertelaere. Ald. Straza moved, seconded by Ald. Conrad, to confirm the appointments. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

20. Mayor LeGant sought confirmation for the appointment of Tina Grotzke, 10780 67th St., to the Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals. Ald. Michalczyk moved, seconded by Ald. Krzeminski, to confirm the appointment. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Mayor LeGant administered the Oath of Office to Tina Grotzke as a member of the PC/ZBA. Council members welcomed her as a Commissioner.

21. Mayor LeGant presented the request from Helping Hand Rehabilitation Center to participate in their Arbor Day Ceremony at Memorial Park on April 30, 2004 by donating a tree. Two trees are under consideration: A Bradford Pear or possibly a mature flowering crab tree from Morton Arboretum. Council decided to purchase the Bradford Pear from Home Depot at a cost of $30.

22. Mayor LeGant presented the proposal of Mr. Fleming a magician/entertainer for the annual Christmas Party. If Council members would like to see him perform, he will be appearing locally on May 2, putting on kid’s show from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. His cost for the Christmas party is $250, compared to the clown and dog show at a cost of $1,250 booking through an agent. The only problem may be a last minute replacement if Mr. Fleming is unable to perform. Ald. Conrad moved, seconded by Ald. Krzeminski, to approve entertainment by Mr. Fleming for the annual Christmas Party. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

23. Mayor LeGant stated that the West Suburban Police Chiefs dinner will take place on May 7, 2004 at Skylite Banquets. He suggested that members of the Police and Fire Board attend as well as elected officials. Ald. Straza moved, seconded by Ald. Smetana, to approve the attendance. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

24. Mayor LeGant read responses from State Representative Eileen Lyons and State Senator Christine Radogno, concerning their opposition to suspension of the OSLAD Grants and elimination of the program.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

25. FINANCE COMMITTEE – TREASURER STOFFELS, CHAIRMAN, presented the recommendation to donate $500 to the Pet Parade Committee. Ald. Krzeminski moved, seconded by Ald. Smetana, to approve the expenditure. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

26. Treasurer Stoffels proposed the adoption of the 2004/05 FY Budget for the City of Countryside. Ald Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Krzeminski, to adopt the budget as presented. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Acting Clerk Bartelt declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 04-14-O.

27. RECREATION COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN CONRAD, CHAIRMAN, presented the recommendation to accept the proposal from Great Events, Inc., for the Concert in the Park series for an amount not to exceed $6,960. Ald. Conrad moved, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk, to approve the expenditure. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

28. Ald. Conrad presented the proposal from Great Events, Inc., for the 45th Anniversary and 2005 Countryfest for an amount not to exceed $69,838.25. Ald. Conrad moved, seconded by Ald. Krzeminski, to approve the expenditure. This figure represents handling all the details except clean up and security for the event. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

29. Ald. Conrad commented on the Easter Egg Hunt last Sunday in Countryside Park; 110 children and their parents participated. Sue Wilson and her staff did an excellent job; the park was full of people; it was a great day for everyone.

30. STREETS & ALLEYS COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN SMETANA, CHAIRMAN, presented the request of the DPW Director to rehire three Countryside residents for the Summer 2004 work program; They are James Campbell, Steve Howard and Brian McMahon. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Fajdich, to approve the rehiring. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

31. Ald. Smetana stated that ESDA Director Norman has requested Council approval for an additional person to fill a vacancy – Robert Dowling. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Conrad, to approve hiring Robert Dowling. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

32. BUILDING COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN FAJDICH, CHAIRMAN, presented the request of the Building Commissioner to attend the Annual Conference of Illinois Council of Code Administrators (ICCA) on May 4-5, 2004; the cost is $160. Ald. Fajdich moved, seconded by Ald. Smetana, to approve the request. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

33. Ald. Fajdich stated that Building permits for the month of March totaled 29; 18 paid permits brought $8,760.40; 11 permits were free.

LEGAL REPORT

34. City Attorney Erik Peck presented the recommendation of the PC/ZBA from its April 6, 2004 hearing, to amend the City Zoning Ordinance to allow health clubs as permitted uses in the B-1 zoning district. No objections, either written or oral, were received. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Krzeminski, to concur with the recommendation. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Acting Clerk Bartelt declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 04-15-O.

35. Attorney Peck presented the grant of license for the Brainard Avenue Baptist Church. In January they asked to extend their fence which would occupy some City property. The City suggested drafting a license for that purpose. A license agreement was prepared and sent; the church has returned two signed copies of the license. Ald. Krzeminski moved, seconded by Ald. Fajdich, to authorize Mr. Bailey to sign the license agreement on behalf of the City. . Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

36. Attorney Peck presented the draft ordinance prohibiting parking on both sides of Hillsdale Road west of Willow Springs Road. Ald. Krzeminski moved, seconded by Ald. Smetana, to adopt the ordinance as presented and waive the second reading. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Acting Clerk Bartelt declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 04-16-O.

37. Attorney Peck presented the draft ordinance abating the 2003 Tax Levy. In 2002 the City issued general obligation bonds; the City is obliged to pay the interest on those bonds. The City has sufficient funds in the general fund to pay the interest so no tax needs to be levied. The amount of the levy is $540,001.26. Ald. Krzeminski moved, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk, to adopt the ordinance as presented. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Acting Clerk Bartelt declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 04-17-O.

38. Ald. Straza asked about the status of the Chariot matter and when closure may be expected. Attorney Peck stated that will be addressed at a Special Meeting of the PC/ZBA in July to remedy this matter. He cannot guarantee that will end the litigation.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

39. City Administrator Bailey presented the proposal from McFarlane Douglass & Co. to decorate Memorial Park for the 2004 Holiday Season in the amount of $9,562. Ald. Conrad moved, seconded by Ald. Smetana, to approve the expenditure. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Mayor LeGant requested that the sleigh remain in the park afterwards for photo op use by residents.

40. Mr. Bailey presented the invoice from Parsons for design work done on the noise wall project in the amount of $8,140.53. Ald. Krzeminski moved, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk, to approve the expenditure. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

41. Mr. Bailey stated that seven bids were opened on April 8 for the 2004 Water Main Replacement project. The Engineer has reviewed the bids and recommends that the bid be awarded to Cerniglia Company, the low bidder, in the amount of $907,324.

Ald. Krzeminski moved, seconded by Ald. Straza, to approve the expenditure. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

42. Mr. Bailey presented the Resolution for Improvement by Municipality under the Illinois Highway Code in the amount of $161,000 for Phase 2 of the 2004 MFT Street Rehabilitation. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk, to adopt the Resolution as presented. The additional streets are Catherine Ave from 53rd to 55th, Ashland Ave. from 55th to 57th, and two alleys on the south side of Plainfield, west of Madison and west of Ashland. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Acting Clerk Bartelt declared that this will be known as RESOLUTION 04-06-R.

43. Mr. Bailey presented pay estimate #1 for the Master Supervisory & Pump Control Modifications for the pump house in the amount of $58,466.99. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Fajdich, to approve the expenditure. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

44. Mr. Bailey presented the offer of Ameritech Advanced Data Services to settle their telecommunications tax liability for the period March 1, 2000 through October 31, 2003. The City Attorney has recommended and Mr. Bailey concurs, that the City accept their proposal to settle the lawsuit. Ald. Krzeminski moved, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk, to accept the proposed settlement. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

45. Police Chief Swanson reminded Council that Saturday at 10 a.m. there will be a ceremony in Memorial Park for Officer Joe Jankowski; everyone is invited to attend.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to discuss, Ald. Krzeminski moved, seconded by Ald. Conrad, to convene into closed session under Section 2Ac of the Open Meetings Act for the purpose of discussing land acquisition. Motion carried by Roll Call vote.

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

SHIRLEY C. HERBERTS, CITY CLERK

By: Gail Bartelt, Acting City Clerk