MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2010

1. Mayor Conrad called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. City Clerk Sweeney called the Roll of those physically present as follows:

PRESENT: Mayor Robert Conrad, Alderman John Von Drasek, Robert Pondelicek, Sean McDermott, Karen Michalczyk,

ABSENT: Ald. Michael Smetana, Wayne Straza.

ALSO PRESENT: City Clerk Sweeney, City Treasurer Jasinski, City Attorney Erik Peck, City Admin. Paul, Police Chief Ruth, Asst. Admin. Peterson, ESDA Coord. Norman, City Eng. Fitzgerald, PC/ZBA Member Jasinski, Fire Marshal Dan Tholotowsky, Deputy Chief Kevin Boyle

OMNIBUS AGENDA

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: October 27, 2010.

3. STATEMENT OF BILLS through November 10, 2010: $384,956.58.

4. Application for a general business license from HELIX LOGISTICS, LLC, 6734 Joliet Road. Type: Office. Applicant: Matthew Bernstein.

5. Application for a one-day special use to Helping Hand Family Association, 9649 W. 55^th St., to hold a Holiday Party at the William Tell, 6201 Joliet Road on December 11, 2010 from noon to 4 p.m.

6. Application for a Special Event from CARD FRENZY to hold a pre-grand opening party at 5555 Brainard Ave., #300 on November 18 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

7. From the Robert Coulter Post #1941 requesting permission to solicit at various locations within the City on November 8 and 13, 2010 for a fundraising campaign.

8. Application for a two-day special use to hold a stamp and collectibles show for the Suburban Collectors Club at Local 150 on November 26-27, 2010.

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

ADDITIONS TO AND/OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA

10. Three additions to the Agenda were noted by Mayor Conrad and two additions by Ald. Von Drasek.

QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE

11. Rick Camboni, Country Club Mobile Home Park commented favorably on the Police Department’s attention to Halloween. He thanked Chief Ruth for having a patrol car in the community at all times during Halloween night. He appreciated the gesture and thanked Chief Ruth on behalf of himself, his father and residents of the park.

12. Ed Krzyminski, 6929 Lorraine Drive, objects to the City’s purchase of the Circuit City property. The City purchased other properties along LaGrange Road at a cost of $28 million in the past six years. The City should pay its bills and not levy a real estate tax on its residents.

MAYOR’S REPORT

13. Mayor Conrad stated that at a private function attended by most City Council members, House Speaker Michael Madigan, lauded the City of Countryside for its professionalism and solvency and for the way in which the City helps its businesses and residents. Mayor Conrad felt proud of his community and grateful to Speaker Madigan for his acknowledgement of how this City is being run under this Administration and its Staff. The State of Illinois was instrumental in assisting the City in its first endeavors for the LaGrange Road StreetScape. Ald. Michalczyk has done a terrific job; the City is very proud of her achievements. She will speak to this issue later in the meeting.

14. Mayor Conrad stated that the City has been invited to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of Card Frenzy on November 19 at 9:00 a.m. He urged Council members and residents to attend.

CITY CLERK’S REPORT

15. City Clerk Sweeney sought consideration for the Schedule of Official Meetings for Council and Board/Commissions for Calendar Year 2011. Ald. McDermott moved to approve the Schedule as presented, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT

16. City Treasurer Jasinski stated that a Finance Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 16 at 5:30 p.m.

17. Treasurer Jasinski stated that the re-opening of the William Tell Holiday Inn went very well. The Lenoch brothers were very cordial and thankful to the City for its participation. Photos were taken; they did an excellent job of rehabbing the property; they remain a strong icon for the City.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

18. INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN MICHALCZYK, CHAIRMAN, presented the recommendation for an ordinance amending the Fire Alarm System Monitoring re: fire alarm requirements. Ald. Von Drasek moved to adopt the Ordinance as presented, seconded by Ald. McDermott and carried by Roll Call vote – 4/0/2. Ald. Michalczyk stated that several other additions will be considered in the future.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 10-55-O.

19. Ald. Michalczyk presented the recommendation for an ordinance amending Sprinkler Requirements for Residential and Commercial as it applies to new construction only. Ald. McDermott moved to adopt the Ordinance as presented, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote – 4/0/2.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 10-56-O.

20. Ald. Michalczyk stated that the recommendation for an ordinance amending the Building Permit Fees will be forwarded to Attorney Peck for preparation of a draft ordinance to be presented at the next City Council Meeting in December.

21. Ald. Michalczyk stated that the recommendation for an ordinance amending the Sign Code likewise will be forwarded to Attorney Peck for preparation of a draft ordinance to be presented at the next City Council Meeting in December.

22. Ald. Michalczyk stated that House Speaker Madigan is very pleased with the way the City has handled the StreetScape funds. The City is receiving another $1.7 million from the State for continuation of the project on LaGrange Road. Mayor Conrad stated that contrary to any rumors circulating, the City is in very good financial shape.

23. LICENSE COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN PONDELICEK, CHAIRMAN, presented the recommendation of the License Committee after a meeting held earlier this evening. The committee was considering a draft ordinance to create a valet parking business license, but the committee decided not to do that and instead make a policy change for the general business license. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve the policy change, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried by Roll Call vote – 4/0/2.

24. Ald. McDermott announced that the Economic Development Committee will meet on Thursday, November 18 at 6 p.m. He urged everyone to attend. He commended Ald. Michalczyk on her leadership in the fire safety issues presented this evening and congratulated her on the ITEP grant.

25. Ald. Von Drasek stated that this Saturday, November 13 volunteers will meet at City Hall at 10 a.m. to go out and rake leaves for Senior citizens. They have 40 yards to rake with 100 kids and other volunteers to assist; they will need water. Ald. McDermott stated that he and his volunteers took care of the Triangle Area.

26. Ald. Von Drasek stated that the tree lighting ceremony will take place Friday evening, November 26 at 6 p.m. Santa Claus will arrive by fire truck to join in the festivities. Also, the Children’s Christmas Party will take place Saturday, December 4 from 10:30 to 1 p.m. at the Atrium Room of the William Tell – sponsored by the CBA.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

27. City Administrator Ms. Paulsought Council acceptance of the purchase agreement between the City of Countryside and Circuit City property, 9950 Joliet Road for $1,682,000. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve the agreement as presented, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote – 4/0/2.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 10-57-O.

28. Ms. Paul presented an update on the Illinois Jobs Capital Bill Program. Several municipalities received extra MFT funds; the City’s share of those funds is $26,000, which will most likely be used for the next street resurfacing program

STAFF REPORTS

29. City Engineer Fitzgerald, presented pay estimate #1 for the CDBG project -re: Sunset Avenue Street Rehabilitation in the amount of $113,938.65 to Crowley-Sheppard Asphalt, Inc. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve payment, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously. Ald. Michalczyk stated that the residents of Ward 2 are extremely pleased with the project; it is a job well done. Mayor Conrad complimented both Ward 2 Aldermen on their ability to work well together.

30. Mr.Fitzgerald presented pay estimate #1 for the 2010 MFT Street Rehabilitation project in the amount of $182,741.49 to Central Blacktop Co. Ald. McDermott moved to approve payment, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

31. Assistant Administrator Ms. Peterson presented the draft resolution authorizing, supporting and approving the Illinois Safe Routes to School grant application. The City is working with School District 105, Ideal School in promoting a safe route to school. Application will be made in mid December. Ald. McDermott moved to adopt the Resolution as presented, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as RESOLUTION 10-17-R.

32. Mayor Conrad reminded everyone that tomorrow is VETERANS’ DAY – a big thank you to all the veterans in the audience – enjoy the day tomorrow!

ADJOURNMENT

33. There being no further business to discuss, Ald. Von Drasek moved to adjourn into Executive Session under Section 2B1 and 2Ac of the Open Meetings Act for the purpose of discussing personnel and real estate, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote 4/0/2.

Mayor Conrad declared the meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.

SHARON SWEENEY, CITY CLERK