MINUTES OF INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE MEETING
CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE – CITY HALL
FEBRUARY 7, 2012 – 5:30 P.M. CHAMBER ROOM
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

1. Meeting called to order at 5:30 P.M. Present: Chair Karen Michalczyk, Aldermen Sean McDermott. Also present: Mayor Ed Krzeminski; City Clerk Sharon Sweeney; Alderman James Jasinski; Alderman John Von Drasek; Alderman Bob Pondelicek; City Administrator Gail Paul; Assistant Administrator Sharon Peterson; City Planner Bryan Swanson; Building Official Steve Tisinai; City Attorney Erik Peck; Mark Burdett; Resident Pat Schwartz; Residents Pauline and Roman Szabelski; Demetrius and Georgia Gavrilos.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

2. The minutes of the November 1, 2011 were approved as submitted.

DISCUSSION ON BUSINESSES THAT FEEL THE BUILDING OFFICIAL IS AGAINST BUSINESSES COMING TO THE CITY

3. This is a continued discussion from a previous meeting. Mayor Krzeminski requested a discussion regarding businesses that were reluctant, have left, or did not move into Countryside because of the City’s building codes.

Ms. Gavrislos, owner of 5408 LaGrange Road, expressed her discontent with the city’s fire sprinkler regulations. Ms. Gavrislos had a potential renter for the LaGrange Road property, but due to the change in use from a flower shop to a proposed coffee shop the cost would be approximately $12,000 to bring one unit up to the fire sprinkler code. Because of this strict rule she believes it is driving business away from Countryside.

Building Official Tisinai explained according to the state law, if it is an establishment has table and chairs for customers to sit and eat, the property has to follow the state sprinkler code. Ms. Gavrislos clarified she is not upset with the Building Official, but upset with the codes because it is very difficult to find renters.

DISCUSSION ON LAGRANGE ESTATES

4. Attorney Peck explained the city cannot force annexation on LaGrange Estates Mobile Home Park without acquiring additional property.

The committee members consensus is to take no further action at this time.

DISCUSSION ON CONTRUCTION BONDS AND REQUIRING CASH BONDS FOR CERTAIN PROJECTS

5. Building Official, Steve Tisinai explained all contractors performing work in the city present a $20,000 bond and insurance. The City Code Title 7 Public Ways and Property Bond Requirements read permits are not to be issued for work unless a $500 to $7,500 bond is posted. City Code Title 8 Building Regulations reads all applicants who are not required to post a bond under Title 7 are required to post a $5,000 bond except for a few exceptions.

The Community Development Department currently holds the Certificate of Occupancy until a final inspection is approved. Building Official Tisinai recommended requiring only one bond be required except in the case when an engineering grading plan is required it is recommended only a cash bond be accepted because a surety bond can expire.

The committee members concurred with the presented recommendations. Building Official Tisinai will draft changes to the code and present to the Council.

DISCUSSION ON MODIFYING THE RENTAL INSPECTION ORDINANCE

6. Building Official Tisinai recommended if an owner of a rental property keeps their property up to code they get will get a pass on the inspection the following year.

The committee members recommended approval to modify the inspection ordinance.

FLOODING AND STORM SEWER UPDATE

7. Chair Michalczyk reminded the alderman to keep DPW Superintendent Essig and City Engineer Fitzgerald apprised of any issues to discuss at the next meeting.

DISCUSSION ON STAIR ISSUE AT 10705 DAWN

8. Mr. and Mrs. Schalbalski, 10705 Dawn, applied for and was granted a permit in April 2010 to re-do the service walkway from the driveway to the front of the house. On the drawing it was noted the elevation of the sidewalk must be set so all of the stair risers are equal. The building code states, The greatest riser height within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inches. During the final inspection on September 3, 2010 the inspection failed. The top steps measure 7 å_ to the bottom step measurement of 5 å_; a 2 inch change from top to bottom.

Building Official Tisinai explained there was a pre-pour inspection where the comment on number one specifies the code. Mr. Schalbalski explained it was brought to the inspector’s attention, the city signed off on it and it was built in 2005.

Building Official Tisinai suggested to raise it up, slope it to the driveway, lower the sidewalk 7 å_, put the landing up 3 feet and put in a 5 å_ stair. Due to the time that has elapsed, Ald. VonDrasek offered the suggestion of granting a variance and Mr. Schalbalski signing a hold harmless to the city. Ald. McDermott elected to follow the building code.

Attorney Peck explained a variance could be granted and any future buyers would be aware they will have to make the correction and meet the code.

The committee members recommended to grant the variance and directed Attorney Peck to prepare a hold harmless agreement.

OTHER BUSINESS

9. City Planner Swanson provided an update on the CDGB application that is due February 17, 2012. Only two locations in the city are eligible; the area surrounding Ideal School and 5^thAvenue cutoff.

City Engineer Fitzgerald presented the following recommendations:

To install sidewalks on Lorraine, Francis, and Rose Avenue.

Phase 1, to resurface Francis to Lorraine and Rosemary and Rose Court for approximately $145,000. The city would request $100,000 and contribute $45,000.

Phase 2, to resurface Lorraine and Rose Avenue for $115,000. The city would request $90,000 and contribute $25,000.

Sidewalks in the inner portion of Lorraine, east of Francis, north of Lorraine, west of Rose and both cul-de-sacs for about $145,000. The following year install sidewalks on Rose, Lorraine and Francis Avenue for approximately $140,000.

The streets considered are not part of the 5-year resurfacing plan, but with re-surfacing a street will last 20 years and the funds may not be available in the future. The city can apply for the grant and not accept it.

Mayor Krzeminski requested the residents be asked their preference. Aldermen of Ward 1 preferred to re-surface the streets, but recommended a survey to be sent to the residents.

10. Mr. Arce, owner of Tavern on LaGrange, 5403 S. LaGrange Road, requested the city take into consideration leasing 16 parking spaces on the side streets for additional parking. On 6th Avenue signs read, Resident Parking Only. Ald. McDermott suggested the spaces could be used a certain time. City Planner Swanson updated the committee on his most recent conversation with Mr. Acre. Mr. Arce previously considered renting space at Little Joe’s, but most recently is interested in an area adjacent to Mainstreet Liquors. Mr. Arce was going to provide a lease to the Community Development department, but to date has not done so.

Ald. Pondelicek believed Mr. Arce would have to present a contract to the Plan/ZBA Board and felt this may be time consuming. Chair Michalczyk requested a direct request from Mr. Arce and the committee can re-assess the situation at that time. City Planner Swanson will follow-up with Mr. Arce and report back to the committee.

11. Ald. McDermott proposed the elected official relinquish the three parking spots in the rear parking lot to allow pregnant and women with small children the spaces to park. Mayor Krzeminksi suggested one of the three spots be reserved for resident parking. Asst. Admin. Peterson will discuss the matter with Police Chief Ruth.

ADJOURNMENT

12. No other business. The meeting is adjourned at 6:27 PM.

Dated: __________________ ________________________

Karen Michalczyk, Chair