MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 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 Attorney Stein, City Admin. Paul, Police Chief Ruth, Asst. Admin. Peterson, Fin. Dir. Drazner, ESDA Crd. Norman, Police Bd. Chrm. Welch, member Burdett, PC/ZBA Chrm. Fullmer, member Benson.

OMNIBUS AGENDA

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 14, 2012.

3. STATEMENT OF BILLS through March 28, 2012 – $72,976.53.

4. TREASURER’S REPORT for month ending February 2012.

5. Application for a raffle license from the KIWANIS CLUB in conjunction with the 62^ndAnnual Pancake Day at Helping Hand Center, 9649 W. 55^thSt. on May 6 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

6. Application for a general business license from GP Transportation Co., 5346 East Avenue. Type: Office & warehouse. Applicant: G. Poviliunas.

7. From the American Legion, Robert Coulter Post requesting permission to solicit for Poppy Days on May 24-26, 2012 at various locations on private property.

8. Application for a special use from Galbraith Events to hold an Arts & Crafts Spring Event on March 31, 2012 at the William Tell, 6201 Joliet Road, 9 am to 3 pm.

9. 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

10. One addition to the Agenda was noted by Ald. Jasinski.

QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE

11. Jacqueline Pilarski, resident of Countryside Senior Apartments, asked for signage to distinguish the west driveway as the entrance, and the east driveway as the exit. Seniors are getting them confused, especially at night. She asked that highway signs be posted – DO NOT ENTER on the east and TOWNSHIP PARKING on the west. Ms. Peterson stated that this is a matter for Mercy Housing and the Township since the development is on Township property. She will call Mercy Housing tomorrow.

12. Jim Kucera and Maureen Barrett represent the committee seeking to hold the THIRD ANNUAL CHILI COOKOFF in the Chicago area. They will have the entire application packet ready for the next Council meeting. Ms. Barrett is a rep of the International Chili Society, which is a charitable event to be held at the Holiday Inn on May 26, 2012 in Countryside. This is a regional event which goes national; they are seeking City support. They will have flyers and brochures available; there should be about 500 attendees with 50 cooks from all over the U.S. They will have a DJ, vendors and a beer garden – a fun event; there will also be a Junior Cook Off event for kids. Mr. Kucera stated that Maureen is the past World Champion; this is the third year for this event; they look forward to coming to Countryside with more space. This is a family event; the chili competition is great; they hope to involve local residents and businesses; they are looking for judges for the event.

MAYOR’S REPORT

13. Temporary appointment to the PC/ZBA of Bryon Bednar. Mayor Krzeminski stated that this position should not be left open. Ald. Jasinski is opposed to a resident from Ward 3 being appointed to a Ward 1 position on the PC/ZBA. Mayor Krzeminski stated that at the time of the appointment there were only two applicants, neither one was from Ward 1. Since that time, background checks were instituted and more residents applied, however the Mayor had already appointed Mr. Bednar. There are more appointments coming up. Ald. Jasinski stated that a gentleman from Ward 1 did apply; the Mayor did not see that application. This matter has been before the Council since November with no vote taken; thus he is making the temporary appointment. Ald. Von Drasek stated that in the seven years he has been an Alderman the PC/ZBA has been equally staffed with three individuals from each of the three City Wards; he sees no reason to change that policy now; there should be checks and balances on the Zoning Board. Council members were against the appointment that’s why there was no vote. The Mayor stated that resistance in small matters has been an ongoing problem within the City Council, e.g. when he took office he asked that the Council Senior members sit on his left, and Junior members sit on his right. A Senior member resigned recently leaving the seat open. Ald. McDermott, as the Senior member from his ward, should occupy that seat but he refuses to do so after repeated attempts; he announced again that he wishes Senior members to be seated at his left. Ald. McDermott stated that he likes where he sits; Council members are comfortable where they are sitting. Mayor Krzeminski once again noted Ald. McDermott’s opposition to this request.

14. Swearing in Appointees:

Mary Lou Pisone – Board of Fire & Police Commissioners;

Tom Michalczyk, Ald. VonDrasek- Flagg Creek Administrative Board Member;

E-911 Annual Appointment: Police Chief Ruth, ESDA Steve Norman;

PC/ZBA – 4-year appointment – Richard Fullmer, Jr., Bryon Bednar.

Mayor Krzeminski administered the Oath of Office to several individuals en masse , including – Bryon Bednar, Mary Lou Pisone, Tom Michalczyk, Police Chief Ruth, Steve Norman, Richard Fullmer and Ald. Von Drasek to the various committees as stated above. The Mayor thanked them for volunteering for these positions. Photos were taken and the audience congratulated the appointees.

15. Presentation by George Graves on behalf of the Employers in Support of the Guard and Reserve. Mr. Graves stated that in January 2012 the 822^ndMilitary Police Battalion nominated Police Chief Ruth for the Patriotic Employer Award for contributing to national security and supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force. The Department of Defense presents this award to Chief Ruth for supporting Sgt. Kelly Caulker’s service in Afghanistan. He also introduced Terry McCollom and Allen Pisarek, part of the 4,700 volunteers who serve throughout the U.S. Mr. Graves presented the award and a special Patriot Award pin. Police Chief Ruth thanked him for the recognition and congratulated Sgt. Caulker on her safe return. The City Police Department sent several CARE packages to troops serving over seas.

Ald. McDermott stated that Terry McCollom was the former Lyons Township Supervisor.

CITY CLERK’S REPORT

16. Approval of Executive Session minutes of City Council of 8-24-11 and minutes of Economic Development Committee – 7-13-11 and 8-30-11. Clerk Sweeney sought a motion to approve the above Executive Session minutes. Ald. Pondelicek moved to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Ald. Jasinski and carried unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT

17. Announcement of GFOA Certificate of Achievement Award – Treasurer Jasinski stated that the City’s accounting department with Finance Director, Steven Drazner, has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, for the fifth year in a row. This shows the financial strength of the City as indicated by the City’s increase in its bond rating. Keep up the good work.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

18. FINANCE COMMITTEE – TREASURER JASINSKI, CHAIRMAN, presented the recommendations from the committee meeting of 3-26-12, to approve a contribution for Rotary Club Diamond Achievement Award Dinner. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve a contribution of $2,000, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously.

19. LICENSE COMMITTEE – ALD. MUSILLAMI, CHAIRMAN, presented the recommendations from the committee meeting of 2-15-12, to cap penalty fees at $500 for delinquent business license. Ald. McDermott moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Jasinski and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

20. Ald. Musillami presented the recommendation to set court fines for delinquent business license owners at $250 to $750. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 12-28-O.

21. Application for conditional approval for a general business license from Core Fitness & Physical Therapy, 6475 Joliet Road, Unit C. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

22. WATER COMMITTEE – ALD. VON DRASEK, CHAIRMAN, sought formal approval of invoice from WCMC re: Chicago Water Task Force Assessment $589.50.

Ald. Musillami moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Jasinski and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0 Ald. Von Drasek congratulated the Finance Director on achieving this prestigious award again; it is a team effort to get the award five years in a row. Kudos to the entire Finance Department.

23. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE – ALD. MC DERMOTT, CHAIRMAN, presented the recommendation to consider an ordinance amending Section 1-15-6 – Ethics and Conflicts of Interest — prohibiting any elected officials and/or spouses from having any financial interest in anyone doing business with the City. Ald. Musillami moved to adopt the Ordinance as presented, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 12-25-O.

24. Consideration of a Proposal from Shorewood Development/GMX for the Development of Property in the City Center Development site. The City Council will defer this matter for further discussion in Executive Session, after which time it will return to Open Session to announce its decision.

25. POLICE COMMITTEE – ALD. PONDELICEK, CHAIRMAN, presented the recommendation to purchase camera monitors for the Communications Center for $1,275.28 /camera, times three cameras totaling $4,794.07. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Musillami and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

26. Recommendation to purchase car mobile radios from United Ratio for $5,217.08. Ald. Jasinski moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

27. Recommendation to purchase two vehicles from Westfield Ford – a Ford Taurus for $23,614 and a Ford Explorer for $25,542. Ald. Musillami moved to approve, seconded by Ald. McDermott and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

28. Recommendation to purchase the emergency equipment for new vehicles listed above for installation from Ultra Strobe for $15,212.66 and vehicle striping from Car Reflections for $725. Police Chief Ruth stated that monies for the vehicles and the associated equipment are coming from the Drug Forfeiture Fund and not the General Fund. Due to switching car models, no equipment is transferable. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Jasinski and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

29. Ald. Pondelicek announced the City will advertise for a Crossing Guard at 58^th& Francis for Ideal School through the City’s website.

30. Ald. Michalczyk wished all the residents a Happy Easter. Ald. Jasinski stated that the City-sponsored Easter Egg Hunt will take place on Saturday, April 7 at 10:00 a.m. in Countryside Park. All children and grandchildren are welcome to attend and have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny.

LEGAL REPORT

31. City Attorney Stein presented consideration of an ordinance granting a special use to Core Fitness & Physical Therapy, 6475 Joliet Road, Unit C, to permit a physical culture and health services business. At the hearing held on March 6, 2012, after hearing all the testimony and evidence presented by the applicant, and hearing no objections either written or oral, it was the PC/ZBA recommendation to permit the special use for the operation of a physical therapy business upon the real estate commonly known as 6475 Joliet Road, Unit C. Ald. Von Drasek moved to concur with the recommendation, seconded by Ald. Jasinski and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 12-26-O.

32. Attorney Stein presented the PC/ZBA recommendation allowing a building variance to permit a fence with 30% permeability instead of the 50% permeability requirement to both light and air to Shirley Nugent, 730 Terry Lane. At the hearing held on March 6, 2012, after hearing all the testimony and evidence presented by the applicant, and hearing no objections either written or oral, it was the PC/ZBA recommendation to permit the already constructed fence built by the applicant upon the real estate commonly known as 730 Terry Lane. Ald. McDermott moved to concur with the recommendation, seconded by Ald. Musillami and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 12-27-O.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

33. City Administrator Ms. Paul recommends approval of change order #1 for landscaping at the City Center Development in the amount of $18,629.54. This reflects the recommendation made by the Architectural and Landscaping Ad Hoc Committee and adds trees, bushes and ground cover. Ald. McDermott moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

34. Ms. Paul requests approval of the second Reimbursement Request from Countryside Harley Properties, LLC for $512,514.90 from the Commercial TIF Fund. They were about 65% complete last week and have made significant progress; all inside work will be done by month-end and they will begin moving in furniture, fixtures and inventory during the month of April. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Musillami and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

STAFF REPORTS

35. Police Chief Ruth requests approval of the submission of FY 2013 Tobacco Enforcement Grant application for participation in the State of Illinois Kids Can’t Buy em Here tobacco control program. The City has been involved in this program since 2005. The goal is to reduce the illegal sale of tobacco products to minors. Through this grant the police are able to provide retailers with educational materials and training to assist them in reducing and eliminating instances of tobacco products being sold to minors. Police also conduct unannounced compliance checks to ensure that retailers comply with local ordinance and state law. The budget impact is $1,870 which is fully reimbursable by the State of Illinois. During the last year all community retailers were 100% compliant. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve submitting the grant application, seconded by Ald. Jasinski and carried unanimously.

OLD AND NEW BUSINESS

36. Ald. McDermott asked the City’s legal staff to research whether or not Home Rule authority provides for maintenance of regional balance on the City’s Zoning Board. He also requests legal research to determine what regulation may be imposed on temporary appointments to committees. He would like a written report on both items.

ADJOURNMENT

37. There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Krzeminski sought a motion to recess to Executive Session under Sections 2Ac and 2Aa, 2C1 (personnel) ? to review Council Executive Session minutes of 9-14-11 and 9-28-11, and to discuss real estate and personnel issues. Ald. Jasinski moved to adjourn to Executive Session, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

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

* * *

The City Council returned to Open Session at 8:59 with the same members present.

38. Under Economic Development Committee, Chairman, Ald. McDermott directed the City attorney to develop a term sheet that incorporates the terms of the Shorewood Development/GMX proposal, with deadlines and have it ready for the next City Council meeting. Ald. Von Drasek moved to adopt the above language, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0.

39. Mayor Krzeminski believes that Verizon or a similar business would be an important part of the project. He urged the developers to work together with the City Council to get this development completed.

40. There being no further business to discuss, Ald. McDermott moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ald. Musillami and carried by Roll Call vote – 6/0

Mayor Krzeminski declared the meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m.

SHARON SWEENEY, CITY CLERK