MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY AUGUST 27, 2003

After the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, Mayor LeGant called the meeting to order at 7:45 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, Karen Michalczyk

ALSO PRESENT: City Clerk Herberts, City Treasurer Stoffels, City Attorneys Erik And Robert Peck, City Administrator Bailey, Police Chief Swanson, Deputy Treasurer Wenzel, Comm. Dev. Officer Muenzer, Police/Fire Bd Members Pondelicek, Welch, DeMaertelaere, ESDA Director Norman

ABSENT: Engineer Fitzgerald

OMNIBUS AGENDA

2. Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of August 13, 2003.

3. Statement of Bills for the period ending August 27, 2003.

4. Treasurer’s Report for the period ending July 31, 2003.

5. Membership; Municipal Clerks of Illinois – Clerk’s Office – Cost: $67.00.

6. Application for a general business license from Union Financial, Inc., 6345 Joliet Road. Type: Mortgage broker. Applicant: Michael Reddy.

7. Application for a general business license from Hertz Rent-A-Car, 35 E. Plainfield Road. Type: Car rental. Applicant: Craig Koch.

8. Application for a general business license from Subway Sandwiches, 5501 Plainfield Road. Type Fast food restaurant. Applicant: Bartul Elezovski.

9. From Constance Golden, 7118 Pleasantdale Drive submitting an application for a block party on September 6, 2003 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

10. Application for a general business license from S & S Automotive, Inc., 9825 W. 55th St. #C. Type Installation of aftermarket auto products. Applicant: Jerry Chavoen.

11. Application for a general business license from Clark of Countryside, 5301 S. LaGrange Road. Type: Minimart/car wash/gas station. Applicant: Nader Afshari

12. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk, to approve the Omnibus Agenda as presented. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

ADDITIONS TO AND/OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA

13. Two additions to the Agenda was noted by Ald. Smetana.

QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE

14. Resident Lydia Codilis is concerned about the renovation of Soehrman Park. She requested “no parking signs” on Hillsdale once construction begins. Mayor LeGant stated that No Parking signs will be posted and enforced. Resident MaryAnn Novak asked who to call if problems occur once construction is finished. Mayor LeGant advised residents to call the Police Department first, then the Park District and then the City if no solution is reached. Ald. Krzeminski stated he would like to be notified in addition to the above individuals. Chief Swanson suggested that a sign be posted stating “parking for block residents only.” A new ordinance will be required for the no parking sign. Resident Ernest stated that he is concerned about the easement permit and sanitation facilities. Mayor LeGant suggested that he review the proposed plans which are in the Building Commissioner’s office.

MAYOR’S REPORT

15. Mayor LeGant sought confirmation of the appointment of Kimberly K.. Benkert, 6605 Natasha court, as City representative to the Illinois & Michigan Canal Authority. She is replacing Stan Johnson, who will be retiring after 19 years. Ald. Conrad moved, seconded by Ald. Straza, to confirm the appointment. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Ald. Krzeminski publicly thanked Stan Johnson for all the time and effort spent in his role as Chairman of the I & M Canal. Mr. Johnson plans to stay involved with the National Heritage Corridor.

16. Mayor LeGant presented the request of Pleasantdale Park District to waive the building permit fee for redevelopment of Soehrman Park He noted that does not include water tap hook-up or engineering services. He stated that the fee the City would receive is close to $60,000. Ald. Krzeminski moved, seconded by Ald. Straza, to approve waiving permit fees for redevelopment of Soehrman Park. Mayor LeGant stated that the City does not allow rolled curbs in the park. The City will require a full 6″ upright curb to prevent cars from pulling into the grassy area. That will be a definite requirement. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

17. Mayor LeGant stated that he and Mr. Bailey met with County Commissioner Anthony Peraica last week to discuss Plainfield Road between 55th St. and Brainard Avenue. Plainfield is only two lanes wide and cars cannot make left turns into the businesses; traffic goes around stopped cars, driving on the parkway and creating an unsafe condition. The City has sent a letter to the Commissioner seeking construction of a center storage lane on Plainfield Road for a distance of 1100 linear feet between 55th St. and Brainard Avenue. The City appreciates any assistance it receives.

CITY CLERK’S REPORT

18. City Clerk Herberts requested approval to attend the Municipal Clerks of Illinois Academy in Springfield, IL, October 14-17, 2003, for herself and Deputy Clerk, Gail Bartelt. Estimated expenses are $1,364 for both individuals. Ald. Krzeminski moved, seconded by Ald. Smetana, to approve the expense and require a report upon return. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

FINANCE COMMITTEE, TREASURER STOFFELS, CHAIRMAN, presented the recommendations from the meeting of August 27, 2003.

19. Regarding “Standing in the Shadow of the Past” – Patriot’s Day Committee, September 7, 2003, St. Cletus, the Committee recommends a donation of $250. Ald.. Michalczyk moved, seconded by Ald. Straza, to approve the request. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

20. Regarding the Rotary Club of Countryside, Nighttime Golf Outing, September 13, 2003, the Committee recommends payment of $180 for a foursome. Ald. Krzeminski moved, seconded by Ald. Fajdich, to approve the request. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

21. Regarding Helping Hands request for their Walk-a-thon, October 5, 2003 at Countryside Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., they are asking to waive the fee for use of the park and a donation of $250.00. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Conrad, to approve the request. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

22. E.S.D.A LIAISON, ALDERMAN SMETANA stated that Director Norman has asked for membership renewal to the International Association of Emergency Managers; the cost is $150 due September 30. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk, to allow the expenditure. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

23. Ald. Smetana moved that the City Council authorize its labor negotiation team members to tentatively agree to proposals during their negotiation sessions without the need to first obtain prior approval by the Council. The negotiating team shall consist of its labor attorney, Nick Cetwinski, and City Administrator, Ed Bailey. Specific department heads shall serve this team as advisors; therefore the negotiation team is directed to report on the status of negotiations on a regular basis during their negotiations. Motion seconded by Ald. Straza. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

LEGAL REPORT

24. City Attorney Peck presented a draft ordinance establishing fees for additional water main connections. Ald. Krzeminski moved to approve the increase in connection fees. Ald Smetana seconded the motion. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Clerk Herberts declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 03-24-O.

25. Attorney Peck presented the draft ordinance prohibiting the accumulation of used tires except within an enclosed building or enclosed container. After discussion, Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Straza, to adopt the ordinance as presented and waive the second reading. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Clerk Herberts declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 03-25-O.

26. Attorney Peck presented the draft resolution supporting placement of an antenna on Illinois tollway property. Police Chief Swanson stated that the antenna will be located on 75th and I-294. It will entail no cost to the City. Ald. Conrad moved, seconded by Ald. Straza, to adopt the Resolution. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Clerk Herberts declared that this will be known as RESOLUTION 03-14-R.

27. Attorney Peck presented the recommendation of the PC/ZBA on the application of Jovic Builders for a variation from Section 10-5A-4 permitting the construction of three single family residences on three lots having an area of 16,300 square feet, each at 5651 Madison Avenue; also to approve the Plat of Survey known as Diane’s Resubdivision. Ald Fajdich moved, seconded by Ald. Straza, to concur with the recommendation of the PC/ZBA. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Clerk Herberts declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 03-26-O.

28. Attorney Peck presented the recommendation of the PC/ZBA on the application of Chris Schramko to permit a total of 18 parking spaces instead of the required 22 spaces and to eliminate the required 25-foot front yard green belt on both LaGrange and Plainfield Road at 5321 S. LaGrange Road.. Although there was some objection by neighboring businesses, the PC/ZBA recommended granting the variance, as well as granting the special use permitting a drive-thru facility as part of the development. Ald. Straza sought clarification from Mr. Schramko as to whether three or four stores will be leased. Mr. Schramko advised that he will keep the project to three tenants. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Fajdich, to concur with the recommendation of the PC/ZBA.

29. Mr. Gino Farvonte addressed Council; his wife owns “Complete Image”, the neighboring business and his mother owns Little Joe’s Restaurant. They are happy to welcome three tenants to the area; their concern is congestion and the misuse of space; he questioned whether the drive-thru will provide enough space to keep traffic flowing; traffic volume will be an issue. All traffic will exit at Plainfield Road. Mr. Schramko stated that construction will begin this Fall. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Clerk Herberts declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 03-27-O.

30. Attorney Peck presented the draft ordinance revising code provisions relating to police personnel benefits which will be governed by the collective bargaining agreement currently in effect. Ald. Krzeminski moved, seconded by Ald. Conrad, to adopt the Ordinance as presented. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Clerk Herberts declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 03-28-O.

31. Attorney Peck notified Council that it will be necessary to continue verbatim recordings of all Executive Sessions. On August 12, the Governor signed the bill which will require, as of January 1, 2004, that all closed meetings be recorded either by video or audio and that the tapes of those meetings be kept for 18 months after which they can be disposed of if a written record is provided. Mr. Peck will provide Council with correspondence summarizing the changes and enclosing a copy of the statute.

32. The final item is a letter to Council regarding pending litigation. He asked Council to review the letter, provide comments and discuss it at the next meeting.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

33. City Administrator Bailey requested approval for a 3% pay increases to non-union and non-police personnel including the Police Chief and Deputy Chief. Specific equity adjustments are also recommended for the ESDA pay structure. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Krzeminski, to concur with the recommendation. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

OLD AND NEW BUSINESS

34. Ald. Krzeminski congratulated the Police Department on bringing GIS into the City; this has been long overdue. This will be on the agenda for the next meeting.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Mayor LeGant declared the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

SHIRLEY C. HERBERTS, CITY CLERK