MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING

CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS

HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

CALL TO ORDER – Pledge of Allegiance

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

ROLL CALL

Present:Mayor Krzeminski

Alderman Pondelicek Alderman Jasinski

Alderman Michalczyk Alderman Von Drasek

Alderman McDermott Alderman Musillami

Clerk Sweeney

Also Present: City Admin. Paul, Police Chief Ford, City Attorney Peck, City Eng. Fitzgerald, ESDA Coord. Norman, Police Fire Bd. Member Burdett.

OMNIBUS AGENDA

1. Regular City Council Meeting – February 11, 2015.

2. Statement of Bills submitted for payment through February 25, 2015: $411,176.43.

3. Ald. McDermott moved to approve the Omnibus Agenda, as corrected below, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek. Ald. McDermott stated that on 2-11-15 minutes – page 1, Mayor’s Report, HB #1556 – re: the Water Rate Protection Act. This is important because it protects residents from rate increases passed on by the City of Chicago. Residents were asked to contact members of the Rules Committee. The names of the members listed were incorrect except for Barbara Schwann Curry. The correct current members of the Rules Committee are: Representatives Ed Sullivan, Lou Lang, David Leach and Frank Montino. Motion carried by unanimous Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC

1Text corrected to read Barbara Flynn Curry. 2Text corrected to read his campaign.

4. Carm Scarpace, Westfield Ford, stated that he was informed that the Mayor called Gina Fisher of Autobarn and himself liars – over a conversation the Mayor had with Ms. Fisher. The Mayor stated that Mr. Scarpace was not present at the meeting. The Mayor said he met with Gina Fisher in December during which time they discussed business and during that meeting she talked about the corner property. Mr. Scarpace stated that he met with Ms. Fisher as VP of the CBA. During that meeting, they spoke about her conversation with the Mayor. Ms. Fisher stated that the Mayor was strictly there for sponsorship in support of the²campaign breakfast and he had tickets. The Mayor agreed. Mr. Scarpace stated that she talked about auto sales but that she never had a conversation re: Indian Motorcycles or the corner. The Mayor stated then she would be incorrect because she also talked about IDOT and the problems she was having with her front entranceway. The Mayor said she also talked about how IDOT impacted the corner and the reasons why she was not going forward with the lease. Mr. Scarpace stated she did talk about IDOT; that is accurate, but she did not talk about Indian Motorcycles. The Mayor said she spoke about other interested businesses going into that location. Mr. Scarpace asked if she had a conversation about Indian Motorcycles with the Mayor. The Mayor responded that she talked about the corner property. He doesn’t remember if she talked about Indian per se, but she said she didn’t want the lease to go forward – never said the word Indian but that’s the only business that was in the process of being leased so he assumed she meant Indian.Mr. Scarpace stated that IDOT had nothing to do with her going forward – so that statement is false. The fact that the Mayor would call a business owner in the City of Countryside a liar is very insulting. The Mayor is likewise insulted to think that a conversation between himself and a business owner is suspect. The Mayor will contact Ms. Fisher to straighten out this matter. The Mayor stated that she said with all the construction and everything she couldn’t allow the lease to go forward because of problems with the entrance and she would end up having to pay money back to the lessee due to the inability to enter the property because of IDOT construction. Both gentlemen agreed that the three individuals should get together to discuss the matter further.

MAYOR’S REPORT-no report.

CITY CLERK’S REPORT -no report.

TREASURER’S REPORT -no report.

COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION REPORTS FOR DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND, IF SO DETERMINED, ACTION UPON:

5. Economic Development Committee – Alderman McDermott sought consideration of an ordinance repealing 14-45-O for the Lil’ Kickers Countryside, LLC Redevelopment Agreement – due to financial difficulties. Ald. Jasinski moved to repeal the ordinance, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 15-09-O.

6. Ald. McDermott sought consideration of a request from the Heritage Corridor Convention & Visitors Bureau to formally recognize them as our visitors bureau and make an annual monetary contribution – as discussed earlier this evening at the EDC Meeting. The decision was made to go forward with recognizing Heritage Corridor as the official visitor’s bureau, but withhold any monetary commitment until after budget discussions take place. Ald. Musillami moved to formally recognize the Heritage Corridor Convention & Visitors Bureau as the City’s official Visitors Bureau, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by unanimous Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

7. Ald. McDermott stated that the Illinois Municipal League sent notice to all elected officials in the State re: the Governor’s proposal to cut a small portion of the income tax distributed to municipalities. Countryside’s share would come close to $200,000; that would be a significant hit to the City’s budget. He suggested that the City formally send a letter to our legislators expressing opposition to that idea due to the financial impact to the City. City Admin. Ms. Paul stated that the Illinois Municipal League sent out an e-mail today to members encouraging them to advise everyone. If acceptable to the City Council she will forward the email with the link to the elected officials and department heads. City Council approved.

8. Finance Committee – Acting Treasurer Paul sought consideration to approve one of the three actuarial contributions, as recommended by the Finance Committee, as the Annual City contribution to the Police Pension Fund. The three studies were discussed at the recent finance committee meeting – the recommendation was to proceed with Goldstein & Associates, the city’s actuary, for $837,391. Ald. Jasinski moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

9. City Admin. Ms. Paul sought consideration of an ordinance to terminate Special Service Area #1. This SSA was put together in 1983 re: sanitary sewers in Ward 2. There has been no activity and no levy for many years; the County has asked the City to formally terminate this area. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve, seconded by Ald. McDermott and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 15-10-O.

Human Resources Committee – Alderman Pondelicek -no report.

10. Infrastructure Committee – Alderman Michalczyk sought consideration of an IDOT MFT Engineering Services Agreement for 2015 Street Rehabilitation Project. The State has requested that this agreement be formally executed with Novotny & Associates to move forward with MFT monies. The streets for the 2016 budget are Hillsdale, Stalford and 9^thAvenue. Ald. Musillami moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0. Ald. Michalczyk stated that this Resolution will be undertaken by City Engineer Fitzgerald along with the CDBG Grant.

License Committee – Alderman Musillami – no report.

11. Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals – City Attorney Peck sought consideration of an amendment to PUD Ordinance 12-75-O granting special uses and variances for Lot 3B to Chick fil-A – 6007 S. LaGrange Road, on the application of Countryside Partners, LLC. Any modification to a PUD Ordinance requires a special use. At the hearing held on February 3, 2015, applicants appeared before the PC/ZBA; after hearing all the testimony and evidence, it was their recommendation to approve the following: a special use permit for a drive-thru; special use permit for an outdoor patio; business and site signage variances with regard to height of the signs; an additional menu board and location of the menu board; also parking lot design standards and variance to reduce the parking stall length; building design variances to reduce the minimum front yard setback requirements; and to allow certain site furniture variances.

Ald. Von Drasek moved to concur with the PC/ZBA recommendation, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 15-11-O.

12. Attorney Peck sought consideration of an ordinance granting a variance for 5311 Catherine Ave. – on the application of Ms. Lisa Salina. She appeared before the PC/ZBA on January 6 and February 3, 2015 seeking a zoning variation to permit the following:

1) reduction to the side yard setback from the required 5′ to 4’8; 2) reduction to the required combined side yard setback from 15′ to 13’11; 3) increase in the FAR from 1,844 s.f. to 2,845 s.f. After hearing all the testimony and evidence, the PC/ZBA recommendation was to permit those variations subject to the following conditions: that applicant agrees that the basement will not be used as habitable space. This ordinance will be recorded against the property at the applicant’s expense, thereby giving notice to any heirs or successors of the same restriction, which said restriction shall run with the land and not with the user. Ald. McDermott moved to concur with the PC/ZBA recommendation, seconded by Ald. Musillami and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 15-12-O.

Police Committee – Alderman Pondelicek -no report.

13. Recreation Committee – Alderman Jasinski reminded the audience that the Easter Egg Hunt will take place in Countryside Park on Saturday, March 28³at 10 a.m. Children of Countryside residents up to age 12 are welcome to participate.

14. The Summer Concert Series will begin on June 4 – further details as to the bands and the food vendors will be forthcoming.

15. Water Committee – Alderman Von Drasek – sought consideration of an ordinance to increase the water rates (pursuant to biennial water rate study) for Indian Head Park and LaGrange Highlands Sanitary District effective May 1, 2015. Ald. Musillami moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0. Ald. Von Drasek stated that this encompasses the Triangle Area – brought to the City’s attention by Ald. McDermott and Ald. Musillami two years ago. Triangle residents were paying a higher rate than the rest of the Countryside residents. Those residents have received a rebate check for the second time. Also thanks to Eng. Fitzgerald and Atty. Peck – this matter became quite contentious at times – there is no dispute at present. Ald. McDermott commended Ald. Von Drasek and all City Council members who supported this move; many residents expressed their gratitude.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 15-13-O.

16. Flagg Creek Advisory Board- Alderman Von Drasek sought consideration of an offer letter to Michele Stepanek for the position of Assistant Manager, Flagg Creek Golf Course. This matter will also come before the Pleasantdale Park District for their approval. Thanks to the individuals who worked on this project – Ald. Musillami, Kevin Burke, Gail Paul, Sharon Peterson and myself for going through the candidates during the hiring process; everyone did a good job. Ald. Musillami moved to approve, seconded by Ald. McDermott and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

3 Text corrected to read Saturday, April 4.

17. Ald. Von Drasek presented an informational item -he attended the Aging Well meeting on Monday and also the Community Leaders team meeting in LaGrange. Several programs will be initiated; they will hopefully be printed in the Newsletter. On April 21 at 1 p.m. in City Hall, Officer April Bisignani will be holding a safety meeting for seniors showing proper installation of car seats since many seniors care for their grandkids. Officer Bisignani will also discuss other safety issues. Westfield Ford will participate in this event. Several other issues were discussed at the Aging Well meeting. Please ignore or hang up on unwanted phone solicitors. Many seniors have requested assistance with phony or scam utility problems encountered. Ald. Von Drasek will get the flyers posted ASAP for the April 21^stmeeting.

CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT

18. Mayor Krzeminski sought consideration of an ordinance appointing Gail Paul as Acting Treasurer. Ald. McDermott moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 15-14-O.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT -no report.

STAFF REPORTS

Chief of Police – no report.

19. City Engineer Fitzgerald sought consideration to award the contract to Lyons & Pinner Electric for installation of LED luminaries project for $52,000. Ald. Musillami moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

Mr. Fitzpatrick stated that the combined cost of the lights and the installation was less than expected; together with the Grant the amount should be paid off in one year – original projection was three years. The lights will be delivered around March 10 and should be installed within two weeks – before the end of March in order for the City to get the bonus coupon.

20. Mr. Fitzgerald sought consideration of a resolution for improvement by the municipality under the Illinois Highway Code in the amount of $401,000 – using the MFT to pay for the three streets mentioned. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 15-02-R.

21. Mr. Fitzgerald sought consideration of a resolution authorizing the City’s application and funds request for a Cook County Community Development Block Grant

(CDBG) for the 2016 Street Rehabilitation Program in the amount of $180,000 matching funds plus identification of the CDBG Low/Moderate Income Tract update areas. Mr. Fitzgerald distributed a map entitled Eligible CDBG Areas within the City of Countryside. He stated that HUD has finally adopted the 2010 Census area information; this is the new map which discloses two areas designated low/mod in the past that no longer qualify; the threshold is 51.3%. The Ideal School area which was eligible in the past has gone down to 47.09% – that is no longer eligible. The other currently ineligible area is the 5^thAvenue area which is now 48.07%. However, there are two new areas in the City – in the NE corner, that are now eligible at 56.78% including 6^th, 7^thand 8^thAvenues, and some of Bobolink and Dansher Road would fall into that area. The big area that changed is all of Ward 2, except the 5^th Ave. Cutoff, at 53.29%.

22. Ald. Von Drasek noted that all the 5^th Ave. Cutoff roads have been paved. He asked whether improvements in the parking lot of Flagg Creek Golf Course would qualify – it would not benefit individuals – a senior center parking lot would qualify. Ald. Von Drasek asked whether a sewer improvement would qualify – Mr. Fitzgerald stated that it would; at a recent staff meeting sanitary sewer and water main improvements do qualify and were discussed. HH He mentioned 71^st Place water main problems; Essig and Hartigan have moved that area up on the priority list re: the five-year street plan.

Mayor Krzeminski asked whether Hillsdale in Ward 2 is now included; Ald. Michalczyk stated that the CDBG funds are applied to the 2017 budget; Hillsdale was in the 2016 budget. Mr. Fitzgerald is recommending applying for 67^th Street, from Willow Springs to Sunset; Forestview Road, from Lorraine Drive to Sunset; and Parkside Avenue, from Hillside to Crestview – applying for funds this year for next year’s construction. The estimated budget is $360,000; the City will request $180,000 in CDBG funds. New regulations provide that beginning last year the City may request funds for only one project at a time. They agreed that street paving is more important than the water main.

Ald. Michalczyk moved to adopt the Resolution to apply for CDBG matching funds in the amount of $180,000, seconded by Ald. Jasinski and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as RESOLUTION 15-03-R.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

23. Mayor Krzeminski sought a motion to recess to Executive Session under Section 2(c)21 of the Open Meetings Act for the purpose of discussing executive session minutes of 2-11-15. Ald. Pondelicek moved to recess to Executive Session, seconded by Ald. Musillami and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0/0.

Mayor Krzeminski declared the meeting recessed at 8:08 p.m.

* * *

The Regular City Council meeting returned to Open Sessionwith the same members present at 8:15 p.m.

Ald. Jasinski moved to approve the Executive Session minutes of 2-11-15 as presented, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote -6/0/0.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to discuss, Ald. Jasinski moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ald. Musillami and carried by Roll Call vote -6/0/0.

Mayor Krzeminski declared the meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m.

fp SHARON SWEENEY, CITY CLERK