MINUTES
City Council, City of Countryside
Regular Meeting
5550 East Avenue
City Hall, Council Chambers
Wednesday, June 13, 2012 7:30 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER

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

Treasurer Jasinski

Also Present: City Admin. Paul, Police Chief Ruth City Attorney Peck, Asst. Admin. Peterson, Fin. Dir. Drazner, City Eng. Fitzgerald, City Atty. Stein, ESDA Crd. Norman, Police Bd. Chrm. Welch, PC/ZBA Chrm. Fullmer, member Benson.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Regular City Council Meeting, May 23, 2012. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Ald. Musillami and carried unanimously.

OMNIBUS AGENDA

2. Statement of Bills submitted for payment through June 13 , 2012: $554,768.74.

3. Request for a block party from Ann Smothers, 841 W. 63^rdSt. on July 21, 2012.

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

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC

4. Bill Norritt, 5835 Kensington, doesn’t agree with the Council’s vote at the last meeting to spend $4 million for Joliet Road improvements.

5. Judy Novak, 5725 Catherine, stated that previously the Mayor asked the Aldermen to read the State law re: temporary appointments; they did not do so. How can they fulfill their jobs as Aldermenand vote on issues. Residents demand that they work for the people and not against the Mayor.

6. Joe Lenoch, 6201 Joliet Road, is not opposed to the ordinance to prohibit video poker gambling in the City. He believes that if it is done away from children it is a good option to have in the City.

7. Sandy Dorgan, Ledo’s Pizza, lives on Kensington, owns the business and believes that video poker gambling should be approved; business should be allowed to restrict it as necessary; if the City doesn’t do it, neighboring towns will. It should be approved.

8. Mary Ellis, 50 Birch St., Country Club Park, represents seniors living in the mobile home park and behind Harley Davidson. She stated that noise is horrendous; the alley is used for business; motorcycles are revving up at 6:30 a.m. adding options and accessorizing cycles all day long; plus diesel trucks are left running all night long She has a petition signed by a list of residents and photos taken that she provided to Council. Mayor Krzeminski asked Ms. Peterson to follow-up and advise Harley about the residents’ concerns. Ald. Pondelicek stated that the alleyway is an extension of property for the building owners; he expressed concern about overnight parking and stated that residents should call police re: the 7 a.m. start time ordinance.

9. George Kontur, 5808 Rose Avenue, is very concerned about overnight parking of vehicles on Rose Ave. He presented photos to Council to back up his claims. Parked cars are ticketed but the tickets are ignored. He listed the cars and their license plate numbers. He stated that IDOT uses 4-way buttons to control traffic stops for pedestrian crossings in Oak Brook; Countryside should adopt that method. The Mayor suggested that this matter be discussed at an Infrastructure Committee meeting. He also stated that parking be eliminated on the north side of Lorraine and the west side of Rose, to make the turning radius acceptable for the Fire Department. Chief Ruth will follow up with the license plate numbers.

10. Gerry Sobe, 5605 Kensington, asked whether the Letters of Intent for the City Center Development were signed by both sides. Ms. Paul stated that the letters of intent were executed between Hooters and the City, and between Shorewood and the City. They must meet certain requirements and those are being negotiated at this time. Ms. Sobe stated that the $20 million bond the City borrowed will not be repaid for 20 years. The City now has taxes; this development was not properly thought out.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Confirmation of Appointments:

11. Beautification Committee: Madel Rocio Campos; Jane Ecker; Ruth Fullmer; Penny O’Neill; John Meiszner. Mayor Krzeminski administered the Oath of Office to the above individuals as members of the City of Countryside Beautification Committee.

The Mayor thanked each person for volunteering for this committee.

12. Police Pension Board: Gail Paul. Mayor Krzeminski administered the Oath of Office to Ms. Paul as a member of the Police Pension Board. The Mayor and City Council members all thanked Ms. Paul for her dedication to duty.

13. Consideration of Approval of the FY 2013 Tobacco Enforcement Grant for $1,870. Ald. McDermott moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

14. Discussion to consider amending the Ethics Ordinance to prohibit local political Organizations/Parties to sponsor City functions. The Mayor believes that political activities should be set apart from City functions such as concerts and the like. After discussion, Council agreed that this matter should be sent to the Human Resources Committee for further discussion. Ald. Musillami moved to send the Ethics Ordinance to the H R Committee, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

15. Discussion to create an ordinance to prohibit video poker gambling. Mayor Krzeminski stated that this matter should be sent to the Finance Committee. Ald. McDermott moved to send the video poker matter to the Licensing Committee and to canvass residents and businesses regarding this matter, seconded by Ald. Musillami and carried unanimously.

CITY CLERK’S REPORT

16. Approval of Executive Session minutes of City Council – 1-25-12 and EDC minutes of 2-2-12. Ald. McDermott moved to approve the above minutes, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously.

COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION REPORTS FOR DISCUSSION,

CONSIDERATION AND, IF SO DETERMINED, ACTION UPON:

17. Economic Development Committee – Alderman McDermott

Update of EDC meeting earlier this evening. Ms. Paul discussed some of these matters earlier tonight. A lease will be executed for Starbucks within the next 2-4 weeks. Potbelly’s had market approval and is awaiting site approval. The Vitamin Shoppe approved their lease last night. Panera Bread is completing their LOI with the developer. Texas Roadhouse has corporate approval; the chairman will view the site in two weeks; great progress is being made at the City Center Development. It will be an economic engine for the City and for the entire region. Pop’s Italian Sausage & Beef Restaurant entered into negotiations for the old fire station property; they are known for their charitable community efforts and family-type atmosphere.

License Committee – Alderman Musillami

License Applications – Eagle Rider, 9950 Joliet Road, motorcycle rentals.

O’Reilly Auto Parts, 5459 LaGrange, auto parts store (former Blockbuster).

Rabbeh Ice Cream, Justice, IL, ice cream truck.

Hibachi Grill – former Old Country Buffet.

Mazda Dealership sold to C.J. Wilson Mazda (former pitcher for LA Angels).

Sydrom, Inc., 10651 Pleasantdale Ct., Consulting, PR firm.

Special Use – Gene Palys – postcard show; Marc Poulos – antique car show; Illinois Harley Davidson – two promotions with music & food; Lookin’Good, car show; City of Countryside – scooter raffle.

Special Event – two Harley Davidson events; Casa de Montecristo – two events.

18. Police Committee – Alderman Pondelicek – committee met yesterday.

Recommendation to accept the proposal of All Traffic Solutions for the SpeedAlert 24 Radar Trailer for $12,365 including a trade-in. Ald. Jasinski moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

19. Recommendation to accept the proposal from L3 Mobile Vision for 8 in-car camera recording systems and Ultra Strobe for installation and related hardware for a grand total of $45,800. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Jasinski and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

20. Recreation Committee – Alderman Jasinski – there were two committee meetings since the last Council meeting. Concerts in the Park series is beginning tomorrow for the next 8 Thursdays; a 1920s Big Band orchestra will entertain; food is provided by Kenny’s Tavern.

21. There will be some Car Shows coming up at William Tell on Joliet Road on Mondays throughout the Summer; Ledo’s Pizza will provide food.

22. The Scooter Raffle – donated by Westfield Ford – thanks to Carm Scarpace of Westfield Ford – the proceeds from the raffle will go to the Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Foundation – for a scholarship; tickets are $5.

23. Welcome to the new members of the Beautification Committee; thank you for volunteering and joining the Recreation Committee.

24. Report on the Recreation Program Update. Ald. Jasinski read a prepared statement in response to residents’ remarks at the last Council meeting re: lack of City sponsored recreation programs, Fun in the Park and Playschool programs.

A. City recreation programs from 2008-2012 – 44 programs offered – 18 cancelled due to low enrollment. The ceramics program was cancelled in 2004 due to little interest; expenses that year were $4,991 – revenues were $1,000.

B. Fun in the Park and Playschool – during the last year in operation, expenses exceeded revenue by $28,503.40. The next year YMCA approached the City re: cooperative programming, especially summer programs. YMCA offered residents a membership rate for the programs; the City charges the YMCA $800 for use of the park.

C. In 2007 the Playschool program building was found unsuitable for use. The City believed it was exempt from DCFS regulations but discovered it was not. It would be cost and time prohibitive to obtain the necessary DCFS licensure. At the October 24, 2007 meeting, City Council unanimously voted to discontinue the Playschool program as of December 19, 2007. The City had no alternative location for the program. The City ran an annual deficit of between $50-$60,000 yearly for the Playschool program alone; the City Council used that money to balance the budget.

D. Concerned citizens requested this information; it was compiled by Staff at great time and expense; these same citizens were not at the Recreation Committee meeting. Staff is present tonight to answer any additional questions.

25. Gerry Sobe, 5605 Kensington, apologized for not attending the meeting; she was out of town. Her main question is whether the above figures are before or after the death of former Recreation Director, Susan Wilson (died in 2006). Ms. Peterson stated she believed these numbers are after that time except for the Ceramics Class which was prior. The budget numbers began with May 2006 to the present. Ms. Sobe asked why the programs worked then and did not work after she passed away. Ald. Musillami asked whether the programs actually did work prior to that time and what was the participation level. Little League has diminished 60% today. Ald. Jasinski stated that comments were made that these programs were always full and they always made money. For the last three years, they didn’t make money. Mayor Krzeminski stated that the City always had sufficient funds available in the past; funds were used to service the community; programs may not have been cost-effective but local individuals were hired and Sue Wilson did a terrific job; The City should use public funds to serve the community. At present Hodgkins has a structured summer program costing $360.

26. Treasurer Jasinski, stated that the structural deficit began in 2007; costs increased on a continual basis; the residents indirectly paid the difference. The City’s income has been cut in half; the long-term solution is to get more business in the City.

Staff will try to get figures from 2003; the City ran the program as a structural deficit; Fin. Dir. Drazner will try to get yearly budget comparisons before and after 2006.

27. Betty Meadors, 109 W. Constance, worked with Sue Wilson for 12 years; residents cannot afford YMCA prices. Ideal School has double classes; children need to be occupied during Summer; if Hodgkins can run an affordable program, so can Countryside. Treas. Jasinski asked if residents would approve OTB or video poker gaming as additional revenue sources. Residents present said yes they would.

28. Mark Benson, 1110 W. 55^thPlace, stated he has three children who participated in park district programs; in the last three years 80% of classes were cancelled due to lack of participation; not enough kids show up.

29. Water Committee – Alderman Von Drasek

Consideration of approving the Intergovernmental Agreement and Resolution Concerning the LaGrange Highlands Sanitary District. Ald. Von Drasek stated that Triangle Area residents were paying more for water than other Countryside residents. This agreement will alleviate that problem. Ald. McDermott moved to adopt the Resolution as presented, seconded by Ald. Musillami. Ald. McDermott stated there has been a lack of parity in water rates; this will be a small but welcome adjustment. Motion carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as RESOLUTION 12-06-R.

30. Ald. Von Drasek – FYI – stated that LTHS students hosted a Cancer Walk – Relay for Life this past Saturday; his children and his adopted daughter participated; they raised $96,000; he is very proud of their accomplishments. They exceeded their goals and should be commended.

31. Plan Commission-Zoning Board of Appeals – City Attorney Peck presented consideration of an ordinance to provide for Motorcycle Rentals as a Permitted Use in B-3 and M-1 Zoning Districts. Ald. Jasinski moved to adopt the Ordinance as presented, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 12-36-O.

CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT

32. Consideration of a resolution ascertaining prevailing rate of wages of Employees on Public Works. The Resolution adopts the wage rates for Cook County. Ald. McDermott moved to adopt the Resolution as presented, seconded by Ald. Jasinski and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as RESOLUTION 12-07-R.

33. Attorney Peck presented the request of Luke Castrogiovanni, Terry Plumbing Company, 5503 LaGrange Road, requesting a 60-day extension to his agreement.

Ald. Musillami moved to approve the request, seconded by Ald. McDermott and carried by Roll Call vote – 5/1. Ald. Michalczyk opposed.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

34. Ms. Gail Paul presented the Authorization to Execute the Letter of Assignment from Autobarn Mazda of Countryside to Assign its interest in the Economic Incentive Agreement to Wilson Automotive Group, Inc. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

STAFF REPORTS

35. City EngineerFitzgerald presented the recommendation to award the LaGrange Road Street Lighting – Phase 2 project to Utility Dynamics Corporation in the amount of $253,691.70. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Jasinski and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0

37. Recommendation to award the 2012 Street Rehabilitation project to Central Blacktop Co., Inc. for $508,420.75. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Musillami. Motion carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

38. Two additions were made to the above bid – Cantigny from Willow Springs Road to Lorraine Drive; also, because of sewer damage in Ward 1, 8^thStreet from 55^thto Bobolink – one block long. Eng. Fitzgerald presented a cost estimate of $120,000 for these two areas – still under the original estimate. This will come back to Council as a change order to the original bid on the agenda at the next meeting.

39. Finance Director

Mr. Steven Drazner stated that First Energy Solutions, the City’s Electric Aggregation Supplier, will send out a Notice on June 19, 2012, containing information about the program as well as an Opt-out Form for those not wishing to participate. Residents have until July 3 to return the Form. The letter will contain a toll free number. The savings will be approximately 35% in the electric rate only. The effective date begins in August; savings will be noticed on the September bill. After the contract begins the Opt-out charge will be $25.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mayor Krzeminski sought adjournment to Executive Session to discuss real estate and to review Council Executive Session minutes of 2-22-12 and 3-14-12.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to discuss, Ald. Von Drasek moved to adjourn to Executive Session under Section 2Ac of the Open Meetings Act for the purpose of discussing real estate and to review the executive session minutes noted above, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0

Mayor Krzeminski declared the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

SHARON SWEENEY, CITY CLERK