MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2003

1. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, Mayor LeGant called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. City Clerk Herberts called the roll which was as follows:

PRESENT: Mayor Carl LeGant, Aldermen Robert Driscoll, Robert Conrad, Kenneth Kuehn, Michael Smetana, Ald. Krzeminski

ALSO PRESENT: City Clerk Herberts, City Treasurer Stoffels, City Attorney Robert Peck, City Administrator Bailey, Police Chief Swanson, Deputy Treasurer Wenzel, Econ. Dev. Officer Muenzer, Police/Fire Bd. Member Pondelicek, City Engineer Fitzgerald

ABSENT: Ald. Fajdich

OMNIBUS AGENDA

2. Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of February 26, 2003.

3. Statement of Bills for the period ending March 12, 2003.

4. Membership: National Tactical Officers Assn. – Police Officer Mikel – Cost: $40.00.

5. Subscription: 9-1-1- Magazine – Police Department – Cost: $26.95.

6. From the Children’s Benefit League of Chicago and Suburbs requesting permission to solicit on April 11-12, 2003 at various locations.

7. Application for a general business license from New Horizons Consulting, 6908 Sunset Avenue. Type: Office in home. Applicant: Raymond Babinsky.

8. Application for a Special Use from Greater Chicago Productions to conduct postcard shows at Local 150 on April 18-19, August 8-9 and November 7-8, 2003.

9. Application for a general business license from Enterprise Rent-A-Car, 5508-10 S. LaGrange Road. Type: Car rental. Applicant: Brian Baker (relocation). Letter requesting waiving the 2003 license fee.

10. Membership: American Water Works Association (AWWA) – Water Committee, Chairman Krzeminski – Cost: $275.00.

11. Application for a general business license from material handling Specialists, 6406 Joliet Road. Type: Business office. Applicant: Dawn Mazur.

12. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Krzeminski, to approve the Omnibus Agenda as presented. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

ADDITIONS TO AND/OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA

13. Additions to the Agenda were made by Aldermen Krzeminski, Kuehn and Conrad.

QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE

14. Residents questioned the status of Lowe’s. Mr. Bailey stated that he signed the water main permit and work is progressing at their own pace. Mayor LeGant stated that he was interviewed by a reporter from Crain’s Chicago regarding Home Depot and Lowe’s doing business in the same shopping center. Mayor LeGant stated there is room for both stores in the City. Aldermen noted that both these stores are competing for market share in other cities such as Carol Stream. Attorney Peck stated that this is a common occurrence in the State of Arizona for both stores to compete in the same area. Ald. Smetana stated that this is the corporate strategy of other businesses as well and cited examples of CVS and Walgreens pharmacies opening new stores on the same street. Council and residents agreed that it is great for consumer sales.

15. Other residents stated that 6-9 months ago the City Council amended the restriction on parking commercial vehicles and asked why the ordinance is not being upheld. He described campers and boats parked in back yards. Why create ordinances if they are not enforced. Police have been called many times. He cited two tow trucks on property at all times. Chief Swanson stated that that individual has been cited and the City Attorney is preparing a complaint which the Chief will sign and the matter will go to court. Twenty commercial vehicles have been given warning citations. Police will revisit those areas and if vehicles are not moved, they will receive tickets. The resident also stated that a camper is in the middle of the yard on Sunset. Ald. Krzeminski has spoken to the resident twice regarding the camper. Chief Swanson stated that RVs have been cited if a complaint is made.

MAYOR’S REPORT

16. Mayor LeGant sought Council approval for the employment of Donald Briones to the position of E.S.D.A. Officer. Ald. Krzeminski moved, seconded by Ald. Smetana, to approve the appointment of Donald Briones. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

17. Mayor LeGant sought Council confirmation for appointment of Deputy Police Chief Paul Mallon to the E-911 Board. Ald. Driscoll moved, seconded by Ald. Conrad, to approve the appointment of Deputy Chief Mallon. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

18. STREETS AND ALLEYS COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN SMETANA, CHAIRMAN, stated that the City received three bids for the Annual Spring Clean-Up, May 19-21, 2003. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Driscoll, to go with the low bidder, Crown Recycling & Waste Services at $115/ton. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

19. FINANCE COMMITTEE, ALDERMAN DRISCOLL, CHAIRMAN, presented recommendations from the meeting earlier this evening. Regarding the proposed 2003-04 Flagg Creek Golf Course budget, Treasurer Stoffels has requested information in writing and is awaiting a response. That will be addressed at a later time.

20. Ald. Driscoll stated that the Southwest Suburban Center on Aging has requested a donation to their Sports Ball 2003.While the committee believes this is a worthwhile event, they recommend that attendance be voluntary.

21. Ald. Driscoll moved, seconded by Ald. Smetana, that a $100 donation for a half page ad be made to the Community Support Services, Inc. for their Auction and Ad Book. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

22. Ald. Driscoll stated that annexation of various 5th Avenue Cutoff properties needs further discussion and will be addressed at a later date.

23. Ald. Driscoll advised Chief Swanson to proceed with the upgrading the E-911 System. The Chief will provide cost estimates to Administrator Bailey.

24. RECREATION COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN CONRAD, CHAIRMAN, moved, seconded by Ald. Smetana, to concur with the recommendation of Sue Wilson, Director, to replace the carpeting in the Recreation Department (Annex Building) at a cost of $4,986 from Carpet Max of Countryside. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

25. Ald. Conrad presented the contract from Entertainment Concepts to show movies at Countryside Park on two separate dates at a cost of $1,200 per date. The first date is June 24, (rain date – June 26); the second date is July 29 (rain date -July 30). Ald. Conrad moved, seconded by Ald. Smetana, to approve the contract. The City will choose the movies to be seen. Ald. Conrad stated that details will be discussed at a Recreation Committee meeting concerning other musical entertainment prior to the movies. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

26. Ald. Conrad congratulated Chief Swanson on doing an excellent job of coaching the other evening. Chief Swanson stated there were two head coaches. Ald. Conrad stated it was a joint effort between local police departments of Hodgkins, LaGrange and Countryside.

LEGAL REPORT

27. City Attorney Peck presented the draft ordinance accepting the dedication of the south 33 feet of 61st Street. In order to record that dedication, since it is private property, an ordinance is required. Ald. Krzeminski moved to approve the Ordinance as presented and waive the second reading. Ald. Kuehn seconded the motion. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Clerk Herberts declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 03-11-O.

28. Attorney Peck presented the draft ordinance creating the position of HIPAA Privacy Officer and set forth duties and authorities. The ordinance designates the City Administrator to serve as HIPAA Privacy Officer. Ald. Smetana moved to approve the ordinance as presented. and waive the second reading. Ald. Kuehn seconded the motion. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Clerk Herberts declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 03-12-O.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

29. City Administrator Bailey requested that Council formally approve the Preliminary/ Construction-Engineering Services Agreement for Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the street repair project and adopt a Resolution for Improvement by a Municipality under the Illinois Highway Code for $250,000. Ald. Krzeminski moved, seconded by Ald. Smetana, to approve the Resolution.

Clerk Herberts declared that this will be known as RESOLUTION 03-05-R.

30. Administrator Bailey requested Council approval for military reservist pay and benefits to Police Officer Boyd while activated to the USAF. They will revisit the issue in six months. Ald. Conrad moved, seconded by Ald. Kuehn, to formally approve the request. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

31. Mayor LeGant noted in the absence of City Engineer Fitzgerald that water main project bids will be opened at City Hall on March 19 at 10:00 a.m. Interested parties may attend.

OLD AND NEW BUSINESS

32. Regarding the Joliet Road traffic signal at Circuit City, Ald. Kuehn believes it is not justified. A study was done two years ago by Novotny. If the State of Illinois agreed that a signal was justified, they would pay for it. He questions why the City is paying for this signal. Ald. Smetana stated that the State did the study and agreed that a signal was justified. Mayor LeGant stated that the Village of Hodgkins corresponded with the City of Countryside and their entire Board believes it is a good idea; the two municipalities are sharing the cost. Traffic in the area has increased and a traffic signal is justified; lights will be re-timed for smooth traffic flow.

33. Ald. Krzeminski sought traffic signal relief for residents living in the condos south of Joliet Road especially during the morning rush hour. There is a very short green light on Brainard that causes delays in northbound or left-turn travel. Residents are trapped; that is the only exit from the area. Mayor LeGant stated that DPW Supervisor Fullar has contacted IDOT in the past for such matters; he will be advised to do so again.

ADJOURNMENT

34. There being no further business to discuss, Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Driscoll, to convene into closed session under Section 2Aa of the Open Meetings Act for the purpose of discussing personnel matters. Motion carried by unanimous Roll Call vote.

Mayor LeGant declared the meeting recessed at 8:15 p.m.

* * * * *

Council reconvened to Open Session at 9:53 p.m. with the same members present.

Mayor LeGant stated that the Council has considered the Police Chief and Deputy Police Chief’s salary. Ald. Conrad moved, seconded by Ald. Kuehn, to establish the Police Chief’s salary at $83,441 and provide a vehicle for official use only, per the agreement discussed in the prior meeting. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Ald. Conrad moved, seconded by Ald. Kuehn, to establish the Deputy Police Chief’s salary at $79,954 per the agreement discussed in the prior meeting. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to discuss, Ald. Krzeminski moved, seconded by Ald. Conrad, to adjourn the Regular Meeting. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Mayor LeGant declared the meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.