MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2003

Chairman Fullmer called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Secretary Lube called the roll; the following members were

PRESENT: Chairman Richard Fullmer, Jr., Mr. Edward Ziemba, Secretary Robert Lube, Mr. Steven Jasinski, Mr. Fred Fahey, Mr. Daniel Moss

ABSENT: Ms. Cynthia Schulz

ALSO PRESENT: Mayor LeGant, Ald. Fajdich, Ald. Conrad, Ald. Krzeminski, Bldg. Comm. Krautstrunk, City Attorney Erik Peck, Economic Development Officer Muenzer

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The first order of business was approval of the Minutes of June 10, 2003. Mr. Fahey moved, seconded by Mr. Ziemba, to approve minutes as presented. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

REVIEW OVERALL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OBJECTIVES

Mr. Muenzer stated that the consulting team of TPAP will discuss the planning process and scope of work. Mr. John Houseal of TPAP provided an Agenda including the role of the Steering Committee, project schedule, “housekeeping” matters and project initiation – Steering Committee Workshop. He distributed the seven step plan and discussed each of the steps along the way. The purpose of tonight’s meeting is to kick off the planning process. The project should be completed within 12-14 months. Tonight is the Project Initiation meeting and Steering Committee Workshop. He discussed the scope and time line, review of objectives and noted this is the time to resolve any outstanding questions.

The second step includes a community outreach workshop, key person interviews, community survey (30 questions) and posting feedback/ results via Web site and Newsletter. The survey will be sent to residents and businesses; they have received a 17-25% survey response in the past. Mr. Thomas Payne and Ms. Krista Kahle will conduct the remainder of tonight’s session. The third step involves doing a demographic inventory, data collection and analysis of information to create a synthesis report. Step four – establish an overall vision for the city; direction to be taken for a 10-15 year goal, and develop recommendations for reaching that goal. Step five — develop preliminary plans covering the entire city. Step six — develop subarea plans – they have identified five such areas which will receive detailed attention. Step seven – compile all the information gathered to develop a draft plan and identify potential funding sources to implement that plan. Mr. Muenzer stated that a sixth key subarea should include Dansher Park.

The Steering Committee will meet every 2-3 months to discuss progress. The goal is to reach consensus at each stage of the process. Mr. Tom Payne, project director, stated that the role of the Steering Committee is very important. Mr. Muenzer stated that the role of the PC/ZBA is to deliver the best available finished product to the City Council. The key person interviews should represent a cross section of the community. Ms. Kahle stated that the first community workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, September 16; the public is invited to attend and become involved in the process.

Mr. Payne stated that the first step is to collect data/analyze information and invited the audience to share their ideas about Countryside and issues they would like to see addressed in the Comprehensive Plan. He distributed a very short questionnaire to the audience. The first item is to list five issues or concerns confronting the City of Countryside. He invited individual responses after which time participants read and discussed their responses aloud. Ms. Kahle listed them individually, amounting to 27 issues including developing a “heart” of the city or town center area; attract new businesses, mixed land use/zoning, traffic congestion (closing Joliet Road), a lighting plan, streetscaping, tax revenue sources, increase traffic flow on side streets, expand auto dealerships, cooperation among merchants to improve business parking, attract first-tier type of business, eliminate fear factor and embrace change, Ward 2 residents do not want sidewalks in residential areas, however, broad sidewalks are conducive to retail commercial development, tear downs – review multiplier to limit size of new homes, eliminate general “hodge podge” of the City, address flooding issue, spot zoning, review unincorporated areas, green space, consider population density, make the City a destination, more exposure needed; maintain tax revenue sources.

Question two assigns a rank to the three most important issues mentioned. The top issues were maintain infrastructure, develop new community center for kids and seniors, streetscape/light flow, facelift along Plainfield Road, add new facades, beautify main roads entering the city, attract and retain businesses, buy property in the immediate area to create parking lots, tax relief for older residents, rehab LaGrange and Joliet Roads, businesses need a facelift, uphold zoning uniformity, traffic congestion, use of Web site to advertise City — make it a destination.

Identify three specific projects and action you would like to see taken. Items identified include reopening Joliet Road – that will never be done. The State has allocated $30 million to improve traffic flow in the immediate area, up to Willow Springs Road. Develop the area from the clock tower triangle to LaGrange Road as a town center concept; the City must continue to provide services and maintain infrastructure.

Identify strengths and positives about Countryside – the list began with auto dealerships, strong retail/sales base, low taxes, financial strength of the city, location close to major arteries, shopping districts, excellent schools, City Council in tune with residents, park improvements, City services provided free to residents. Mr. Payne stated that these responses will be summarized and incorporated into the report. The community survey will be included with the City Newsletter due out in mid-September. Key person interviews will occur next month. All residents should be involved in the process including new/old residents, homeowners, businesses.

Ald. Krzeminski suggested getting tee shirts, hats or magnet buttons to promote the City.

The presentation was concluded after collecting written responses.

OLD/NEW BUSINESS

Chairman Fullmer read correspondence from Mr. Muenzer dated 8-8-03 concerning the Enterprise Rent-A-Car. A parking study conducted on six separate occasions, including a weekend, found an average of 20.6 cars parked overnight. On two occasions 28 cars were counted. Mr. Muenzer called Jim McDermott of Enterprise and asked him to continue monitoring the situation.

Regarding the additional meetings of the PC/ZBA to address the Comprehensive Plan, Chairman Fullmer advised that Commissioners will be reimbursed by the City at the usual rate. Commissioners thanked the Mayor and City Council.

Mr. Moss asked whether documents will be electronically stored. Mr. Payne stated that all graphics and other information will be posted on the Web site.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to discuss, Mr. Lube moved, seconded by Mr. Moss, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Chairman Fullmer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m.

RICHARD FULLMER, JR., CHAIRMAN