MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2012

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

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

ALSO PRESENT: City Clerk Sweeney, City Treasurer Jasinski, City Attorneys John Zimmerman, Jeffrey Stein, City Admin. Paul, Police Chief Ruth, Asst. Admin. Peterson, Fin. Dir. Drazner, City Eng. Fitzgerald, ESDA Crd. Norman, Elec. Insp. Sweeney, Police Bd. Member Burdett, PC/ZBA Member Benson.

OMNIBUS AGENDA

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – December 14, 2011.

3. STATEMENT OF BILLS through January 11, 2012: $1,583,264.26.

4. Application for a general business license from Flooring Management Group, Inc., 35 E. Plainfield Road. Type: Equipment storage. Applicant: Howard Trachtman.

5. Application for a special use/amusement license from Suburban Coin Shows, LLC, for 11 dates held at Park Place, 6200 Joliet Road, to conduct monthly Coin & Collectibles Show.

6. From the Italian American War Veterans Assn., requesting to solicit on March 24, 2012 by distributing American Flags at Jewel, 5555 Brainard Avenue.

7. From Misericordia Heart of Mercy requesting permission to solicit on April 27-28, 2012 at various intersections and Jewel, 5555 Brainard Avenue.

8. Application for a general business license from Defined Exhibits, 5312 East Avenue. Type: Warehouse. Applicant: Stephan Koos.

9. Application for a general business license from Countryside Smoke Shop, 5501 W. Plainfield Road. Type: Tobacco shop. Applicant: Ahmed Sheikh.

10. Application for a special event at Casa de Montecristo, 1332 W. 55^thSt. on January 26, 2012 for a promotional product party.

11. Ald. McDermott moved to approve the Omnibus Agenda as presented, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

ADDITIONS TO AND/OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA

12. One addition was noted by Ald. Von Drasek. One deletion was noted by Mayor Krzeminski – removal of the PUD application for 6151 LaGrange Road.

QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE

13. Victoria Ganz, 10221 – 5^thAve Cutoff provided additional information which she distributed to Council members regarding the above property.

MAYOR’S REPORT

14. Consideration of a Legislative Breakfast invitation from the WCMC on February 24, 2012 at 9 a.m. at Rosewood Restaurant, 9421 W. Higgins Road, Rosemont, IL at a cost of $45 per person. Ald. McDermott moved to approve attendance of elected officials/department heads if they so desire, seconded by Ald. Musillami and carried unanimously.

15. Ratification of the Local 150 Administration Labor Contract expiring on April 30, 2014. Ald. Pondelicek moved to approve the contract, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

16. Mayor Krzeminski presented the Service Award to Marty Sweeney, Flagg Creek Administrative Golf Course Board member for his more than twenty years of service. He served as a representative of Countryside and also as President of the Board on occasions. Marty was instrumental in developing Flagg Creek G.C. as a premier nine-hole 33-par golf course with a driving range and full service clubhouse. The City of Countryside is grateful to him for his many years of service. Photos were taken.

17. Reconsideration Upon Veto: Ald. Von Drasek moved to reconsider the Motion by Ald. McDermott, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek, to adopt the Ordinance of the City Council, City of Countryside concerning 10221 West 5^thAvenue, which has been declared to be ORDINANCE 11-71-O. Ald. Von Drasek moved that the City Council agree to pass the Ordinance declared to be Ordinance 11-71-O notwithstanding the Mayor’s refusal to approve it, seconded by Ald. Musillami and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0

18. Committee Assignments – Mayor Krzeminski apologized for not having the document ready. He discovered an error and will correct the item and Email the list to everyone tomorrow.

CITY CLERK’S REPORT

19. Draft resolution adopting the release of executive session minutes. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve the draft Resolution adopting the release of certain Executive Session minutes, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0. Council members have the list of dates.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as RESOLUTION 12-1-R.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

20. WATER COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN VON DRASEK, CHAIRMAN, re Notification from the Village of McCook of water rate increase effective 1-1-12. Mayor Krzeminski read portions of the letter aloud stating that water rates from the City of Chicago were increased by 25% on 1-1-12; additional increases of 15% will take place on 1-1-13, 1-1-14 and 1-1-15 – for a total of 70%. The City of Countryside has no choice but to pass these increases on to their customers.

21. Ald. Von Drasek presented the recommendation from the Water Committee to proceed with Option 4: 7% increase for single and multi family users; 12% increase for commercial/industrial users; and 14% increase for Indian Head Park and LaGrange Highlands users. Ald. Jasinski moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk. Ald. McDermott stated that the Triangle Area served by the Highlands has been paying a higher rate by 60 cents; it is not fair for them to be paying a higher rate. He will get an agreement for parity to present at the next Water Committee meeting. The annual adjustment is estimated at $40 per home, or an estimated total of $4,000 to correct this imbalance. Mayor Krzeminski stated that McCook has raised their rates by 25%; the City is paying the balance and only increasing single-family rates by 7%. Motion carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 12-1-O.

Mayor Krzeminski stated that this matter will be on the Agenda as a full Ordinance at the next meeting since this is only a recommendation to proceed.

22. Resident Ron Sobe, 5605 Kensington, Ward 3, questioned his enormous sewer bill for his sprinkler system and pool usage, amounting to over $300. He is seeking a sub-meter to deduct those costs since that water doesn’t go into the sanitary system. Mayor Krzeminski stated he should be eligible for a rebate; he should contact the LTSD to install a deduct meter at his location. Mayor Krzeminski will follow up on this matter and contact him.

23. Ald. Von Drasek stated that numerous projects are ongoing in the Water Department – the major water main replacement is scheduled for Joliet Road and LaGrange Road continuing to Brainard Avenue. Another water main on Sunset has had numerous breaks. The City is up to 97% accountability.

24. Ald. Von Drasek commended the Countryside Police Department for their efficient work in assisting a woman driver who suffered a heart attack in her car on 55^thSt. & 9^thAvenue on November 27, 2011. The woman was able to remove herself from traffic so as not to involve others. This woman’s brother took the time to Email Ald. Von Drasek (even though his sister passed away) to commend the police personnel on the scene for their heroic efforts in trying to save her life. Those officers are James Stern, Ronnie Pohl, Richard Peccaro and Robert Scott – true professionals. Also Fire Chief Doyle received the same Email and will provide the information to his personnel. Countryside is proud of its police officers.

25. Ald. Von Drasek thanked City Staff for their efforts above and beyond the call of duty to get 5^thAvenue Cutoff resurfaced; thanks to Ald. McDermott, Sharon Peterson and Jim Essig, who visited the site, took photos and pointed out deficiencies in the road. Thanks to Ald. Michalczyk who earmarked the CDBG money to get this work completed – thanks to everyone involved. The road will be resurfaced.

26. BUSINESS LICENSE COMMITTEE – ALD. PONDELICEK, CHAIRMAN, presented the application for a general business license from Bednar Cleaning, Inc., 5639 Willow Springs Road. Type: Home Office. Applicant: Byron Bednar. Ald. McDermott moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

27. Application for a general business license from Formally Modern Tuxedo, 48 Countryside Plaza. Type: Rental and retail. Applicant: Joann Ambril. This matter should be deferred until after the Attorney’s report.

28. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE – ALD. MC DERMOTT, CHAIRMAN, sought consideration of a contract with Hooters to purchase 1.25 acres within the City Center Development. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve the contract as presented, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

29. Ald. Michalczyk stated that the next Infrastructure Committee Meeting will take place on February 7, 2012.

LEGAL REPORT

30. City Attorney Zimmerman presented the PC/ZBA recommendation approving two special uses to permit a rental service store and a special use permitting a business in which less than 50% of income is derived from sales, from Formally Modern Tuxedo, 48 Countryside Plaza. Ald. Musillami moved to concur with the recommendation, seconded by Ald. Jasinski and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0. This matter sill be brought up as an Ordinance at the next meeting.

31. Attorney Zimmerman stated that the application for a Planned Unit Development at 6151 LaGrange Road has been withdrawn by the applicant.

32. Attorney Zimmerman sought consideration of a letter of understanding to the SLSD stating that the City would pay for engineering and legal fees related to the City Center Development. Ms. Paul added that the City requested the Sanitary District to provide estimates; they sent the actual billing. The engineer was to respond with the final review estimate but has not done so. Ms. Paul has provided the estimate – $22,000 should cover the final review. This document has been requested since October. The Mayor appreciates all her efforts made on behalf of the City. This lack of cooperation / information is holding up the project. Ald. Pondelicek moved to approve the letter of understanding, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously.

33. City Attorney Jeffrey Stein sought consideration o f a Conditional Certificate of Occupancy (CCO) for 5503 LaGrange Road with Agreement – by Matrix Contractors, owned and operated by Luke Castrogiavanni, present tonight. Mr. Castrogiavanni has asked to operate his business for six months prior to installing a 4 water main, required by the Fire Code. The building has sprinklers but they do not meet required standards. The agreement between the City of Countryside and the PFPD provides an acceptable compromise allowing the business to operate on a temporary basis with no danger to the public. The owner must obtain an estimate for the total project cost – (completed).

He must post a cash performance bond or letter of credit in the amount of 110% of estimated cost or $125,000, whichever is greater. Mr. Castrogiavanni has requested that it be $110%; his cost estimate is $67,000 performance bond. He must also install smoke detectors hard wired into the system with automatic notice to the PFPD – these recommendations must be met prior to granting the CCO. If the CCO is authorized, certain further conditions must be met (listed in the agreement).

34. Mr. Castrogiavanni addressed Council and stated that the sprinkler system was installed 12 years ago; it covers about half the building. Tenants have used the building. The sprinkler heads are quick acting and would prevent a full-blown fire. His current building has been sold and he must vacate the premises as soon as possible. There are various other issues that must be resolved between the State and the PFPD; further research is ongoing but he needs to move his plumbing business prior to final completion. Ald. Michalczyk does not approve of CCOs because the owners do not follow through; she seeks further assurance. Mayor Krzeminski stated that the bond covers the City; also the PFPD will follow up closely. Mr. Castrogiavanni stated that being in the construction business for 30 years; he has never failed to perform on a job; he will rectify the matter. Ald. McDermott asked whether the PFPD is amenable to this; they are. Mr. Stein spoke to Joe Lyons, Fire Marshal, and he was agreeable to the CCO. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0. Mr. Stein stated that this matter will be back on the agenda in final form with a draft resolution at the next meeting.

35. Ald. Pondelicek returned to the application for general business license from Formally Modern Tuxedo, 48 Countryside Plaza. Type: Rental & retail. Applicant is Joann Ambril. Ald. Musillami moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

36. City Administrator Ms. Paul presented the final IDOT invoice dated 12-15-11 re: City’s share of cost for the ITEP Streetscape Project (LaGrange Road) in the amount of $19,306.44. The entire project cost $900,000 in construction of which the City paid $165,000, the rest being Grant money. Ald. Jasinski moved to approve payment, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously.

37. Ms. Paul stated that the Countryside Business Assn. is requesting to have a carnival from August 2-5, 2012, a four-day event. The carnival company is not available on August 2, making this a three-day event. The other option is moving the dates to July 19-22 – the CBA prefers the July dates. Ms. Paul advised that the Concert in the Park will conflict with the July 19^thdate; it will only be a one day overlap. The Concerts in the Park are at Countryside Park, while the carnival will be at City Park. Ald. McDermott believes bringing more people to town is beneficial. Ald. Jasinski moved to approve the July 19-22 dates for the CBA Carnival, seconded by Ald. Musillami and carried unanimously.

STAFF REPORTS

38. City Engineer Fitzgerald presented pay estimate #4 and final for Building Demolitions to N.F. Demolition, Inc., Lemont, IL in the amount of $10,000. All loose stone has been removed and cleared out. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Jasinski and carried unanimously.

39. Engineer’s pay estimate #3 for Countryside City Center – Site Improvements – Phase 1 to Schwartz Excavating, Inc., Countryside, IL in the amount of $142,790.22.

Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve payment, seconded by Ald. McDermott and carried unanimously.

OLD / NEW BUSINESS

40. Ald. McDermott stated that for the past three years Mark Burdett has been serving as the Clerk-Adjudicator – as a volunteer. He recommended that this matter be brought to the Human Resources Committee to consider providing him a small stipend for his work and time spent. Ald. McDermott moved to send this matter to the HR Committee, seconded by Ald. Musillami and carried unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT

41. There being no further business to discuss, Ald. Von Drasek moved to adjourn to Executive Session under Section 2Aa and 2Ah of the Open Meetings Act for the purpose of discussing labor relations and litigation, seconded by Ald. Jasinski and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

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

SHARON SWEENEY, CITY CLERK