MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2010

1. Mayor Conrad called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. City Clerk Sweeney called the Roll of those physically present as follows:

PRESENT: Mayor Robert Conrad, Aldermen Wayne Straza, Karen Michalczyk, Robert Pondelicek, Sean McDermott, John Von Drasek, Ald. Michael Smetana.

ALSO PRESENT: City Clerk Sweeney, City Treasurer Jasinski, City Attorney Erik Peck, City Admin. Paul, Interim Police Chief Novak, City. Eng. Fitzgerald, Finance Director Drazner, Asst. Admin. Peterson, ESDA Coord. Norman.

PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA

2. Ald. McDermott moved to open the Public Hearing re: Commercial Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously.

SUMMARY OF PUBLIC NOTICES AND CONFORMANCE TO TIF ACT

3. Mayor Conrad introduced Bob Rychlicki of Kane McKenna, the City’s TIF consultant, who described steps taken by the City in conformity with the TIF Act re: Notices.

4. On May 17, 2010 certified notices were sent to all taxing districts of record and the State of Illinois, notifying them of this public hearing and the Joint Review Board hearing. On May 26, 2010, notices were sent by regular mail to all residential addresses within 750 feet of the boundaries of the TIF District.

5. On June 8, 2010, the Joint Review Board met with the related taxing districts attending including the two schools and had the TIF plan presented to them. On July 20, 2010, tax payers of record and interested parties were sent notice of this meeting via certified mail. On July 22 and 29, 2010, notice of this public hearing was published in the local newspapers. The City has conformed to all the requirements as required by Illinois law.

SUMMARY OF JRB MEETING

6. On June 8, 2010 the City met with the taxing districts – both high school and grade school were represented, the County of Cook and the Fire District were present. The facts of the TIF plan were presented to the taxing bodies, questions were answered, and the City received unanimous approval from the Joint Review Board. All districts recommended creation of the TIF District to City Council with action taken 14 days after the close of the meeting. There were no verbal or written comments made at that time.

SUMMARY OF TIF PLAN

7. Mr. Rychlicki presented Council members and the audience with a map of the proposed TIF boundary. It includes all the commercial / retail development along the east side of LaGrange Road from Joliet Road on the south to 55^th Street on the north. The SE and SW corners of Joliet Road includes some expansion, as noted.

8. The creation of a TIF District does not create any new taxes associated with the City’s designation of this area; taxes remain the same in or out of the TIF. If the base tax is $50,000, it remains $50,000 and continues to go to the taxing districts – schools, forest preserves, townships, City, etc. Any monies over and above the base, are returned to the City to be used strictly for public improvements, property assembly or site preparation. The City has a time period of 23 years in which to spend that money within the specified geographic area mainly for public improvements. Reassessment of the property and growth in valuation will increase due to the enhanced benefit to the area over the 23-year period. The incremental taxes can only be used to further improve the area and allows for generation of even greater value within the area over time. The total budget is $25,250,000 which cannot be exceeded without formal amendment to the entire plan. TIF funds cannot be used for working capital; only for improvements that increase the value of properties in the TIF District.

PUBLIC COMMENT AND DISCUSSION

9. There were no questions from the City Council or City Staff. Jay Weinberger, Continental Honda, runs a business inside the TIF district. He questioned whether he would be paying any new sales taxes Mr. Rychlicki stated that his taxes will remain the same; there will be no increase. The County Assessor must uniformly assess properties regardless of location. There is no restriction on the sale of the land; owner’s rights are not changed.

10. Rick Camboni, Country Club Mobile Home Park, asked how the City chose the properties to include in the TIF District. The City followed the frontage on LaGrange Road and excluded residential property; most buildings were older than 35 years.

11. Mayor Conrad thanked Mr. Rychlicki for the presentation. He stated that the Public Hearing is continued to September 22, 2010, prior to the City Council meeting, to provide additional time for the public to submit oral or written comments. Ald. Michalczyk moved to continue this Public Hearing to September 22, 2010, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried by unanimous Roll Call vote – 6/0.

OMNIBUS AGENDA

12. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 28, 2010.

13. STATEMENT OF BILLS through August 11, 2010: $388,841.80.

14. Application for a block party on August 28 between 2-11 pm at 7115 Pleasantdale Drive.

15. Application for a general business license from WINDY CITY MUSIC, INC., 5401 S. 9^th Avenue. Type: Manufacturing District. Applicant: Randall Flaws.

16. From Community Extension Project (CEP) Youth Leadership, Inc., requesting a special use to operate a Haunted Manor from October 15 through October 31, 2010 at 40 Countryside Plaza. Requesting license and permit fees be waived.

17. Application for a general business license from NICHOLSON PORCH & DECK BUILDERS, 10660 W. 71^st St. Type: Home office. Applicant: Randy Nicholson.

18. Application for a general business license from EDWARD JONES, 6555 Willow Springs Road, #9. Type: Broker. Applicant: Clinton Firestone.

19. Application for a general business license from A.J. CRAFTS N MORE, 6502 Joliet Road. Type: Retail. Applicant: Ashley Jeglinski.

20. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve the Omnibus Agenda as presented, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously.

QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE

21. Robert Doby, 5707 Catherine, stated that Catherine Ave. needs more police patrols between 4-6 p.m; cars fly down the street especially during construction. He witnessed a boy on a bike almost get hit by a car as it rounded the corner. Interim Chief Novak stated that he will review the situation.

MAYOR’S REPORT

22. Application for a Special Event License from the Countryside Business Association to hold a Countryside 50^th Anniversary Party at Countryside Park on September 25, 2010 from 2 pm to 10 pm. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously.

23. Proclamation recognizing the accomplishments of Dr. Dennis Trybus, Executive Director of the Helping Hand Center upon his retirement. Mayor Conrad will read the entire Proclamation at the ceremony tomorrow. Ald. Smetana moved to approve, seconded by Ald. McDermott and carried unanimously.

24. Formal notification of the Proclamation of State of Emergency previously adopted July 28, 2010 for the flood event occurring on July 24, 2010. Mayor Conrad stated that this was done to assist residents affected by the flooding. Ald. Straza moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.

25. Proclamation welcoming the National General Grand Masonic Congress AFAM Scottish Rite and the Supreme Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star USA & Canada, Inc., to the City from August 22 – August 27, 2010. Mayor Conrad stated that the Masons will be spending the time at the William Tell; the City appreciates the added commerce created by the visit. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

26. LICENSE COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN PONDELICEK, CHAIRMAN, will discuss the Chicago Title Insurance matter after the Legal Report re: limited zoning.

27. RECREATION COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN VON DRASEK, CHAIRMAN, presented the recommendation to allow a traveling baseball team to use the Countryside name – a group of 14-year-old boys travel around the area; they play at Pleasantdale Park; it is a very good program for boys’ baseball. Ald. Smetana moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously.

28. Ald. Von Drasek stated that the Summer Concert Series has concluded; it was very successful; many requests to extend the program were received; they will be considered for next year.

29. Ald. Von Drasek presented the recommendation for increasing the Ponytail Softball League to include high school girls, grades 10-12. Ms. Peterson and Jerry Cappetta will research this matter and present further information.

30. Ald. Von Drasek stated that Christmas decorations were discussed; the City has a contract for the banners on the new light poles. The banners must remain for a certain period of time; we will use the banners we have up there and decorate the other poles. He urged everyone to attend the September 25, 2010 50^th Anniversary Party.

LEGAL REPORT

31. City Attorney Peck presented the recommendation of the PC/ZBA on the rezoning from B-1 to O Limited office zoning classification at 1415 W. 55^th St. At the hearing on August 3, 2010, on the application of Roy Van Eck and Robert Dykstra, the PC/ZBA heard all the testimony and evidence presented; no objections, written or oral were received; all requirements for rezoning were met. It was the recommendation of the PC/ZBA to approve rezoning of the subject property to O limited office. Ald. Smetana moved to concur with the PC/ZBA recommendation, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 10-36-O.

32. Ald. Pondelicek stated that on behalf of the License Committee, he presented the request for general business registration from CHICAGO TITLE INSURANCE, 1415 W. 55^th St., #104, for applicant Marie Hynes. Ald. McDermott moved to approve the request, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

33. City Admin. Ms. Paul presented the draft resolution for the Appointment of Steven Drazner as the Authorized Agent to IMRF effective August 11, 2010. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve, seconded by Ald. McDermott and carried unanimously.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as RESOLUTION 10-9-R.

34. Ms. Paul requests authorization to award the Water Tank Repainting Project to the low bidder, Neumann Company Contractors, Inc., for $176,500. Ald. Smetana moved to approve the amount, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously.

35. City Admin. Ms. Paul presented the draft resolution authorizing, supporting and approving the ITEP Grant Application. Ms. Peterson is working with City Eng. Fitzgerald to complete the application process. The City received two letters from Senator Viverito and Speaker Madigan supporting its efforts to get the Grant. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve the project, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as RESOLUTION 10-10-R.

36. Ald. Michalczyk provided an update on the flood damage that occurred on July 24, 2010 in the western suburbs. Governor Quinn, Cong. Davis and Cong. Lipinski held a meeting in Westchester this morning. They assured residents that they are working jointly to get the Illinois’ application approved by the federal government. They have four preliminary assessment teams out this week accumulating information, photographs, videos and other mediums to support the application. Next week the application will be reviewed and sent to FEMA – the length of time for review is unknown. If and when approved there will be another process for residents to follow; it will not be automatic. There is no information yet. Once it is declared a federal disaster area, they provide an 800 number and a website with downloadable forms. Ald. Michalczyk will follow up. Information will be passed on to residents.

STAFF REPORTS

37. Interim Chief Novak stated that the Labor Day enforcement for impaired drivers will begin on August 21 through Labor Day; they will have DUI checkpoints in various areas. Many thanks to Steve Norman and Gail Paul for all the work they did during the week of storms. DPW did a fantastic job as well helping police during that emergency. Sgt. John Mikel will be the main contact next week while Chief Novak is out of town.

38. City Engineer Fitzgerald stated that they recently completed the Sunset Avenue rehab plans as part of the CDBG program and are sending them to Cook County for approval. They expect to go out for bids next week.

39. Asst. Admin. Ms. Peterson presented IDOT invoice #7 for the LaGrange Road Streetscape Project (ITEP) from TENG – in the amount of $3,602.67. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve payment, seconded by Ald. McDermott and carried unanimously.

40. Ms. Peterson presented Invoice #8 from TENG for Cost Plus Fixed Fee (Phase III) on LaGrange Road project in the amount of $27,148.56. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve payment, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously.

OLD & NEW BUSINESS

41. City Attorney Peck stated that the South Lyons Sanitary District approved and signed the Intergovernmental Agreement that the City previously approved.

ADJOURNMENT

42. There being no further business to discuss, Ald. Von Drasek moved to recess to Executive Session under Section 2Ac of the Open Meetings Act for the purpose of discussing real estate, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by unanimous Roll Call vote – 6/0.

43. Mayor Conrad declared the meeting recessed at 8:12 p.m.

* * *

44. The Regular City Council meeting returned to Open Session with the same members present at 8:33 p.m.

45. Mayor Conrad sought a motion to approve the real estate contract to purchase 6161 Joliet Road as previously discussed in Executive Session. Ald. Straza moved to purchase the property at 6161 Joliet Road subject to the execution and completion of the Redevelopment Agreement with AutoBarn Volkswagen as well as the first amendment to the Economic Incentive Agreement with AutoBarn Mazda, to be executed prior to completion of the contract, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried by unanimous voice vote – 6/0.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 10-38-O.

46. Ald. McDermott moved to approve the Redevelopment Agreement with AutoBarn Volkswagen and the first amendment to the August 6, 2008 Economic Incentive Agreement with AutoBarn Mazda, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by unanimous voice vote – 6/0.

47. Ald. Straza moved to adjourn the Regular Session, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

48. Mayor Conrad declared the meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.

SHARON SWEENEY, CITY CLERK