MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2011

1. Mayor Conrad called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Ald. McDermott moved to appoint Deputy Clerk Bartelt as Acting Clerk, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously. Acting Clerk Bartelt called the Roll of those physically present as follows:

PRESENT: Mayor Robert Conrad, Aldermen: Robert Pondelicek, Michael Smetana, John Von Drasek, Sean McDermott, Karen Michalczyk, And Wayne Straza.

ABSENT: City Clerk Sweeney

ALSO PRESENT: Deputy Clerk Bartelt, City Treasurer Jasinski, City Atty. Raysa, City Adm. Paul, Police Chief Ruth, Deputy Chief Novak, Asst. Adm. Peterson, Fin. Dir. Drazner, City Eng. Fitzgerald, ESDA Crd. Norman, DPW Supt. Essig, PC/ZBA Chrm. Fullmer, Jasinski, Police Bd. Chrm. Welch, Burdett.

OMNIBUS AGENDA

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Council Minutes: March 9, 2011.

3. STATEMENT OF BILLS through March 9, 2011: $210,667.86.

4. TREASURER’S REPORT for the period ending February 28, 2011.

5. Application for a general business license from BMW MOTORCYCLES OF COUNTRYSIDE, 6150 S. LaGrange Road. Type: Retail. Applicant: Richard Fisher.

6. Application for a general business license from HEIRLOOM FURNITURE GALLERY, 40-44 Countryside Plaza. Type: Retailer. Applicant: Samuel Ray Miller.

7. From Greater Chicago Postcard Show requesting permission to hold a postcard show at Local 150 on April 15-16, 2011.

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

9. Mayor Conrad called attention to the business license of BMW Motorcycles as an example of the City Council’s effort to bring new business into the community. He also stated that the Amish Furniture store has done very well and wishes to remain in the City; they will move to Countryside Plaza. He noted several CBA attendees here tonight and acknowledges their efforts in recruiting new business for the City.

ADDITIONS TO AND/OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA

10. Three additions were noted by Treasurer Jasinski.

QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE

11. Frank Zickus, Countryside resident, spoke in favor of the current administration and their accomplishments. After losing some car dealerships, Mayor Conrad and City Council began a program to purchase vacant properties for coordinated redevelopment, including a TIF district, to attract diversified businesses. The City has regained prosperous car dealerships and other businesses that are remodeling or rebuilding (Taco Bell). The City Council hired a new Police Chief and promoted qualified individuals into key positions. The DPW has done an outstanding job with City services. Many positions were eliminated and others consolidated. The temporary tax structure is necessary to keep the City fiscally sound. Reserves are high and bonds are paid off. The CBA has attracted new business. Mayor Conrad has demonstrated four years of proven leadership and should be retained in office.

12. Leonard Moscicke, a long-time Countryside resident and Veteran of WWII, thanked the emergency responders present tonight for saving the life of his friend. He is a resident of the Senior Mercy housing. There was great need for such a facility years ago; he is thankful to be living there now. Mayor Conrad stated that the senior housing facility is a joint effort between the City, Lyons Township and Mercy Housing.

MAYOR’S REPORT

13. Presentation by the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management on the Emergency Operations Plan Accreditation. ESDA Coordinator Steve Norman introduced Kevin Joyce, Acting Deputy Director / Training & Exercise Manager and Thomas Hardin, Manager, Training Programs. On behalf of Cook County, Mr. Joyce presented Mayor Conrad with the plaque for Accreditation of the City’s Emergency Operations Plan. He commended Steve Norman, Police Chief Ruth, Supt. Essig and the Fire Protection District on their comprehensive plan in response to disasters and congratulated them on doing an excellent job. The City’s emergency plan met all county, state and federal government guidelines. The federal government provided financial assistance for damages sustained in the July flood amounting to $300 million for residents and businesses in Cook County. He congratulates Mayor Conrad and Steve Norman for their efforts. Photos were taken.

14. Steve Drazner, Finance Director, introduced Brian LeFevre of the accounting firm of Sikich. He presented Mayor Conrad with a certificate for the City’s comprehensive annual report for FY2010. The City received the Certificate of Achievement Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2010. This is the fourth consecutive year the City has achieved this distinction; congratulations to the City. Mr. Drazner joined the Mayor and Mr. LeFevre for photos.

15. Mayor Conrad introduced Sgt. Anthony Boyd and Officer April Bisignani and presented them with the Life Saving Award for performing CPR on Mr. Anthony Grassi, a heart attack victim and resident of the Senior Mercy housing. On December 11, 2010,both officers arrived on the scene prior to the EMTs and began using CPR and AED on Mr. Grassi until the Pleasant View Fire Protection District personnel arrived, assumed responsibility and transported him to the hospital. He survived the incident and is present with us tonight. Mr. Grassi, Sgt. Boyd, Ofc. Bisignani and Mayor Conrad had several photos taken. Fire District personnel stated that they enjoy the working relationship with the Countryside Police Department. The two officers will also be recognized at a Trustee’s meeting that will be held in April. The audience cheered all the uniformed personnel involved in this case. Many photos were taken.

16. Mayor Conrad stated that this formal action is taken granting a Casino Nite fundraiser from St. Cletus School held at Bella Banquets, 5412 LaGrange Road, on Saturday, March 19, 2011. Ald. McDermott moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT

17. Treasurer Jasinski congratulated Fin. Dir. Steve Drazner and City. Admin. Gail Paul for achieving the GFOA Certificate of Achievement Award for their outstanding financial acumen. This is an extremely difficult award and is not given lightly. With their diligent efforts the City is in excellent financial shape. Congratulations to them.

18. Treasurer Jasinski noted a celebrity in our midst – namely MAYOR ROBERT CONRAD who was given the Public Service Award from the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce for the year 2010. Congratulations to the Mayor on his achievement.

19. Treasurer Jasinski stated that at the last Finance Committee meeting the City was able to lower the tax on residents and bring certain services back to the City. Those three renewed services are the library reimbursement, pool reimbursement and the annual spring clean up.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

20. INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN MICHALCZYK, CHAIRMAN, presented the recommendation to award the contract to the low bidder — Timberline of Downers Grove, IL for the 2011 Landscaping Services for a total of $17,845, a savings of $5,000 over last year. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve the contract, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously.

21. POLICE COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN SMETANA, CHAIRMAN, presented the recommendation to purchase a squad/evidence technician vehicle in the amount of $49,206.42. Two officers are trained evidence technicians. Ald. Straza moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously.

22. Ald. Smetana presented the recommendation to purchase three Automated External Defibrillators (AED), two for patrol vehicles and one for the Senior Mercy housing for a total cost of $3,964. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously.

23. Ald. Straza stated that the City received a plaque from the American Water Works Association in recognition of the talented members and co-workers within the Department. He asked Mr. Essig to pass along the congratulations to his co-workers.

24. Ald. Von Drasek stated that the Recreation Meeting will be held on April 6 to discuss the Summer Events. Thanks to all the uniformed personnel present tonight who are involved in the City’s business.

LEGAL REPORT

25. City Attorney William Raysa presented the PC/ZBA recommendation to allow a special use to permit an automobile parts and/or accessory store on the real estate commonly known as 6420 Joliet Road. The Applicant, Sam Haleem, appeared at the hearing held on March 1, 2011. The PC/ZBA heard all the testimony and evidence; no objections, either oral or written were made at the hearing. The PC/ZBA found that the applicant met all requirements and granted a special use to permit an automobile parts and/or accessory store on the property commonly known as 6420 Joliet Road. Ald. McDermott moved to approve the special use, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

Acting Clerk Bartelt declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 11-15-O.

26. Attorney Raysa presented the PC/ZBA recommendation to permit outdoor sales of merchandise for an automobile parts and/or accessory store at 6420 Joliet Road. At the hearing held March 1, 2011, the PC/ZBA heard all the testimony and evidence; no objections, either oral or written, were made at the hearing. The PC/ZBA found that the applicant met all requirements and granted the special use subject to the following conditions: 1) that all displays outside will be brought back into the facility at the close of business each day; 2) that only four wheels/rims will be displayed on the brick pillars on the front of the building; 3) that construction will be subject to all codes, ordinances and regulations of the City, 4) and that said use will be established within six months from the date of the ordinance granting same on the real estate commonly known as 6420 Joliet Road. Ald. Smetana moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0

Acting Clerk Bartelt declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 11-16-O.

27. Attorney Raysa presented the PC/ZBA recommendation to allow a PUD request of the Shamrock Taco Bell Corp. which consists of a special use and two variance requests to construct a new Taco Bell facility at 5601 & 5611 LaGrange Road. At the continued hearing held on March 1, 2010, the PC/ZBA heard all the testimony and evidence and recommended that a special use variation be granted to the applicant subject to the following conditions: 1) that all construction be in substantial compliance with Petitioner’s Exhibit A, the site plan attached hereto; 2) that the ingress and egress onto 56^th St. be limited to an entrance only lane and an egress permitting only a left hand turn; 3) that all construction and operation is subject to all applicable codes, ordinances and regulations of the City; and 4), that said use be established within six months from the effective date of the ordinance granting same. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

Acting Clerk Bartelt declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 11-17-O.

28. At the hearing held on March 1, 2011, the PC/ZBA also heard all the testimony and evidence presented and recommended that a zoning variation to Section 8-5-9(B-3) be granted to allow a freestanding sign of 101 s.f. instead of the required 100 s.f. a variance to Section 8-5-9(B-5) to allow a freestanding sign with 6’8 of clearance from the bottom of the sign to the ground instead of the required 7 feet, and a variance to Section 10-10-5(B) to allow a drive-thru facility with 9 stacking spaces rather than the required 10 stacking spaces upon the real estate commonly known as 5601 and 5611 S. LaGrange Road, subject to the following conditions: 1) that all construction and placement of the sign be in substantial conformity with Petitioner’s Group Exhibit A, attached hereto, 2) that all construction and operation permitted is subject to all applicable City codes and ordinances, and 3) that said use be established within six months from the effective date of the ordinance. Ald. Pondelicek moved to approve, seconded by Ald. McDermott and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

Acting Clerk Bartelt declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 11-18-O.

29. Attorney Raysa presented the request from Jim Arce (Tavern on LaGrange) for a 30-day extension of Ordinance 10-53-O. Mr. Arce has submitted construction drawings to the Building Department on March 10, 2011. He believes construction can be completed and occupancy granted by that time. His request for an extension serves as a buffer in the event construction takes longer than expected. Ald. Straza moved to approve the request, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

30. Attorney Raysa presented the PC/ZBA recommendation for the Shamrock TBC, Inc., for Preliminary and Final Approval for Plat of Consolidation of 5601 and 5611 La Grange Road. After hearing all the testimony and evidence, the PC/ZBA approved the preliminary and final plat of consolidation as presented. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0

Acting Clerk Bartelt declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 11-19-O.

31. BUSINESS LICENSE COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN PONDELICEK, CHAIRMAN, sought approval for the business license from Automotive Concepts, 6420 Joliet Road. Type: Retail. Applicant: Sam Haleem. Ald. McDermott moved to approve the business license, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

32. City Administrator Ms. Paul presented the recommendation to approve a License Agreement for use of a parking area for a motorcycle training program. Ms. Paul stated that Illinois Harley of Berwyn has requested the use of a city-owned lot for their Riders’ Edge Motorcycle Training Program. They requested either Dodge City or the lot north of City Hall. Illinois Harley has inspected both sites; they must get approval through the Windy City Motorcycle School. Due to time constraints and scheduled meeting dates, the license agreement allows the City Council to grant approval for the site with an amendment to be executed after final approval of the site. The program runs from April through October, Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with one Thursday-Friday in November and one Thursday-Friday in December. The school will have a staff of three persons and a maximum of 12 students. The school may also utilize a house trailer on the property as needed. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve the license agreement as presented, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously.

STAFF REPORTS

33. Finance Director Drazner stated that two new City Web sites went online on Friday. Many thanks to all those who assisted with the feedback and content.

34. Mr. Drazner stated that the Water Committee has approved an amnesty program for residents in arrears with their water bills. The letter went out yesterday – 81 accounts were over 30 days late. Residents have until April 7 to respond. If they participate in the program, penalties will be frozen for six months as long as they keep making installment payments on the past-due portion of their water bills. He looks forward to a successful conclusion to the program.

35. ESDA Coordinator Norman reported on the Storm Ready renewal application. On March 4 Jim Alsop visited the site, reviewed the premises and bestowed the City’s accreditation for the Storm Ready program. He noted the excellent work done by the DPW; City services are great thanks to Jim Essig and his workers.

36. Mayor Conrad stated that there will be no Executive Session tonight; it was incorporated into the Finance Committee meeting last evening.

ADJOURNMENT

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

Mayor Conrad declared the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

SHARON SWEENEY, CITY CLERK

BY: Gail Bartelt, Acting Clerk