MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2003

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

PRESENT: Mayor Carl LeGant, Aldermen Wayne Straza, Karen Michalczyk, Michael Smetana, Edward Krzeminski, Joseph Fajdich

ABSENT: Ald. Robert Conrad, City Administrator Bailey

ALSO PRESENT: City Clerk Herberts, City Treasurer Stoffels, City Attorney Erik Peck, Police Chief Swanson, City Engineer Fitzgerald, Deputy Treasurer Wenzel, Police/Fire Bd Members Welch, Pondelicek, City Inspectors Sweeney, DeMaertelaere, ESDA Dir. Norman

OMNIBUS AGENDA

2. Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 10, 2003.

3. Statement of Bills for the period ending September 24, 2003.

4. Treasurer’s Report for the period ending August 31, 2003.

5. Membership: West Suburban Chiefs of Police – Deputy Police Chief – $50.

6. Membership: Government Finance Officer’s Association – Deputy Treasurer – $140.

7. Membership: International Association of Electrical Inspectors – Electrical Inspector $90.

8. Ald. Krzeminski moved, seconded by Ald. Straza, to approve the Omnibus Agenda as presented. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

ADDITIONS TO AND/OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA – none

QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE – none

MAYOR’S REPORT

9. Mayor LeGant announced that former Alderman Donald Conrad passed away. Alderman Robert Conrad is absent tonight attending his father’s wake. Ald. Don Conrad served the City for many years and was part of the City’s incorporation. He served as Alderman for 15 years. Mayor LeGant also announced that Mr. McAlister’s wife passed away and is being waked at the same funeral home, Hallowell and James. Mr. McAlister was a former Commissioner on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Both funerals will be held tomorrow.

10. Mayor LeGant administered the Oath of Office to Patrolman John Mikel appointing him to the Office of Sergeant in the Countryside Police Department. Council congratulated Sergeant Mikel on his appointment.

11. Mayor LeGant administered the Oath of Office to Nathan McDonald appointing him as a Probationary Officer in the City of Countryside. Council congratulated Patrolman McDonald on his appointment.

12. Mayor LeGant recognized Martin Sweeney, Electrical Inspector, for his 15 years of service to the City and awarded him a token of appreciation from the City Council.

13. Mayor LeGant recognized Paul DeMaertelaere, Plumbing Inspector, for his 25 years of service to the City and awarded him a token of appreciation from the City Council.

14. Mayor LeGant read aloud and presented the Certificate of Recognition to Mrs. Genowefa Boduch, a 35-year resident of Countryside, who will celebrate her 100th Birthday on September 26. Her grandson was present to accept the certificate on her behalf.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

15. FINANCE COMMITTEE – TREASURER STOFFELS, CHAIRMAN, presented engineer’s pay estimate #4 for the 2003 Water Main Replacement to Unique Plumbing Company of Brookfield, IL in the amount of $27,661.50. Ald. Krzeminski moved, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk, to approve the expenditure. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

16. Treasurer Stoffels presented engineer’s pay estimate #1 for the 2003 Sidewalk Replacement Project to Strada Construction of Algonquin, in the amount of $39, 683.34. Ald. Straza moved, seconded by Ald. Fajdich, to approve the expenditure. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

17. BUILDING COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN FAJDICH, CHAIRMAN, presented the recommendations from the meeting earlier tonight — to consider action on the request of James and Claudia Ruich for relief from Plumbing Code requirements. They built a new addition on their home; the incoming service line is only 3/4″; the City requires a one inch line. The committee approved a 90-day up to one year extension to comply with the requirement and hold their bond. Ald. Fajdich moved, seconded by Ald. Krzeminski, to concur with the recommendation. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

18. Ald. Fajdich stated that the committee reviewed the requirements on the site plan for Camboni Mobile Home Park. Additional discussion is needed. Mr. Camboni seeks to put two new units on site; the committee agreed to allow him to do so. In the future a Plat of Survey will be necessary for any further additions. Ald. Fajdich moved, seconded by Ald. Smetana, to allow the request in compliance with the City Code. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

19. Ald. Fajdich stated that the 1993 BOCA Code has expired and the Committee has now reviewed the combined 2003 International BOCA Code. The City would like to adopt the International Building Codes, the Fuel and Gas Code, Fire Code, Plumbing Code, Electrical Code, Property Maintenance Code and Residential Code. Ald. Fajdich moved, seconded by Ald. Smetana, to adopt the above Codes. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Clerk Herberts declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 03-32-O.

20. WATER COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN STRAZA, CHAIRMAN, stated that the committee discussed plans for the 2004 Water Main Replacement project and recommended action be taken to proceed with the planned expenditures financed by the Water Fund. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Fajdich, to proceed with the project. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. The three locations for the water main are 58th St. from LaGrange Road to East Avenue; 7th Avenue North of 56th St. to dead end; and 55th St. from LaGrange Road to East Avenue. The approximate cost at this time is $800,000. Mayor LeGant stated that this is the City’s continuing plan to upgrade amenities. The original cast-iron water mains were laid in 1965.

21. RECREATION COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN CONRAD, CHAIRMAN (absent) – Ald. Smetana presented the request to participate in the Community Tree Trim project at Brookfield Zoo during their Holiday Magic program. The cost is $100.00. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Krzeminski, to participate in the Brookfield Zoo Tree Trim project. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

22. POLICE COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN CONRAD, CHAIRMAN (absent) – Ald. Smetana presented the request of Chief Swanson to upgrade the current Dictaphone system at a cost of $3,393.80. This includes the Freedom Authentication Kit and Time Sync Kit. This system is needed to present these recordings in court as original and untampered documents. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Fajdich, to approve the request to upgrade the Dictaphone system at a cost of $3,393.80. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

23. Ald. Smetana noted that Chief Swanson has requested approval to start up a canine unit again due to the passing of Ajax last year; the cost for the canine and training from Landheim Kennels is $8,000. Funds will come from the narcotics asset forfeiture fund and would not require funding from any corporate revenues. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Straza, to approve the start up of a canine unit in Countryside. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Ald. Straza complimented Chief Swanson on his efforts.

24. Ald. Krzeminski recently returned from the Illinois Municipal League with information from the Director of Revenue of the State of Illinois regarding interstate taxes on Internet purchases called a user tax. The City’s share was $6,250 on products purchased out-of-state but used in Illinois.

LEGAL REPORT

25. City Attorney Erik Peck presented the recommendation of the PC/ZBA on the application of Kathleen Deets to amend Title 10 to add dog grooming as a special use in the B-1 Retail Business District, with no overnight boarding of animals permitted. At the hearing held on September 2, 2003, there were no objections, either written or oral. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Straza, to make dog grooming a special use in the B-1 District. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Clerk Herberts declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 03-33-O.

26. Attorney Peck presented the second portion of the above application of Kathleen Deets to allow the special use to operate the dog grooming facility upon the real estate commonly known as 1404-06 W. 55th St. The PC/ZBA held a hearing on September 2, 2003, heard the evidence and found that the applicant met all the requirements for a special use. The recommendation is to permit Kathleen Deets a special use for the operation of a dog grooming facility at 1404-06 W. 55th St. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Straza, to concur with the recommendation of the PC/ZBA. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Clerk Herberts declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 03-34-O.

27. Attorney Peck presented the recommendation of the PC/ZBA on the application of Prafull Patel for a special use to allow a drive-thru facility at the Country Inn Motel, 5631 S. LaGrange Road. On September 2, 2003, a hearing was held in this matter; the PC/ZBA heard all the evidence and found that petitioner failed to establish the requirement for permitting a special use. The recommendation of the PC/ZBA was to deny the recommendation for special use. Ald. Fajdich moved, seconded by Ald. Smetana, to concur with the recommendation. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

28. Mr. Himanshu Modi, Architect, sought to address Council regarding the above matter. His main purpose tonight is to continue the hearing in order to give them time to collect traffic information for further presentation to the PC/ZBA. Council heard his argument and suggested that he contact the State of Illinois to explore additional driveway exits on LaGrange Road. City residents are opposed to having curb cuts on side streets. Mr. Modi stated that the property is 440 feet deep; they would like to get the opinion of a third party. Mayor LeGant suggested that they keep in touch with Mark Muenzer, Economic Development Director and relay information to him regarding their wish to make another presentation to the PC/ZBA if their plans change. They are willing to make changes regarding the curb cuts and would like to continue the hearing. Mr. Peck stated that the special use for the drive-thru facility has been denied. If they present new plans and additional information, they should approach the Building Department to schedule another hearing.

29. Attorney Peck presented the recommendation of the PC/ZBA on the application of David Delach for a variance to provide for building expansion to the Home Depot in a PUD at 140 Countryside Plaza. The PC/ZBA heard all the evidence at the hearing on September 2, 2003; there were no objections to the plan. The recommendation was to approve the special use variation granted to Home Depot subject only to Petitioner’s Exhibit A, the site plan prepared by Greenberg Farrow Architects, with the seasonal sales area being removed from the plan. The recommendation was to approve the special use in conformity with amended Petitioner’s Exhibit A. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Fajdich, to concur with the recommendation of the PC/ZBA. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Clerk Herberts declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 03-35-O.

STAFF REPORTS

30. In Mr. Bailey’s absence, Police Chief Swanson presented the recommendation for a replacement telephone system for the city at a cost of $36,000. The current system is twenty years old. After reviewing various proposals, the Administrator is recommending awarding a contract to Telcom Innovations Group. The plan was reviewed by the City’s technology group, ISI. This telephone system will be integrated with the data and computer lines to provide a cohesive department-wide telephone system network. Second year cost maintenance is estimated at 7.5%. Ald. Krzeminski moved, seconded by Ald. Smetana, to approve the expenditure for a Mitel 3300 ICP system for the City of Countryside to Telcom Innovations Group at the cost not to exceed $36,000. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

31. City Engineer Fitzgerald discussed traffic signal bids at the intersection of Joliet Road and Circuit City at the Quarry Shopping Center. The low bidder was Lyons Electric with a bid of $218,000, which is greater than 10% over the engineer’s estimate. With engineering services and geometric improvements to the intersection including 50′ radius and storage required by IDOT, the entire project comes to $256,000. Half the cost is to be shared with Hodgkins; the overage is $28,000 apiece. Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Krzeminski, to concur with the engineer’s recommendation regarding the traffic signal at Joliet Road at Circuit City contingent on the cost-sharing agreement with Hodgkins. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

32. The final plans on the Kensington Avenue drainage will go out for bids next week.

33. We have FEMA approval regarding 67th St. – 90% of plans are completed and a recommendation will be made at the next meeting. That job may not begin until Spring.

ADJOURNMENT

34. There being no further business to discuss, Ald. Smetana moved, seconded by Ald. Straza, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Mayor LeGant declared the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

SHIRLEY C. HERBERTS, CITY CLERK