MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY APRIL 27, 2005

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

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

ALSO PRESENT: City Clerk Herberts, City Treasurer Stoffels, City Attorney Erik & Robert Peck, Police Chief Swanson, City Administrator Bailey, City Engineer Fitzgerald, CDO Muenzer, Deputy Treasurer Wenzel, Ald. Elect John Von Drasek, Robert Pondelicek, Bldg. Comm. Krautstrunk, Plumbing Insp. DeMaertelaere, DPW Supt. Fullar, ESDA Coordinator Norman, Recreation Director Wilson, Code Officer Pyle, Police/Fire Bd. Member Welch

OMNIBUS AGENDA

2. Approval of Minutes of April 13, 2005.

3. Statement of Bills for the period ending April 27, 2005.

4. Treasurer’s Report for period ending March 31, 2005.

5. Application for a general business license from Neelsen Brick Restoration, 9737 Lorraine Dr. #9. Type: Home office. Applicant: Joseph Neelsen.

6. From the Knights of Columbus requesting permission to solicit at various intersections on September 16-17, 2005.

7. Application for a general business license from Jo-Ann’s #1589, 20 Countryside Plaza. Type: Retail. Applicant: Anne Todd Welki.

8. Application for a general business license from Ivy’s Florist, 6534 W. Joliet Road. Type: Floral Shop. Applicant: Patricia Jones.

9. Membership: International Council of Shopping Centers – CDO Muenzer – $100.

10. Mayor LeGant corrected the minutes of April 13, 2005, page 6, second paragraph, first sentence, delete LaGrange Road replace with 55th Street should have an eight foot fence. Ald. Smetana moved to approve the Omnibus Agenda with that correction, seconded by Ald. Fajdich and carried unanimously.

MAYOR’S REPORT

11. Proclamation of Appreciation to Joseph Fajdich, Retiring Alderman of Ward One. Mayor LeGant read a Proclamation for Alderman Joseph Fajdich, in recognition of his many contributions to the City of Countryside. Ald. Fajdich was appointed to the Plan Commission in 1971 and served until his election as Alderman of Ward One in 1977; he has served as Alderman from that time until his Retirement today – 28 years later. The City extends its appreciation and best wishes to Ald. Fajdich for his many years of community service. Mayor LeGant presented Ald. Fajdich with a commemorative plaque inscribed with the above sentiments. Ald. Fajdich thanked the Mayor and City Council; he will miss coming to the meetings and seeing the people he has come to know for the past 28 years.

12. Recognizing Departing Alderman Edward Krzeminski. Mayor LeGant thanked Alderman Edward Krzeminski for his many years of service to the City in various capacities; he asked him to continue providing the invaluable information as he has done in the past. Ald. Krzeminski thanked the Mayor and City Council for the opportunity to work with the City for the past 25 years. He takes pride in some of the completed projects in which he has been involved, namely the golf course, the sound wall, the 5th Avenue Cutoff and numerous other projects. He has lived in the City for 28 years and been involved with City matters for 25 years. He wished good luck to his successor, Ald. Von Drasek

INSTALLATION OF NEWLY ELECTED ALDERMEN

13. Mayor LeGant administered the Oath of Office to John Von Drasek as Alderman of Ward Two of the City of Countryside, Illinois. City Council welcomed Ald. Von Drasek to his new position.

14. Mayor LeGant administered the Oath of Office to Robert Pondelicek, as Alderman of Ward One of the City of Countryside, Illinois. City Council welcomed Ald. Pondelicek to his new position.

15. Mayor LeGant administered the Oath of Office to Robert Conrad, as Alderman of Ward Three of the City of Countryside, Illinois. Ald. Conrad welcomed the two new Alderman into the City Council and wished the departing Aldermen the best of luck.

16. Mayor LeGant announced a short reception in the adjoining chambers for newly sworn and departing members of the City Council. Mayor LeGant declared the meeting recessed at 7:45 p.m.

17. The Regular City Council meeting returned to Open Session with the two new Aldermen present at 8:10 p.m.

ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA – none

QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE

18. Chris Schramko, Schramko Real Estate Corporation, developer of property at the SE corner of LaGrange Road and Plainfield Road, advised Council of a problem with the existing light standard that was installed on the east side of the property per engineer’s drawings designed by Heuer & Associates. The owner of adjacent property states that the light pole interferes with their sign, Schramko disagrees; the light pole is placed in the optimum location, lighting the parking lot and ingress / egress onto Plainfield Road. Schramko received a citation from the City stating that the adjacent owner wants the light pole removed; they have been trying to identify an appropriate location. A possible solution was reached today on site in a meeting with City officials; they considered lowering the light pole just beneath the sign, if that will satisfy the neighbor. Schramko provided photographs of the area where the light pole is situated. Relocation would cost $4,025; lowering the pole would cost $1,500. Mayor LeGant entertained a motion to go into Closed Session, for the benefit of the new Aldermen.

19. Ald. Smetana moved to convene into Closed Session under Section 2Ah of the Open Meetings Act for the purpose of discussing pending litigation, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously. Mayor LeGant declared the Regular Meeting recessed at 8:14 p.m.

20. Mayor LeGant reconvened the City Council into Regular Session at 8:48 p.m. with the same members present.

21. City Attorney Peck stated that the City Council will take no further action with regard to the placement or location of the light pole. Plans showing location of the light pole should be submitted to the Building Department for approval, subject to review of Code requirements by the City Engineer

MAYOR’S REPORT

22. Mayor LeGant read from the report of Frank Novotny & Assoc, dated April 11, 2005, re: proposed Hidden Acres Subdivision, 6531 Willow Springs Road, PUD and Final Engineering Plans for the above subdivision, providing for the construction of 16 separate residential lots serviced by means of a Private Drive. Sanitary sewer and water main connections will be made through LaGrange Highlands Sanitary District. There are substantial differences between what is required and what is proposed in the Subdivision Code and in the Zoning Code. Almost nothing complies with either Code. The attached Fire Department review states that the District is comfortable with the plans. Ald. Smetana moved to approve the plans; there was no second. Motion dies. No action taken on this matter.

23. Mayor LeGant noted the invitation from the LaGrange Pet Parade inviting officials and Police Department to participate in the Parade on June 4, 2005. They will provide a convertible and the appropriate sign. Police and Fire Units should be in the lead section of the parade. Line-up time is 8:30 a.m.; parade begins at 9:30 a.m. promptly. Ald. Conrad suggested that the car dealers could supply the convertible; last year Continental loaned the car to the city. He asked Mr. Muenzer to contact the dealership – Mr. Bailey noted alternative plans regarding a trolley. Mark Muenzer suggested that the City utilize a trolley just as it did for the 40th Anniversary but adding a banner on the side of the trolley promoting Countryfest. It is a good opportunity to market that event. The Deputy Clerk will investigate securing that trolley in addition to Classic Cars or cars from car dealers.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

FINANCE COMMITTEE – TREASURER STOFFELS, CHAIRMAN, presented recommendations from the committee meeting earlier this evening:

24. The committee approved $300 donation to sponsor a golf hole at the 21st Annual Helping Hand Golf Outing on July 18, 2005; the City’s new logo will be used. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously.

25. The Rotary Club is requesting $1,500 for sponsorship of its Diamond Achievement Award honoring 75 LTHS students for significantly raising their GPA – on Thursday, May 5, 2005 at the William Tell Restaurant. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Conrad and carried unanimously.

26. LICENSE COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN MICHALCZYK, CHAIRMAN, presented the application for a special use request from Route 66 Classics, 6420 Joliet Road to hold a classic car show on June 12, 2005, 10-3 p.m. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve the request, seconded by Ald. Conrad and carried unanimously.

27. RECREATION COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN CONRAD, CHAIRMAN, presented the committee recommendation to approve the McFarlane Douglass Christmas decoration proposal for $16,990, for decorating Memorial Park and City Hall. Ald. Conrad moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.

28. The committee recommended approval to participate in the Active Adult Recreation Program with an annual fee of $5,300. This will appear in the Fall brochure; it is a co-op organization including communities west of the city. Ald. Conrad moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.

INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN SMETANA, CHAIRMAN, presented recommendations from the meeting held earlier this evening:

29. The committee recommended landscaping five Welcome to Countryside signs located at: 55th St. just east of Willow Springs Road; 75th St and Willow Springs Road; Joliet Road at Golf Course; LaGrange Road & 83rd St. and 55th St. and East Avenue, at a cost not to exceed $10,000; money will be taken from the Hotel/Motel Fund. Ald. Smetana moved to approve landscaping those five locations, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously.

30. E.S.D.A. LIAISON – ALDERMAN SMETANA, moved to purchase and install an on-vehicle generator for the mobile communications vehicle (unit #3420) at a cost of $4,950. This unit may be used by the Police or ESDA as needed; it is a 4000 watt generator; the cost includes converting the existing outlets to standard outlets. Ald. Straza seconded the motion; motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

LEGAL REPORT

31. City Attorney Robert Peck presented the draft Ordinance creating a Class T Liquor License providing for the sale of beer and wine only. Ald. Straza moved to adopt the Ordinance as presented and waive the second reading, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried by Roll Call vote – 5/1. Ald. Conrad opposed. Clerk Herberts declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 05-15-O.

32. Mr. Peck presented the PC/ZBA recommendation to amend the City Building Code to provide for a limitation on Special Event licenses. At the hearing held April 12, 2005, the recommendation was to revise Section 8-5-13-D of Title 8 of the Municipal Code, stating in part that —No applicant — shall receive more than four special event permits within any calendar year. No special event permit shall exceed 15 days and no more than two special event permits shall be issued to any applicant within any 30 day period. Two representatives from car dealerships were present and were satisfied with that recommendation. Ald. Straza moved to concur with the recommendation of the PC/Z BA, seconded by Ald. Conrad and carried unanimously. Clerk Herberts declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 05-16-O.

33. Mr. Peck is still working on the draft ordinance establishing the office of Community Development Director; that matter will be continued to the next meeting.

34. Mr. Peck asked for adjournment into Executive Session after the Regular Session, for the purpose of discussing employee matters.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

35. City Administrator Bailey stated that the Sales Tax Revenue Sharing Agreement between the City and Simon Property Group (SPG) has been finalized. City Council previously approved the terms and conditions of this agreement. Ald. Conrad moved to approve the agreement, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously. Ald. Straza hopes that all necessary start and finish dates are included in this document. Clerk Herberts declared that this will be known as RESOLUTION 05-08-R.

36. Mr. Bailey recommended approval of the proposed Fiscal Year 2005-2006 Appropriation Budget as presented to the Council;- revenues total $10,216,210; expenses total $13,005, 004. Ald. Smetana moved to approve the Appropriation Budget as presented, seconded by Ald. Conrad and carried by unanimous voice vote. Clerk Herberts declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 05-17-O.

37. Mr. Bailey sought approval for the contribution to the Countryside Police Pension Fund in the amount of $269,622. Ald. Conrad moved to approve the contribution, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously.

38. Mr. Bailey presented engineer’s pay estimate #1 for the 2005 Water Main Replacement to Gerardi Sewer & Water Company for $173,140.20. Ald. Smetana moved to approve the payment, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously.

39. Mr. Bailey presented his recommendation to provide a vehicle for the Community Development Director – quotes for three vehicles are attached. He recommends the 2005 Ford 500 at a cost of $20,994.04. Ald. Conrad moved to approve purchase of the Ford 500, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

STAFF REPORTS

40. Police Chief Swanson reported that there were no problems at the Park Place Teen Dance; it was not well attended; there were only about 25 cars in the lot.

41. Chief Swanson stated that the City is working on Department of Public Health Pharmaceutical Distribution evaluating preparedness for the community. The final City’s Emergency Operations Plan will be presented to the City Council for approval and submission to the Cook County EMA agencies.

ADJOURNMENT

42. There being no further business to discuss, Ald. Conrad moved to convene into Closed Session, seconded by Ald. Straza, under Section 2B1 of the Open Meetings Act for the purpose of discussing employee matters. Motion carried by unanimous Roll Call vote. Mayor LeGant declared the Regular Meeting adjourned at 9:23 p.m.

SHIRLEY C. HERBERTS, CITY CLERK