MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2004

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, Edward Krzeminski, Joseph Fajdich, Karen Michalczyk

ABSENT: Michael Smetana

ALSO PRESENT: City Clerk Herberts, City Treasurer Stoffels, City Attorneys Robert and Erik Peck, City Administrator Bailey, Police Chief Swanson, City Engineer Fitzgerald, Deputy Treasurer Wenzel, CDO Muenzer, Police/Fire Bd. Member Pondelicek, PC/ZBA Member Ziemba

OMNIBUS AGENDA

2. Approval of Minutes – July 28, 2004.

3. Statement of Bills for the period ending August 11, 2004.

4. Application for a general business license from Dan Wolf Pontiac-GMC-Subaru, 9817 W. 55th St. Type: Storage lot. Applicant: Daniel Wolf, formerly Saturn.

5. Application for a general business license from Dan Wolf Pontiac-GMC-Subaru, 6060-70 LaGrange Road. Type: Auto Sales. Applicant: Daniel Wolf. Formerly Saturn.

6. Membership: Illinois Tactical Officers Assn. – K-9 Unit – $40.

7. Membership: Illinois Police Accreditation Coalition (I-PAC) – Police – $50.

8. Application for a special use from Route 66 Classics, 6420 Joliet Road to hold a car show on August 28, 2004 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

9. Application for a registration from The Law Offices of Wilson & Wilson, 1023 W. 55th St. Type: Law office. Applicant: William S. Wilson.

10. Application for a registration from Nai Annie Walter, DDS, 6335 Joliet Road, #200. Type: Dentist. Applicant: Nai Annie Walter.

11. Membership: Municipal Clerks of Illinois – Clerk’s Office – $72.

12. From Misericordia Heart of Mercy requesting permission to solicit on April 29-30, 2005 at various locations within Countryside.

13. From the Vaughan Chapter, Paralyzed Veterans of America requesting permission to solicit on October 28-30, 2004 at various locations within Countryside.

14. Application for a special use from NUMARK Credit Union, 9809 W. 55th St., to hold a Member Appreciation Day on August 14, 2004 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

15. Application for a business license from, Nonno’s Pizza, Countryside, Inc., 5396 LaGrange Road. Type: Pizza restaurant. Applicant: Vincenzo Marino.

16. Application for a business license from L.T. Sporting Sales, Inc., 7061 Willow Springs Road. Type: Import facilitator. Applicant: Lester Trilla.

17. Application for a business license from E’s Fish & Shrimp, 6555 Willow Springs Road, #5. Type: Carryout restaurant. Applicant: Everett Williams.

18. Membership: National League of Cities – Administration – $918.

19. Membership: Sam’s Club – Clerk, Police, ESDA – $90.

20. Ald. Krzeminski moved to approve the Omnibus Agenda as presented, seconded by Ald. Conrad and carried unanimously.

ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA

21. One addition to the agenda was noted by Ald. Fajdich. One deletion was noted by Mayor LeGant – Officer Joseph Pietrantoni is not able to appear tonight.

QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE – none

MAYOR’S REPORT

22. Mayor LeGant presented the request of Kim Benkert, Countryside rep for the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor requesting the services of the DPW and ESDA to assist with the Rendezvous, September 11-12, 2004. Ald. Conrad moved to approve the request, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously.

23. Mayor LeGant presented the request from the Countryside Chamber of Commerce for the city to co-sponsor the Antique & Classic Car & Cycle Show on August 20 from 3-9 p.m. in the William Tell parking lot. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve the request, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously. Mayor LeGant also presented the request of the Countryside Chamber for a $3,000 advance to produce the Antique & Classic Car & Cycle show on August 20, 2004. Any unused funds will be returned to the City. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve the request, seconded by Ald. Fajdich and carried unanimously.

25. Mayor LeGant presented the request of the Countryside Chamber to participate in the Chamber’s Double Pin Open golf outing at Timber Trails Golf Club, September 1, 2004 at a cost of $100 per person for golf and lunch. Ald. Conrad moved to allow all elected officials, department heads, City Administrator Bailey and CDO Muenzer to attend the event, seconded by Ald. Fajdich and carried unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT

26. Treasurer Stoffels stated that Council approved investing in CDs through a broker, Rate Quest of California; he is not satisfied with the information received and will take no action at this time.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

HOTEL/MOTEL COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN KRZEMINSKI, CHAIRMAN, presented recommendations from the meeting held earlier today:

27. The committee discussed formation of a Route 66 Museum. This is an excellent venture and a perfect fit the community to be located in Countryside along historic Route 66. The committee approved authorizing a feasibility study to be completed for a fee not to exceed $30,000 for this purpose. Ald. Krzeminski moved to approve the feasibility study, seconded by Ald. Fajdich; and carried unanimously. Money will come from the Hotel/Motel Funds.

28. Ald. Krzeminski stated that the marketing plan was discussed. The chosen firm is proceeding quickly and should be providing their recommendations shortly.

27. Ald. Krzeminski stated that the WSCC will sponsor the Business Exchange & Showcase – a marketing opportunity – on October 6, 2004 at the William Tell. The committee recommended sponsorship of $250. This will provide a way to advertise business locations within the city. Ald. Krzeminski moved to approve the expenditure, seconded by Ald. Fajdich and carried unanimously.

WATER COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN STRAZA, CHAIRMAN, presented recommendations from the meeting held earlier this evening:

28. The committee reviewed the proposal from Gencar, Inc. in the amount of $5,116.56 to furnish and install the security barrier at pump house No 2. Ald. Straza moved to accept the above proposal, seconded by Ald. Krzeminski and carried unanimously.

29. The next three items are related to the elevated water storage tank – 110 volt electrical supply between the pump houses, replace wiring for water tank lighting and replace the storage tank light fixtures. To expedite the process more efficiently and economically, the same contractor will be used for all three projects not to exceed $12,000. Ald. Straza moved to approve the expenditure, seconded by Ald. Krzeminski and carried unanimously.

RECREATION COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN CONRAD, CHAIRMAN, presented recommendations held earlier this evening.

30. The committee recommended approval to repair playground equipment at Ideal School in the amount of $8,724.36 including installation. Ald. Conrad moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously.

31. The committee proposed establishing dates for the 2005 Countryfest 45th Anniversary celebration. The dates are July 14-17, 2005. Ald. Conrad moved to approve the dates, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously.

32. Ald. Conrad stated that the acquisition of a permanent city message board was discussed. Administrator Bailey was directed to research pricing and advise the committee. Ald. Conrad moved to authorize the administrator to move forward, seconded by Ald. Krzeminski and carried unanimously.

33. The committee discussed installing a welcome sign at the southwest corner of Flagg Creek Golf Course. Mr. Bailey will discuss the matter with the DPW Director and make a recommendation to the committee.

34. Ald. Conrad stated that Friday, August 20, The Rookie will be the final Movie in the Park for this summer. Last Thursday was the final concert for the summer, BBI – it was a good mix of music and entertainment.

35. BUILDING DEPARTMENT – ALDERMAN FAJDICH, CHAIRMAN, reported that 57 building permits were issued during July; 19 free permits and 38 paid permits for a total of $19,518.

LEGAL REPORT

36. City Attorney Peck proposed adjourning to Executive Session at the conclusion of the meeting to discuss possible land acquisition.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

37. City Administrator Bailey requested authorization to attend the ICMA Annual Conference in San Diego, CA October 17-20, 2004; estimated cost is $2,100. Ald. Krzeminski moved to approve the authorization, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously.

38. Mr. Bailey presented the invoice from Parsons re: Countryside Noise Wall Project in the amount of $5,104.02. Ald. Krzeminski moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously. A pre-construction meeting will be scheduled shortly. Ald. Krzeminski suggested that a short ceremony heralding the significance of this long-awaited project would be in order.

39. Mr. Bailey presented engineer’s pay estimate #1 for the 2004 Street Rehab Project – Phase 2 in the amount of $78,653.87 to Central Blacktop. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously. Ald. Conrad called attention to the restoration phase not being completed – manhole covers, sod and striping. Ald. Conrad will provide the specific areas in writing.

40. Mr. Bailey presented engineer’s pay estimate #2 for the 2004 Water Main Replacement project in the amount of $44,964 to the Cerniglia Company. Ald. Straza moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Conrad and carried unanimously. Ald. Fajdich expressed his disappointment in the work being done on 58 St. There is mud, dirt over the street; the street is blocked going south. Progress is very slow. Mr. Fitzgerald is keeping after them; he sent a letter today advising them to pick up the pace. They are two weeks behind schedule. Council members stated that they should finish one area before beginning another; they should not start 55th St. before finishing 58th St. Mayor LeGant stated there is much restoration work to be completed, pouring driveways and sidewalks. Restoration has begun on 7th Ave., according to Mr. Fitzgerald.

41. Mr. Bailey presented renewal rates from Delta Dental Plan of Illinois for coverage for city employees; $20.94 for single coverage and $66.15 for family coverage. Ald. Krzeminski moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Fajdich and carried unanimously.

42. Mr. Bailey recommended the proposal to purchase SurfControl Software at a cost of $5,850 for three years. This program restricts the information employees can download, including e-mail filters that reduce spam and serve as virus barriers. Ald. Conrad moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously.

STAFF REPORTS

43. City Engineer Fitzgerald stated that signal modifications at Camboni have begun and should be completed by the end of the month.

44. Ald. Conrad moved to abandon the Sunset St. Ditch Enclosure Project, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously.

45. There being no further business to discuss, Ald. Conrad moved to convene into Closed Session under Section 2Ac of the Open Meetings Act for the purpose of discussing land acquisition, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried by Roll Call vote.

Mayor LeGant declared the meeting recessed at 8:05 p.m.

The meeting was reconvened into Regular Session at 8:15 p.m. with all the same members present.

46. Attorney Peck stated that he has prepared a draft ordinance determining that the property at 5631 LaGrange Road is blighted and should be acquired for redevelopment purposes and directing such acquisition. This is based on the results of a study by URS/TPAP citing numerous violations. Ald. Conrad moved to adopt the ordinance as presented, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried by unanimous Roll Call vote.

Clerk Herberts declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 04-31.O.

47. Attorney Peck stated that he has prepared a draft ordinance authorizing the acquisition or condemnation of the property at 5631 LaGrange Road through negotiation or condemnation proceedings. An offer will be made in writing to the owners to purchase the property at fair market value. If no response is forthcoming or if negotiations fail, the City is then authorized to bring condemnation proceedings to acquire that property for redevelopment. Ald. Conrad moved to adopt the ordinance as presented, seconded by Ald. Krzeminski and carried by unanimous Roll Call vote.

Clerk Herberts declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 04-32.O.

There being no further business to discuss, Ald. Krzeminski moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously.

Mayor LeGant declared the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

SHIRLEY C. HERBERTS, CITY CLERK