MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2004

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

PRESENT: Mayor Carl LeGant, Aldermen Robert Conrad, Wayne Straza, Michael Smetana, Karen Michalczyk, Edward Krzeminski

ABSENT: Ald. Joseph Fajdich, City Clerk Herberts

ALSO PRESENT: Acting Clerk Bartelt, City Treasurer Stoffels, City Attorneys Erik and Robert Peck, Police Chief Swanson, City Administrator Bailey, Deputy Treasurer Wenzel, City Engineer Fitzgerald, Police/Fire Bd. Mebs. Welch, Pondelicek

OMNIBUS AGENDA

2. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes – September 22, 2004.

3. Statement of Bills for the period ending October 13, 2004.

4. Application for a general business license from Cleaners Depot #18, 5555 Brainard Avenue, #800. Type: Dry cleaning. Applicant: Rafiq Karimi, Jr.

5. Application from Susan Nicholson, Greater Chicago Productions, for a special use to hold an antique postcard show at Local #150, 6200 Joliet Road, November 5-6, 2004.

6. Application for a general business license from Verizon Wireless, within Circuit City Store, 9950 Joliet Road. Type: Retailer. Applicant: Dennis Strigl.

7. Application for a general business license from Storage Mart #2202, 9801 W. 55th St. Type: Self-storage. Applicant: Edward G. Lord, III.

8. Application for a registration to Carpal Tunnel Injury Center, 6555 Willow Springs Road, #1 and 2. Type: Medical services. Applicant: Jeff Winterheimer.

9. Application for a registration to Illinois Back Institute, 6555 Willow Springs Road, #1 and 2. Type: Medical services. Applicant: Jeff Winterheimer.

10. Application from Helping Hand Rehabilitation Center for a special use to hold a Craft Fair on November 20, 2004, from 8 am to 4 pm. Also, requested waiving fee.

11. Application for a general business license from The Auto Barn Motors, 5700 LaGrange Road. Type: Auto sales. Applicant: Richard Fisher (relocation from 6161 Joliet Road).

12. Application for a general business license from the Christian Store Outlet, 48 Countryside Plaza. Type: Retail sales. Applicant: Christa Nickles.

13. Application from the West Suburban Coin Co. for a special use permit to hold coin shows at Park Place, 6200 Joliet Road on Jan. 9, Feb. 13, March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12, July 10, August 14, October 9, November 13 and December 11, 2005.

14. From Dominick’s Finer Foods submitting an application for a charitable game license to hold bingo for one day at Park Place, 6200 Joliet Road as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society on October 25, 2004 from 6-10 p.m.

15. From the Whispering Oaks Council requesting permission to sell Girl Scout cookies door to door and at various commercial sites from January 21 through February 13, 2005.

16. Ald. Krzeminski moved to approve the Omnibus Agenda as presented, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.

ADDITIONS TO AND/OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA

17. Additions to the Agenda were noted by Ald. Conrad and Ald. Krzeminski.

QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE – none

MAYOR’S REPORT

18. Mayor LeGant presented Service Recognition Awards to the following employees: ESDA Officer Paul Tomasewski – five years of service. Senior Water Plant Operator Dennis Anderson – 20 years of service. Master Sgt. Bernard Duffy – 25 years service in the Police Department.

19. Mayor LeGant introduced three newly sworn Police Officers for the City. He presented each with the Award Certificate from the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board certifying that all requirements have been completed according to the State of Illinois Statutes qualifying the following individuals as Law Enforcement Officers: They are: Paul Klimek, Kelly Kalker and April Bisignani. Council members welcomed them to the Countryside Police Department.

20. Mayor LeGant sought authorization to sponsor the Annual 2004 Children’s Christmas Party, December 4, 2004 at Local #150. The following items need authorization:

A. Purchase 450 stockings from Helping Hand @ cost of $5.75 each. Ald Smetana moved to approve the purchase, seconded by Ald. Conrad and carried unanimously.
B. Purchase 500 – $5 gift certificates from McDonalds. Ald. Smetana moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Conrad and carried unanimously.
C. Pay Santa Claus $50, same as last year. Ald. Conrad moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.
D. Pay the janitor $45 for his services. Ald. Smetana moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Conrad and carried unanimously.
E. Pay JuDee Marsh, singer, $60 for entertainment. Ald. Conrad moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.
F. Pay clown and helper to pass out balloon swords $300. Ald. Smetana moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Conrad and carried unanimously.
G. Purchase two gift certificates for merchandise or bicycles for $350. Ald. Conrad moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.
H. Authorize Sue Wilson to purchase additional gifts for the Christmas Party raffle drawing for $400. Ald. Conrad moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.
I. Purchase Polaroid film for photos with Santa for $375. Ald. Conrad moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.

21. Mayor LeGant discussed two memos from the City Administrator regarding succession of Authority during Emergency Incidents and consideration of the Emergency powers of Mayor. Ald. Krzeminski moved to table this matter. There was no second; motion fails. Mr. Bailey stated that two options are presented for succession of authority in the event of emergency. Ald. Krzeminski suggested changing the line of succession putting ESDA Coordinator above the Police Chief. After discussion it was agreed to leave the succession of authority as stated. The Police Chief is present at City Hall on a daily basis. The ESDA Coordinator is not. Mr. Bailey stated that the position of a Mayor pro-tem would be created. It is important that the city be in compliance with the NIMS criteria. This is just the beginning; further directives will be received from Homeland Security. Ald. Conrad moved to proceed with Option #2, seconded by Ald. Straza. The City attorney is authorized to create the draft Ordinance including the Mayor pro-tem position. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

22. Mayor LeGant discussed the Save the Timbers – re: Lyons Township Bond Referendum. The letter seeks the Mayor’s assistance in a campaign to support a $10 million Lyons Township bond referendum to acquire parkland. This matter will be on the ballot at the November election; a yes or no vote is required. If the referendum is approved, LT residents will be taxed to pay off the bonds and to maintain the newly acquired parkland. The original intent was to preserve part of the former Timber Trails Golf Course, but there is no guarantee that the new owners would be willing to sell the property. Ald. Straza believes that since additional tax would be imposed on LT residents, the city should take a neutral stance. Council agreed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

WATER COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN STRAZA, CHAIRMAN, presented recommendations from the committee meeting held earlier this evening.

23. Ald. Straza stated that the committee recommends acceptance of the proposal from the City Engineer for a Water System Analysis not to exceed $9,000. Ald. Straza moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Krzeminski and carried unanimously.

24. Ald. Straza presented committee recommendation to approve the 2005 Water Main Replacement Project at a preliminary cost estimate of $350,000. Ald. Straza moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Krzeminski and carried unanimously.

STREETS & ALLEYS COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN SMETANA, CHAIRMAN, presented recommendations from the committee meeting held earlier this evening.

25. Ald. Smetana presented recommendations for the 2005 Street Repair program. The committee is following a five-year schedule previously adopted. They propose various utility patches and resurfacing of Longview Drive from 59th to 57th St. with full curb and gutter replacement; resurfacing Terry Lane from Longview Drive to Brainard with moderate curb and gutter repairs; and resurfacing of Longview Drive from 57th to Brainard Avenue. The estimated engineer’s cost is $350,147.00. Ald. Smetana moved to authorize the engineer to seek bids on this project, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously.

26. Ald. Smetana stated that the 5th Avenue Cutoff jurisdictional transfer proposal from Cook County would be tabled for further clarification.

27. Ald. Smetana stated that consideration of door replacement at City Hall would also be tabled for further investigation and clarification.

28. POLICE COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN CONRAD, CHAIRMAN, presented the Police Department recommendation to purchase 15 Kenwood portable radios; upgrades are part of the NIMS Homeland Security program. The cost is $9,605.75. Ald. Conrad moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously.

29. Ald. Conrad presented the request of the Police/Fire Commissioners to attend a seminar at the Drury Lane Hotel, Oak Brook, on October 29-31, 2004; the cost is $780 for all three members. Ald. Conrad moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Krzeminski and carried unanimously. Ald. Straza, as a former member of the Commission, believes that the seminar is well worth it.

30. RECREATION COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN CONRAD, CHAIRMAN, presented the recommendation to participate in the Brookfield Zoo’s Community Tree Trim at a cost of $125. Ald. Conrad moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.

LEGAL REPORT

31. City Attorney Peck presented the recommendation of the PC/ZBA to rezone certain properties located on the 5th Avenue Cutoff from the current R-1 single-family district to R-7 rural residential district. At the hearing held on September 21, 2004, there were no objections to the rezoning. Two exceptions were one parcel on the extreme east end and one parcel on the extreme west end. Ald. Krzeminski moved to concur with the recommendation, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously.

Acting Clerk Bartelt declared that this would be known as ORDINANCE 04-37-O.

32. Attorney Peck presented the draft resolution of Flagg Creek Golf Course Administrative Board for Distribution of 2004 Proceeds from Operations. Council members are not aware of any changes in the original agreement. After discussion, Council took no action and will await further inquiry regarding the increased threshold and reserve funds. This matter will be tabled at present. Treasurer Stoffels will investigate the matter and report on it at the next meeting.

33. Attorney Peck presented a proposed draft ordinance re: preliminary drainage plans for PC/ZBA Hearings. He read portions aloud involving activity that will materially affect the existing contours of land – the applicant shall submit a drainage plan showing all existing land features, proposed elevations and contours, grades and disposition of storm water in compliance with all applicable city storm water regulations”. Engineer Fitzgerald stated that a topo shows current existing conditions of land; it does not get into proposed storm water drainage. This drainage plan must show final grades, general location of detention and proposed outlet of the site; developers would need a topo to get that information. Council agreed that this ordinance should apply to both subdivision developments and single-family homes that come before the PC/ZBA; both situations should be covered. Mayor LeGant stated that engineering costs incurred must be paid in advance of the PC/ZBA hearing. Attorney Peck will include the above changes, revise the ordinance accordingly and present it at the next meeting.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

34. City Administrator Bailey presented the proposal of URS/TPAP to create a Commercial/Retail Landscaping Ordinance not to exceed $8,500. This will establish criteria for landscaping throughout the city. Ald. Conrad moved to approve the recommendation, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously.

35. Mr. Bailey presented the Deputy Treasurer’s Employment Contract and memo, which is basically similar to the employment contracts of Administrator Bailey and CDO Muenzer. It is a management tool that lays out the terms and conditions of employment; renewable unless either party takes action to terminate it. Ald. Conrad moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously.

36. Mr. Bailey presented the engineer’s estimate for final payment for the 2004 Street Rehab. Project, Phase 2, to Central Blacktop Co. in the amount of $14,185.27. Ald. Smetana moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously.

37. Mr. Bailey presented the change order for the 2004 Street Rehab. Project, Phase 2, in the amount of $27,712.70. This is a deduction from the MFT fund submitted to IDOT – which reduces the actual cost. Ald. Krzeminski moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously.

38. Mr. Bailey presented the change order to the Cerniglia Water Main replacement project. This is for cleaning the outfall of the storm water culvert from Stalford Road near the 67th St. Ditch — clearing debris in the amount of $26,000. Mayor LeGant suggested rip rap for the sides of the ditch to retard formation of silt. Mr. Fitzgerald noted that access to the site is the major problem. Mayor LeGant stated that all residents on Stalford and 67th St. should be notified of the clean up by mail. The letter should note the concerns of the mosquito abatement program regarding stagnant water. Ald. Krzeminski moved to approve the change order, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously.

39. Mr. Bailey presented the draft contract with Cook County for the services of a Public Health agent. Our Code Enforcement Officer was recently notified that he is no longer licensed by the State to perform inspections. The State law adopted in 2002 established criteria for licensing individuals as Environmental Health Practitioners. The initial contract will go from February to November. The County Bureau of Health Services in Oak Park provides environmental health services for 30 communities in western Cook County. They will make two inspections per year. The City will still take enforcement action. A new ordinance will have to be created to accommodate the proposed relationship in accordance with City Codes. Ald. Krzeminski moved to authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement on behalf of the city, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.

40. Mr. Bailey presented two invoices from Parsons Transportation Group. The first invoice for $1,448.30 regarding design of the Noise Wall. Ald. Krzeminski moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Smetana and carried unanimously.

41. Mr. Bailey presented the second invoice for $3,864.97 as a supplement for noise measurements taken before the noise wall is built; a second study will be taken after the noise wall is built. Ald. Krzeminski moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously.

STAFF REPORTS

42. City Engineer Fitzgerald stated that the sound wall would be delivered next week. Excavation work has begun and they will begin pouring concrete piers tomorrow.

NEW BUSINESS

43. Ald. Krzeminski stated that Comcast does not broadcast Lyons Township HS games or activities. It is possible for Comcast to broadcast those activities but they would have to eliminate service from Triton College. Council agreed to that change. Ald. Michalczyk stated that Countryside is the only city in the LT area with no coverage. This will be on the agenda for the next meeting.

44. Sam and Joan Panopoulos, 1005 55th Place, made Council aware of a problem at Park Avenue and 55th Place. There is a dangerous curve with a blind spot even though speed limit is 10 mph, cars speed down the street. There are 23 children on the block; some intervention is needed, either a stop sign or speed bumps. They have a petition signed by concerned residents. Chief Swanson will do a traffic study and report to Council. The City must create an ordinance for a stop sign; this will be on the agenda for the next meeting.

45. Roger Marinkoff officially thanked the Mayor and Council for their efforts in annexing the 5th Avenue Cutoff into the City of Countryside; residents are very grateful. He gave Council an addendum to the original petition with 14 additional signatures.

ADJOURNMENT

46.There being no further business to discuss, Ald. Straza moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously.

Mayor LeGant declared the meeting adjourned at 8:57 p.m.

SHIRLEY C. HERBERTS, CITY CLERK