MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2003

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,

Michael Smetana, Edward Krzeminski, Joseph Fajdich

ALSO PRESENT: City Clerk Herberts, City Treasurer Stoffels, City Attorney

Robert Peck, City Administrator Bailey, Police Chief Swanson, City Engineer Fitzgerald, Deputy Clerk Bartelt, AA Fast,

Deputy Treasurer Wenzel, Comm. Dev. Officer Muenzer,

ESDA Members Norman, Munson, Police/Fire Bd. Welch

ABSENT: Ald. Michalczyk

OMNIBUS AGENDA

2. Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of March 26, 2003.

3. Statement of Bills for the period ending April 9, 2003.

4. Subscription: Take Heart Newsletters – Administration/all – $438.24.

5. Membership: enterpriz Cook County – Administrator – $100.

6. Application for a registration license from Philip J. Vacco, 1415 W. 55th St., #201. Type: Attorney. Applicant: Philip Vacco.

7. Application for a registration license from Dixon Law Office, 1415 W. 55th St., #201. Type: Attorney. Applicant: G. Grant Dixon III.

8. Application for a general business license from Illinois Mailing Systems, 7061 Willow Springs Road. Type: Business office. Applicant: Ronald Fain.

9. Application for a general business license from Primerica Financial Services, 6428 Joliet Road, #105. Type Broker. Applicant: Deborah Kacz.

10. Application for a general business license from Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education, District 2 Office, 6438 Joliet Road. Type: State of Illinois business office. Applicant: Mindy Porter. Request waiving license fee.

11. Application for a general business license from Clean Techniques, 6335 Joliet Road, #203. Type: Business office. Applicant: Lori Lavine.

12. Application for a general business license from Dollar Zone Corp., 5555 Brainard Avenue. Type: Retail store.

13. Application for a general business license from Transport International Pool, 6428 Joliet Road. Type: Business office. Applicant: Oscar Groomes.

14. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Conrad, to approve the Omnibus Agenda as presented. Ald. Krzeminski asked to table Items G, K and L for review by Council. Ald. Smetana moved to approve the Omnibus Agenda minus Items G, K and L. Ald. Conrad seconded the motion. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

15. Mayor LeGant changed the Agenda Order to swear in newly-elected officials. Mayor LeGant administered the Oath of Office to Wayne Straza as Alderman of Ward 3 of the City of Countryside. Ald. Straza was welcomed into the Council and received his official badge of office.

16 Mayor LeGant administered the Oath of Office to Richard J. Stoffels as Treasurer of the City of Countryside.

17. Mayor LeGant administered the Oath of Office to Michael R. Smetana as Alderman of Ward 1 of the City of Countryside.

18. Mayor LeGant administered the Oath of Office to Shirley C. Herberts as City Clerk for the City of Countryside.

19. City Clerk Herberts administered the Oath of Office to Carl W. LeGant as Mayor of the City of Countryside.

20. After the swearing in ceremonies, Mayor LeGant invited all attendees to participate in the inaugural reception. The meeting was recessed at 7:40 p.m.

* * * * *

The Regular Meeting was reconvened at 7:40 p.m. with the same members present.

ADDITIONS TO AND/OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA

21. Additions to the Agenda were noted by Mayor LeGant, Aldermen Conrad and Fajdich.

QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE

22. Resident Joan Panapoulos addressed Council regarding Playschool and the asbestos tiles that were found under the carpeting. Mr. Bailey stated that State Regulations specifically identify schools as K-12. The Annex Building is a public building where a Playschool is held. She is concerned about her children and other community children who attended the preschool prior to clean-up. The City should have known what was in the public building without exposing children to the hazard. It was noted that asbestos is not a hazard unless it becomes airborne. No inspection or tests were done prior to this time. Mr. Peck stated that the tiles were covered by carpeting; the city purchased the building about 12 years ago. Ms. Panapoulos stated that EPA laws have been in effect since the 1980s; there are guidelines governing the use of asbestos including special mastic with carpeting and checking every 6-12 months to make sure the tiles and glue are still intact. Mr. Bailey stated that JMS is doing the testing for the City; it is on the agenda for tonight’s meeting. Ms. Panapoulos believes that the City is not doing enough to make the public aware of asbestos in the public building. Mr. Bailey stated that JMS Consultants will be engaged to develop an asbestos management plan for all City facilities. Mr. Bailey also met with the parents of children who attend the preschool and shared all information available at the time. There have been articles in the newspaper alerting the public. Mr. Peck stated that the parties need to identify circumstances under which asbestos is released from the tiles through the carpeting. Ms. Panapoulos stated that the City does not have a plan in place; they need an inspection and maintenance plan. Mr. Bailey stated that matter is being addressed tonight. She would like the City to make parents aware of possible asbestos exposure in preschool. Council stated that asbestos is everywhere and people are routinely exposed to it in normal daily living. Asbestos is present in all homes built in the 50s and in brake linings of automobiles.

MAYOR’S REPORT

23. Mayor LeGant discussed the tabled draft resolution opposing proposed legislation which would abolish mosquito abatement districts within Cook County, Illinois. Council members have a copy of the resolution. Ald. Krzeminski moved to approve the Resolution opposing abolishing the mosquito abatement districts within Cook County. Ald. Conrad seconded the motion. Mayor LeGant stated that the local district has been in operation since the 1920s; he believes the City should stay with the DesPlaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Clerk Herberts declared that this will be known as RESOLUTION 03-07-R.

24. Mayor LeGant discussed the addendum to the Agenda and asked Council to consider approval of attendance to the West Suburban Chiefs of Police Association dinner held on May 2, 2003 at the Skylite West Banquets, Berwyn, IL. Cost is $30 per person; the request includes City Council members, the Police Chief, City Administrator. Clerk Herberts called the Roll: all Aldermen plan to attend, plus Mayor LeGant.

25. Mayor LeGant presented the request from Time Out Sports Bar & Grill, 6025 LaGrange Road, to change from the currently held Class J-2 license ($800) to a Class E liquor license ($950). They request paying only the difference in cost of a Class E – $150. A Class E license entails entertainment one or two nights per week. Mayor LeGant stated this is a new license and if approved they will be paying for a newly-created license at $950. At that time the Class J-2 license will be abolished. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Fajdich, to create a Class E liquor license and abolish the Class J-2 license. Motion carried by unanimous Roll Call vote – 5/0/1.

Clerk Herberts declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 03-14-O.

26. Mayor LeGant proceeded to read correspondence from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks designating Shirley C. Herberts, City Clerk, has earned her the title of Certified Municipal Clerk awarded by the above institution. This award is granted only to those Municipal Clerks who complete demanding education requirements, and make significant contributions to her local government, community and state. The Council congratulated Clerk Herberts on the achievement of this milestone.

CITY CLERK’S REPORT

27. Clerk Herberts thanked the Mayor and Council for the accolades. She advised new and old Council members that she is the keeper of the records and as such must require Chairmen to submit copies of minutes from all committee meetings to her office.

TREASURER’S REPORT

28. Treasurer Stoffels advised Council members that the FDIC has increased the amount of funds that they will guarantee from $100,000 to $130,000.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

29. POLICE COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN CONRAD, CHAIRMAN, presented the request of the Police Department for software replacement of the CAPERS system in the amount of $17,634. Ald. Conrad moved, seconded by Ald. Straza, to approve the request. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

30. Ald. Conrad presented the request of the Police Department for hardware replacement of the CAPERS system in the amount of $7,031. Ald. Conrad moved, seconded by Ald. Straza, to approve the request. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

31. Ald. Conrad sought Council approval for Police Commissioners’ attendance at the Illinois Fire & Police Commissioners Assn. Spring seminar in Decatur, IL on May 2-4, 2003. Estimated expenses for two members are $760. Ald. Conrad moved, seconded by Ald. Straza, to approve the request. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

32. FINANCE COMMITTEE – TREASURER STOFFELS, stated that the proposed 2003/04 appropriation budget has been approved earlier this evening.

33. Treasurer Stoffels noted that the proposed 2003/04 Flagg Creek Golf Course Budget – there has been correspondence between Director Will and Treasurer Stoffels, which is still ongoing. He recommends approving the budget as presented but anticipates further correspondence. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Fajdich, to approve the 2003/04 Flagg Creek Golf Course Budget. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

34. Treasurer Stoffels stated that the final matter is the request for donation from the American Cancer Society. Last year’s donation was $500 to the “Relay for Life”. Treasurer Stoffels recommended a donation of $500 to the Local Office of ACS located at 7234 W. Ogden Avenue, Riverside, IL. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Krzeminski to approve the donation. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

35. STREETS & ALLEYS COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN SMETANA, CHAIRMAN, sought approval to hire four individuals as seasonal employees in the Public Works Department. They are James Campbell and Steve Howard, returning for second season, plus Bill Feeney and Jamie Harris. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Krzeminski, to concur with the recommendation of Mr. Fullar in hiring these four individuals. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

36. BUILDING DEPARTMENT – ALDERMAN FAJDICH, CHAIRMAN, reported that 29 building permits were issued for the month of March; 23 paid permits totaled $6,065; six free permits were also issued. A permit was issued for Home Depot on April 3 in the amount of $58,000. Interior demolition should begin very shortly.

LEGAL REPORT

37. City Attorney Peck stated that the application of Café Salsa, 6510 Joliet Road, to rezone the property from R-1 to B-1 was tabled from the last meeting. Ald. Krzeminski moved, seconded by Ald. Smetana, to table the matter to the next meeting. Ald. Conrad questioned the outcome of discussions between Mr. Manz and concerned residents. Ald. Krzeminski stated that there are outstanding issues, thus the tabling of the matter. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

38. City Administrator Bailey presented the invoice of Parson’s Transportation Group in the amount of $6,407.31 for work completed on the noise wall project. Ald. Krzeminski moved, seconded by Ald. Smetana, to approve the request. Mayor LeGant stated that property owners south of I-55 have requested information on the development of the noise wall. Mr. Bailey and Mr. Fitzgerald will respond in writing and provide an informational meeting for interested residents. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

39. Mr. Bailey sought Council approval for replacement of the computer network file server in the amount of $10,765.20. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Krzeminski, to concur with the recommendation of the City Administrator. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

40. Mr. Bailey presented the proposal from JMS Environmental Associates, Ltd., for development of an asbestos management plan at a cost of $550 +25 for each bulk sample. Ald. Conrad moved, seconded by Ald. Smetana, to approve the proposal. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

STAFF REPORTS

41. City Engineer Fitzgerald provided an update on the 2003 Street Rehabilitation Project – resurfacing and patching. He received IDOT plan approval yesterday. The and Mr. Bailey have selected a bid date of April 29.

42. Mayor LeGant proposed a project for both Mr. Fitzgerald and Mr. Bailey. He would like them to contact the State and the County to consider installing left-turn and right-turn lanes at the intersection of Joliet Road and Brainard Avenue. If necessary the City could enter into a joint agreement to possibly share some of the cost. Mr. Fitzgerald stated that in the interim a letter is being sent to IDOT regarding additional green time on the Brainard south approach. IDOT is currently investigating signal timing. It was noted that a traffic counter is being installed at that intersection tomorrow morning.

43. Ald. Smetana asked about the status of the Left-turn arrow and the traffic light at Circuit City/Quarry Mall. Mr. Fitzgerald advised that the traffic signal is probably four weeks away from bids. Regarding the left-turn arrow, he sent correspondence to the Mayor and Mr. Bailey; this will most likely be discussed at an upcoming Streets & Alleys Committee. He was unaware of the history from 2001 and seeks direction from Council.

44. Police Chief Swanson thanked Alderman Straza for his hard work as a Police Commissioner; many thanks to the other Police Commissioners as well.

45. Ald. Conrad thanked Steve Norman and ESDA members for their work in connection with all parks, especially City Park and Countryside Park. Thanks to Chief Swanson and the Police Department for their work in the redevelopment of Countryside Park. He also thanked the Building Department, Mr. Bailey, Supt. Fullar, members of the Recreation Committee and Director Wilson as well as Mayor LeGant and all the support from the entire City for assistance in the process and finally receiving the IDNR grant in the amount of $200,000. Many thanks to all.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to discuss, Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Krzeminski, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Mayor LeGant declared the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.