MINUTES

INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE MEETING

Monday, November 2, 2015 – 5:30 pm

Council Chamber – Countryside City Hall

I. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM.

II. ROLL CALL

Those physically present as follows:

Present: Alderman John Von Drasek, Alderman Mark Benson, Alderman Scott Musillami, Mayor Sean McDermott

Also Present: Alderman Bob Pondelicek, Alderman Jim Jasinski, City Administrator Gail Paul, Asst. City Administrator Sharon Peterson, City Attorney Erik Peck, Public Works Superintendent Jim Essig, Engineer John Fitzgerald

Public: Barbara Weyrick, Margaret Vaughn

III. PUBLIC COMMENT

Barbara Weyrick, Lyons Township Assessor, addressed the committee. She said she has been the Assessor for 29 years. She expressed concern about TPI regarding an issue that began in 2013. According to Ms. Weyrick, she had to wait 8 months for building permit reports. She stated that Countryside is the worst city/village for getting her the permit reports.

Recently Ms. Weyrick sent several emails to the TPI person regarding 6402 Joliet Road. He responded that she should contact OSHA regarding her concerns. She asked the committee why the City isn’t getting involved in other properties in town. She requested the committee look into these matters and report back to her.

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 6, 2015 were previously distributed to the members of the Infrastructure Committee. There was 1 correction-to include Ald. Jasinski as present.

I move to approve the minutes of the Infrastructure Committee Meeting of July 6, 2015.

A motion was made by Alderman Musillami, seconded by Alderman Benson and carried unanimously.

V. DISCUSSION OF ROOF INSPECTIONS AND THE CURRENT CITY CODES AS THEY RELATE TO ROOF INSPECTIONS

Margaret Vaughn of the Chicago Roofers Contractor’s Association and a lobbyist in Springfield gave an update on the current licensure requirements from the State level. Contractors must have an unemployment insurance ID. There are two different bondings; Limited license (8 units or less) and Unlimited license (commercial and larger units). Having a limited license on a commercial job is basically the same as working without a license. The license number should be listed on all contracts and bids. Commercial vehicles must have a license number issued on the vehicles-should be on the commercial vehicles, not their personal vehicles.

Independent contractors are not legal. They must be a licensed roofing contractor or independent roofing contractor. When pulling permits, code officials should require government-issued IDs when issuing the permit.

Identify theft occurs when a roofing license is stolen. This is a punishable offense and is a felony. If a license is loaned out to an unlicensed contractor this is also a violation of the law. These situations are a liability to the City. If something goes wrong on the job, the building owner can sue the City. The primary enforcement agency is the Department of Professional Regulations. Ms. Vaughn suggested that the city join the Suburban Building Officials Conference. Alderman Von Drasek suggested that everyone know their consumer rights. He recommended attaching the consumer rights pamphlets to the application/contract and requiring it when issuing a permit.

VI. DISCUSSION OF BEEKEEPING

Sharon Peterson presented the history of beekeeping in Countryside and options for regulating. The City has received inquires about residents who want to do it and we have also received complaints. We currently do not regulate beekeeping. The State requires a license. There are communities that do regulate beekeeping on a local level. Ms. Peterson provided a copy of the Village of Westmont ordinance. The Committee directed Ms. Peterson to research what agency regulates and what additional insurance would be required.

VII. DISCUSSION OF BRAINARD AVENUE – JOLIET ROAD TO 55^TH STREET COOK COUNTY JURISDICTIONAL TRANSFER

Mayor McDermott said that he was approached by Commissioner Tobolski’s office regarding the possibility of a Jurisdictional Transfer. Engineer Fitzgerald was then asked to research this item. Fitzgerald presented his report-which highlights items that the City should consider when making a decision. The Committee directed staff to send an inquiry letter to the Highway Commissioner stating we would like to discuss the possibility of a jurisdictional transfer.

VIII. DISCUSSION OF WATER/FLOODING/DRAINAGE ISSUES

Engineer Fitzgerald and Public Works Superintendent Essig presented an update of drainage and flooding issues since May 2015. The committee discussed potential solutions for each individual location. Fitzgerald will return with recommendations to the committee.

IX. DISCUSSION OF STREETS AND ALLEY RESURFACING 5-YEAR PLAN

Engineer Fitzgerald presented the streets and alley inventory map. There were a dozen or so streets that changed from last year’s map. The most notable change was Constance lane; the entire curb is shot. The other streets that need attention are: 67^th, Barton, and 56^th Court.

Fitzgerald recommended a concrete alley North of Plainfield and West of LaGrange Road. It is the last of the commercial alleys. He also discussed Constance Lane-where a water main needs to be replaced as well as street repairs. The timing of each item would need to be coordinated. The committee suggested replacing the water main first in FY17-then resurface the following year.

The committee approved repairs for FY17 as follows: 67^th, Barton, Constance, and a patch on Longview with a total of approximately $580,000. They also approved the water main replacement on Constance-to be paid from the Water fund. The numbers will be presented at the November Finance Committee meeting.

X. OTHER BUSINESS

CONSIDERATION OF ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE. The Mayor stated that the sponsors will be Kenny’s, Operating Engineers, and the City. The route will be 61^st Street to Kensington, 57^th Street to Longview to Terry, to Brainard to Kennys. This matter will go to Council on Nov. 11. Traffic management will be needed on Brainard and on 55^th (IDOT). City costs will include salary for police officers and public works on the day of the event. The parade is open to anyone who wants to walk in it.

FENCE AT WOODLAND RIDGE SUBDIVISION. Alderman Von Drasek stated the fence is falling down and is in need of repair. A Homeowner’s Association is supposed to be maintaining it, but an association was never formed. Staff will bring information about costs to the next Infrastructure meeting.

XI. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to discuss, Alderman Von Drasek motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Benson and carried unanimously.

Chairman Von Drasek declared the meeting adjourned at 7:24 PM.

APPROVED: 1-11-2016