MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006

1. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, Mayor LeGant called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. City Clerk Herberts called the Roll which was as follows:

PRESENT: Mayor Carl LeGant, Aldermen Robert Conrad, Wayne Straza, Karen Michalczyk, John Von Drasek, Michael Smetana, Robert Pondelicek

ALSO PRESENT: City Clerk Herberts, City Treasurer Stoffels, City Attorney Robert Peck, Administrator Bailey, Police Chief Swanson, City Engineer Fitzgerald, Finance Director Filinovich, ESDA Coord. Norman. ESDA Member Munson, Police/Fire Bd. Member Jasinski

OMNIBUS AGENDA

2. Approval of Minutes of June 14, 2006.

3. Statement of Bills for the period ending, June 28, 2006.

4. Application for a general business license from WALK IN FAITH/LIBRERIA CHRISTIANA, 18 Countryside Plaza. Type: Christian Bookstore. Applicant: Nancy Rivera-Herardo.

5. Membership: National League of Cities – Administration – $993.

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

QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE

7. Sue Ligin, 1604 – 65th Pl. Indian Head Park disputed the traffic plan study as presented by Boomerang Properties at the April 25, 2006 PC/ZBA hearing. She presented a petition to City Council signed by residents in her neighborhood who are opposed to the proposed plans to construct 108 condominiums – the Villas of Hidden Acres project. She stated that the traffic study does not accurately reflect traffic density in this area. She also noted there are no sidewalks in the area; two deaths have been reported on Willow Springs Road in 14 months. They believe an independent study is needed. She also suggested one exit and entrance into the subdivision with a stop light on Joliet Road and to reduce the speed limit on Joliet Road and Willow Springs Road.

8. Barb Scapardine, 6320 Willow Springs Road, LaGrange Highlands, echoed the preceding sentiments and stated that there are errors and omissions in the traffic study which she pointed out; she noted that building heights are uncharacteristic of the area; condo developments are usually placed near commuter stations. She stated that the traffic assessment does not accurately reflect the traffic patterns; the numbers don’t add up. They requested an independent traffic study. They also claim that information was not available to citizens before the April 25th hearing. They presented the signed petition to the City Council.

MAYOR’S REPORT

9. Mayor LeGant presented the attendance of elected officials, appointed officials and Department Heads to the Illinois Municipal League 93rd Annual Conference, September 28 to October 1, 2006, at a cost of $240pp. Ald. Conrad moved to approve the request, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

10. Mayor LeGant presented acceptance of the Annual Appropriation Ordinance for fiscal year beginning May 1, 2006 and ending April 30, 2007. Attorney Peck presented the Ordinance adopting the budget by reference for fiscal year 2006-2007 as presented. Ald. Straza moved to adopt the Ordinance as presented, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.

Clerk Herberts declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 06-24-O.

11. Mayor LeGant provided information for residents regarding Heartland Blood Centers holding a blood drive at City Hall, July 29, 9 am to 1 pm. Interested residents should call the City Clerk’s Office to schedule an appointment to donate blood.

CLERK’S REPORT

12. City Clerk Herberts acknowledged the assistance of Deputy Clerk Bartelt who composed the Proclamation for Hon. Michael Madigan at the last meeting. She has been doing an exceptional job. Many thanks for her efforts.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

FINANCE COMMITTEE – TREASURER STOFFELS, CHAIRMAN, presented recommendations from the committee meeting held earlier this evening.

13. The Finance Committee recommended approval of the low bid, not to exceed $40,000, for reconstruction of the Pro Shop deck and canopy at Flagg Creek Golf Course. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously.

14. Treasurer Stoffels presented the WCMC golf outing August 9, 2006 @ Carriage Greens – $125 pp. The committee suggested sponsoring a hole for $150. Ald. Straza moved to approve the expenditure, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

15. Helping Hand Rehabilitation Center Golf Outing September 18 @ LaGrange Country Club – $300 pp – the recommendation is to donate $300 total. Ald. Straza moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously. Ald. Conrad noted that our golf course pro at Flagg Creek, Billy Rosinia, has qualified for the Western Open; he wanted the audience to be aware of that fact.

16. The Welcome Breakfast for WSCC to be held on August 22 at Brookfield Zoo Discovery Center – $25 pp – recommendation is for the Mayor and Council members to attend. Ald. Michalczyk noted that the City is also sponsoring eight teachers at $25 apiece. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve the expenditure, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

17. INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN SMETANA, CHAIRMAN, presented recommendations from the meeting held earlier this evening. Due to issues that need further discussion, the only recommendation made tonight is the purchase of a surplus vehicle from ElectroMotive.

18. Ald. Smetana asked Council to consider the purchase of a 1989 Chevy box-style one-ton ambulance from ElectroMotive for one dollar-the vehicle to be used by the ESDA program. After inspection by Steve Norman, the vehicle has only 9,000 miles on the odometer; it was purchased new in 1986 and has been continuously garage-kept. This vehicle will support ESDA units. Ald. Smetana moved to approve purchase of this vehicle by ESDA for $1, seconded by Ald. Conrad and carried unanimously. Ald. Conrad thanked Mr. Norman, Mr. Munson and Police Chief Swanson for their due diligence in preparing the City for its storm readiness designation and Homeland Security efforts; they should be duly recognized.

19. WATER COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN STRAZA, CHAIRMAN, presented the recommendation to hire a replacement for the Water Plant Operator position. After City officials interviewed three candidates, they chose Michael Hartigan of Burbank, IL contingent upon completion of all necessary and proper licensing procedures. Ald. Straza moved to approve the hiring, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

20. RECREATION COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN CONRAD, CHAIRMAN, reminded the Council and audience present that another Concert in the Park is scheduled for Thursday evening. A Countryside resident is performing with the Keith Erick Band. The crowds and the music are getting better with each performance.

21. Ald. Von Drasek stated that the new Aging Well Volunteer Coordinator, Annette McClain, is seeking to increase communication for Seniors living alone. Many Seniors are isolated in various neighborhoods; they hope to start a program called Adopt A Senior so that people can reach out to the aging population and perhaps persuade them to attend Concerts in the Park.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

22. City Administrator Bailey received notice that Stan Johnson, who is the City’s representative on the I & M Canal Civic Center Authority, will be resigning. He is currently the Chairman and tomorrow night is the last meeting at which he will be present. The City needs to identify another City representative. Suggestions are welcome.

LEGAL REPORT

23. City Attorney Robert Peck presented the PC/ZBA recommendation to approve tattoo parlors and body piercing establishments as adult uses within the M-1 or M-2 adult entertainment zoning district. There were no objectors at the hearing held on June 6, 2006. Mr. Carlos Soto objected to the location of a commercial business in the industrial district. He spoke with Mr. Hudson who advised him that there were no laws on that. He stated that tattooing and body piercing are both commercial businesses and should not be forced to lease space only in the industrial district on East Avenue. He planned on opening the business with his mother who does permanent cosmetics; they also planned supply and distribution of products. Ald. Conrad moved to concur with the recommendation of the PC/ZBA, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.

Clerk Herberts declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 06-25-O.

24. Attorney Peck sought approval for the Rotary Club to conduct bingo during Countryfest, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4-9 p.m. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve the request, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.

25. Attorney Peck presented recommendation for final approval of Krause Construction plat of Countryside Subdivision – a carryover from the previous meeting. Mr. Swanson stated that the final plat was delivered to the Building Department today. This matter will be reviewed and continued to the next meeting.

26. Regarding Clocktower Pointe – after speaking with the attorney today they are still awaiting completion of loose ends with MWRD.

STAFF REPORTS

27. Police Chief Swanson stated that the two day traffic/speed study revealed 650 vehicles use 57th St. on a daily basis at an average speed of 23 mph. They are doing extra enforcement at the location.

ADJOURNMENT

28. There being no further business to discuss, Ald. Smetana moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously.

Mayor LeGant declared the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.