MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2011

1. Mayor Krzeminski called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Acting Clerk Bartelt called the Roll of those physically present as follows:

PRESENT: Mayor Edward Krzeminski, Aldermen: Robert Pondelicek, John Von Drasek, James Jasinski, Sean McDermott.

ABSENT: Ald. Karen Michalczyk, City Clerk Sweeney, City Admin. Paul,

ALSO PRESENT: Acting Clerk Bartelt, City Treasurer Jasinski, City Attorney Peck, Police Chief Ruth, Fin. Dir. Drazner, City Eng. Fitzgerald, ESDA Crd. Norman, Police Bd. Chrm. Welch, Meb. Burdett, PC/ZBA Chrm. Fullmer.

OMNIBUS AGENDA

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -Special Meetings of November 30, 2011 (2).

3. STATEMENT OF BILLS through December 14, 2011: $1,401,814.48.

4. Application for a general business license from Pearle Vision, 5501 W. Plainfield Road. Type: Optometric office. Applicant: Dr. K. Sheladia. (new owner).

5. Application for a general business license from L.A. Fitness & Pro Results, 5917 LaGrange Road. Type: Health club facility. Applicant: Fitness International, LLC.(formerly Ballys).

6. Application for a general business license from Enny’s Hair Cuts, 6572 Joliet Road. Type: Beauty salon. Applicant: Enisa Mila.

7. Application for a general business license from Bednar Cleaning, Inc., 5639 Willow Springs Road. Type: Office in Home. Applicant: Byron Bednar.

8. Application for a general business license from Pizza Hut, 5621 LaGrange Road. Type: Restaurant. Applicant: Dwight Fraser. (new owner).

9. Ald. McDermott moved to approve the Omnibus Agenda with the deletion of Bednar Cleaning, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek, to investigate how long the business is in operation and whether it was operating without a business license since 2007. Mayor Krzeminski spoke with the owner, who is a Countryside resident; the business was moved from Rockford to Countryside. Nonetheless, Ald. McDermott wishes to remove this item until the next meeting for further investigation. Motion carried by unanimous Roll Call vote – 4/0/1.

ADDITIONS TO AND/OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA

9. One deletion was noted by Mayor Krzeminski — request of the Chase Bank to continue the PUD matter at 6150 LaGrange Road to January 11, 2012.

QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE

10. Victoria Ganz, 10221 – 5^thAve. Cutoff, asked why her shed request is being vetoed by the Mayor. The neighbors have no problem with the shed. The majority of parcels in that vicinity have accessory buildings that were grandfathered in. The Zoning Board should review the building to lot ratio for these properties; owners need storage buildings for maintenance equipment. Mayor Krzeminski stated that the Zoning Board denied other requests of this nature until the structures were brought up to Code. In this case the shed does not meet City Codes and was built without a permit. Ms. Ganz brought up other unrelated issues. Mayor Krzeminski responded and stated that the City Council may override this veto at the next meeting if they so desire.

11. Frank Zickus, Countryside resident, complimented the Council on maintaining the City’s financial stability today and in the past. He questioned the Mayor’s reason for his court appearance at the Daley Center yesterday. Mayor Krzeminski and his wife were in court on a personal matter that had no relationship to the City’s financial standing and noted that Mr. Zickus was not a casual observer. Mr. Zickus’ concern is for the financial strength of this community. Mayor Krzeminski stated that it is up to the City Council whether or not to rebate real estate taxes. Mr. Zickus wishes to see the City remain on a firm financial footing.

12. Georgia Devilis, owns commercial property on LaGrange Road that has been vacant for three years. She had to decrease the rent by 40%; her concern is that real estate taxes are too high and she objects to paying 75% for education. She asked that money be taken from sources other than real estate tax. She stated that strict City Codes are hindering business opportunities.

MAYOR’S REPORT

13. Confirmation of Aldermanic appointment filling the vacancy of former Ward Three Alderman Straza. Appointment of Scott Musillami – swearing in ceremony. Mayor Krzeminski interviewed the applicants and decided on Scott Musillami, a long-time resident of Countryside. Ald. McDermott moved to confirm the appointment of Scott Musillami as Alderman of Ward 3, seconded by Ald. Jasinski and carried by Roll Call vote – 4/0/1.

14. Mayor Krzeminski administered the Oath of Office to Scott Musillami, as Alderman of Ward 3, City of Countryside. City Council members agreed that he was an outstanding choice and welcomed Scott Musillami as Alderman of Ward 3 for the City of Countryside. Ald. Musillami thanked the Mayor and Council Members for the vote of confidence and looks forward to working with the citizens and businesses of the City of Countryside. He took his seat at the Council table.

15. Mayor Krzeminski advised that he will veto Ordinance 11-71-O – Variance to Zoning and Building Code allowing a second accessory building and footing without complying with frost-proof requirements. Ald. McDermott stated that there will be a motion to override the veto on the next Agenda. Mayor Krzeminski stated that the Zoning Board denied the request. The Ordinance has provisions for a fine; it is the Council’s decision.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

16. CITY TREASURER – STEVEN JASINSKI, stated that the Village of LaGrange voted this week to increase their property taxes by 2.7% to pay for the library and the police pension fund. Countryside is lucky that they don’t have to follow suit.

17. Treasurer Jasinski wished a very happy birthday to CBA member and friend, Carm Scarpaci on his 35^thbirthday today.

18. WATER COMMITTEE – ALD. VON DRASEK, CHAIRMAN, presented the Recommendation to approve the proposed changes to the McCook Water Supply Agreement. Ald. Jasinski moved to approve, seconded by Ald. McDermott and carried by Roll Call vote – 5/0/1.

Acting Clerk Bartelt declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 11-81-O.

19. Ald. Von Drasek stated that no action will be taken at this time on the recommendation re: Water Penalty Waivers. Season’s Greetings to all.

20. Ald. Jasinski stated that graffiti was reported on a local park on 7^thAvenue and Bobolink last night. Thanks to Public Works,Jim Essig and staff, on their quick response; it was all cleaned up today – the City appreciates it. Congratulations to new Alderman Musillami and Season’s Greetings to all.

21. Ald. McDermott discussed the draft ordinance prohibiting the sale or use of synthetic cannabis, synthetic stimulants and/or synthetic psychedelic/hallucinogens. He came across it at the Citgo on Brainard & 55^thSt. Young people are being damaged after consuming this product. He made some minor amendments to the City’s Ordinance under Section 4-2-6-4-5 – Penalties – to increase the penalty to persons who violate the ordinance (merchants) of not less than $1,000 and not more than $1,500. In Section B, reduce the possession penalty to not less than $100 and not more than $200, with the community service hours remaining the same. The products keep changing chemical composition to get around state law. Merchants in town selling these products should be fined, arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Ald. McDermott moved to approve the ordinance as amended, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote – 5/0/1.

Acting Clerk Bartelt declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 11-78-O.

22. Ald. Pondelicek stated that drivers on 9^thAvenue going southbound from 56^thSt. to 58^thSt. should pay particular attention to the stop sign with the reflective strips. He encouraged them to drive the area and comment on whether these strips should be applied to all stop signs in the City. Season’s Greetings to all and welcome to the new Alderman Musillami.

LEGAL REPORT

23. Attorney Peck stated that the request for PUD at 6150 LaGrange Road was continued to January 11, 2012.

24. Attorney Peck presented the PC/ZBA recommendation with a draft ordinance. On December 6, 2011, Mr. Drager appeared before the PC/ZBA, requesting a variation for an already constructed 6′ high fence built around an attached deck which provides zero percent permeability instead of the required 50% permeability at 6911 Sunset Avenue. The PC/ZBA found that he met all requirements for a variation and it was granted subject to the following conditions: that the fence be in substantial conformity with Exhibits A, B, C and D, photos of the already-built fence; that the applicant file for a permit to construct the fence and pay all fees and fines associated with the permit; and that he obtain written documentation from adjacent neighbors stating that they have no objection to the fence. Ald. Von Drasek moved to concur with the PC/ZBA recommendation, seconded by Ald. Jasinski and carried by Roll Call vote – 5/0/1.

Acting Clerk Bartelt declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 11-79-O.

25. Atty. Peck presented the draft ordinance rescinding Ordinance 10-53-O granting a zoning variation to Jim Arce, 5403 LaGrange Road, to permit off-site parking at 9825 W. 55^thSt. The use has not been established within six months of the granting, after many extensions. Mr. Arce agreed not to proceed with off-site parking. Ald. Pondelicek moved to approve, seconded by Ald. McDermott and carried by Roll Call vote – 5/0/1.

Acting Clerk Bartelt declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 11-80-O.

26. Police Chief Ruth welcomed Ald. Musillami and extended Season’s Greetings to all. Mayor Krzeminski extended his wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all Countryside residents.

ADJOURNMENT

27. There being no further business to discuss, Ald. Von Drasek moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ald. Musillami and carried by Roll Call vote.

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

Sharon Sweeney, City Clerk

By: Gail Bartelt, Acting Clerk.