MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING

CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS

HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

CALL TO ORDER – Pledge of Allegiance

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

ROLL CALL

Present:Mayor Krzeminski

Alderman Pondelicek Alderman Jasinski

Alderman Michalczyk Alderman Von Drasek

Alderman McDermott Alderman Musillami

City Clerk Sweeney

Acting Treasurer Paul

Also Present: City Admin. Paul, Police Chief Ford, Asst. Admin. Peterson, City Eng. Fitzgerald, ESDA Coord. Norman, Police Bd. Meb. Burdett, PC/ZBA Meb. Benson.

OMNIBUS AGENDA

1. Approval of City Council Meeting minutes of April 8, 2015.

2. Statement of Bills submitted for payment through April 22, 2015: $441,313.64.

3. Ald. Musillami moved to approve the Omnibus Agenda as presented, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek. Ald. Von Drasek stated that the bond return re: Pearlshire Countryside (Holiday Inn) is contingent upon passing the elevator inspection on 5-1-15. That item is withheld until completion of inspection. Motion carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC – none.

MAYOR’S REPORT

4. Notice of Appointment: Police Pension Board: Steven Jasinski, 650 61^stPlace – to fill the remaining term of the former Finance Director that expires 5-1-15 and the following term expiring 5-1-17. Mayor Krzeminski sought a motion for the above appointment. Ald. Jasinski moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Musillami and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0. Council members welcomed Steve Jasinski back. Mayor Krzeminski administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Jasinski as Police Pension Board member. Congratulations were in order. Mr. Jasinski signed the necessary documents and was again welcomed back.

5. Mayor Krzeminski stated that in the past the City has sponsored a billboard on I-55 with $24,000 going to Countryside Business Association (CBA) for the billboard. He is surprised to learn that the City’s website is not posted this year; the billboard lists the CBA site and not the City’s website. Ald. Michalczyk stated that in the past the website was Gocountryside.net. The website is now Shopcountryside.net since the CBA took over. The Mayor is surprised that it changed to support the CBA rather than supporting the whole City.

CITY CLERK’S REPORT – no report.

TREASURER’S REPORT -no report.

COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION REPORTS FOR DISCUSSION,

CONSIDERATION AND, IF SO DETERMINED, ACTION UPON:

6. Economic Development Committee – Alderman McDermott sought consideration of a tax sharing agreement with Pearlshire Countryside (Holiday Inn). Ald. McDermott stated that this matter will be addressed at the May 13, 2015 meeting.

7. Ald. McDermott stated that within the next two weeks the City will be closing on the last parcel in the City Center with Chick-fil-A. They should be breaking ground shortly thereafter; it is exciting to see that final piece come into play.

8. Also, please keep the Allen Family from Western Springs in your thoughts and prayers. Their son, Tyler, age 20, is missing; he was a Highlands and LTHS student and graduate; this is a difficult time for the family.

9. Finance Committee – Acting Treasurer Paul sought reconsideration of the Annual Required Pension Contribution to the Police Pension Fund in the amount of $898,459. Ms. Paul stated that the City approved a contribution previously. Attorneys have advised the City, since former Chief Swanson pled guilty, that the actuary should re-run the numbers excluding Mr. Swanson’s pension. That is why this is up for reconsideration for the annual required pension contribution absent Mr. Swanson’s pension. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Musillami and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

10. City Admin Ms. Paul sought approval of the FY2016 Appropriations Ordinance. Ald. McDermott moved to approve the ordinance as presented, seconded by Ald. Musillami and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 15-20-O.

11. Human Resources Committee – Alderman Pondelicek – no report. FYI – the committee interviewed 12 candidates for the Finance Director position and winnowed the number down to three for re-interview and finally decided on one candidate. A written offer will be made pending background check and credit check. He thanked all those who participated in the interview process and selection.

12. Infrastructure Committee – Alderman Michalczyk stated this is her last meeting as she is retiring from the City Council. She has been a daughter, sister, student, a union member and union rep, a wife and mother, manager, Alderman and Grandmother – nobody does it alone; it takes people, working together to get the job done. She was a nurturer, mentor and challenger. She would like the Aldermen to continue the vision they fought for and remember — that a woman who behaves rarely makes history! She received a standing ovation from the audience.

13. Ald. McDermott thanked Karen Michalczyk for her many years of service; she did an outstanding job. All the ITEP work seen down LaGrange Road was spearheaded by her. She really helped change the face of Countryside; she is a tireless advocate for the community. She will be sorely missed; her knowledge of the City Council was extensive. She is wished the very best; many thanks for all her hard work in making this a great community. Ald. Von Drasek stated that he personally thanks Karen for her assistance; when he came on the Council ten years ago she was a guiding force that helped him gain the respect of his colleagues and in making service such a great experience. He and Karen have made definite changes in their Ward; the Aldermen will miss you; you did a fine job. Thank you. Ald. Musillami stated that when he came on the Council 3 å_ years ago, Karen really was a source of inspiration and information when he really needed to reach out. She made the transition very smooth and he appreciates all the help she provided. Ald. Michalczyk thanked Council members. Mayor Krzeminski stated that he was reviewing old photos of Karen’s swearing in and will send them to her. Karen already has those photos right here.

14. License Committee – Alderman Musillami sought consideration of a draft ordinance which requires background investigations for ice cream truck vendor business license applicants. Ald. Jasinski moved to adopt the ordinance as presented, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 15-21-O.

15. Ald. Musillami sought consideration of a draft ordinance that updates and clarifies Special Event Permit and Class C and CC liquor license and security requirements. Ald. Jasinski moved to adopt the ordinance as presented, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 15-22-O.

16. Ald. Musillami sought consideration of a draft ordinance that permits and limits the number of allowable sidewalk sales per year. Ald. Jasinski moved to adopt the ordinance as presented, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 15-23-O.

17. Ald. Musillami sought consideration of a draft ordinance that modifies the number of allowable garage sales per year. The Committee agreed to allow two garage sales per calendar year for no more than three consecutive days during any week. Ald. McDermott moved to adopt the ordinance as presented, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 15-24-O.

18. Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals – City Attorney Peck sought consideration of a request for a six-month extension to Ordinance 14-38-O granting a variance to 9825 W. 55^thStreet – Charter Fitness. In September 2014 the property owner came before the PC/ZBA with a site plan to expand the rear parking lot. The City Council passed Ordinance 14-38-O and granted several variances. Pursuant to the terms of the ordinance they had six months from that date to complete the project or commence it; that has not been done. The Building Department received a request seeking an extension. Charter Fitness seeks to expand the facility, thus the reason for parking lot expansion.

They have not reached an agreement with the owner; they hope that will take place in the future and request an extension to the ordinance. The Building Department recommends granting the six-month extension to the property owner for site improvements with the understanding that if the parking lot expansion never happens, the owner is still obligated to install the required bike racks and sidewalk. Ald. McDermott moved to approve the six-month extension, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

19. Atty. Peck sought consideration of an ordinance granting a special use variation to Paint Solutions to permit towing and storage at 5300 S. East Avenue. On April 14, 2015 Mr. Jeff Beck of Paint Solutions, came before the PC/ZBA seeking a special use to permit towing activities and the storage of vehicles as a secondary use to the existing body repair facility upon the property commonly known as 5300 East Ave. After hearing all the evidence and testimony, the PC/ZBA found that the applicant met all conditions for the special use and it was their recommendation to approve the special use subject to the following conditions: 1) that the petitioner replace the south perimeter fence with an 8′ privacy fence; 2) that the petitioner re-stripe the exterior portion of the lot to the maximum number of vehicles allowed; 3) that maximum vehicle storage will be 25 cars in the back plus the public parking in front; and 4) that the special use will run with the user and not with the land. Ald. Jasinski moved to concur with the PC/ZBA recommendation, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 15-25-O.

Police Committee – Alderman Pondelicek -no report.

20. Recreation Committee – Alderman Jasinski reminded the audience that the Concert Series begins in six weeks. Thanks to City Staff for all the hard work they’ve done and all the hard work yet to do. Special thanks to all the businesses that have contributed to the success of the series, especially Westfield Ford and Carm Scarpace, who is once again the main contributor to the event with a $9,000 contribution plus the $1,000 gift certificate raffle. Please try to come out and support the City – beginning June 4, 2015.

Water Committee – Alderman Von Drasek – no report.

21. Flagg Creek Advisory Board- Alderman Von Drasek sought consideration of the Flagg Creek Golf Course Food and Beverage Contract with Tommy R’s. He asked City Attorney Peck to summarize relevant portions of the agreement. Mr. Peck reviewed the document and presented a draft acceptable to the Staff and to Tommy R’s attorney. The concession stand will open no later than May 22, 2015; he will pay $500 per month to the golf course for the concession stand. With regard to catering – all catered events are subject to the sole discretion and approval of the golf course general manager; he has sufficient insurance to operate the business; the agreement runs through 12-31-15. The proposed menu is attached. Ald. Jasinski moved to approve the agreement as presented, seconded by Ald. Musillami and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

22. Ald. Von Drasek sought consideration to approve a purchase from the low bidder, JW Turf, for a Terrain Cut and Surrounds Bank mower in the amount of $32,956.92. Ald. McDermott moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Musillami and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

23. Ald. Von Drasek stated that Officer April Bisignani held a class on Safe Driving for Seniors. It was quite informative and she did a great job. Thanks to Westfield Ford for sending a representative who demonstrated and explained some of the new technology provided by Ford to keep drivers safe behind the wheel. There were about 25 Seniors here who got a lot out of it; thanks to Westfield Ford who participates in all City events.

CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT

24. Attorney Peck sought consideration of an ordinance updating the fence permit fee.

The Building Department recommended that the amount be simplified to a flat fee of $50 regardless of the cost of the fence. The draft ordinance is attached. Ald. Jasinski moved to adopt the ordinance as presented, seconded by Ald. McDermott and carried by Roll Call vote – 5/1/0. Ald. Michalczyk opposed.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 15-26-O.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – no report.

STAFF REPORTS

25. City Engineer Fitzgerald sought consideration of pay estimate #6 in the amount of $192,830.40 to Riccio Construction Corp., for the 2014/15 Water Main Replacement project.Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Jasinski and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

26. Mayor Krzeminski sought a motion to recess to Executive Session under Section 2(c)(21) of the Open Meetings Act for the purpose of reviewing executive session minutes of 4-8-15. Ald. Von Drasek moved to recess to Executive Session, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

Mayor Krzeminski declared the meeting recessed at 8:02 p.m.

* * *

The Regular City Council meeting returned to Open Sessionwith the same members present at 8:11 p.m.

Ald. Musillami moved to approve the Executive Session minutes of 4-8-15 as presented, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote -6/0/0.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to discuss, Ald. Musillami moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried by Roll Call vote -6/0/0.

Mayor Krzeminski declared the meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.

fp SUSAN BURDETT, CITY CLERK