City Council Minutes -
June 11, 2008
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2008
1. After the Pledge of Allegiance to
the Flag, Mayor Conrad called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. City
Clerk Sweeney called the Roll of those physically present:
PRESENT: Mayor Robert Conrad, Aldermen
Wayne Straza, Karen Michalczyk, John Von Drasek, Sean McDermott, Robert
Pondelicek,
ABSENT: Michael Smetana
ALSO PRESENT: City Clerk Sweeney, City
Treasurer Jasinski, City Attorney Peck, City Admin. Bailey, Police
Chief Swanson, City Eng. Fitzgerald, Fin. Dir. Paul, CDD Onderdonk,
Asst. Admin. Peterson, PC/ZBA Meb. Jasinski, Police Comm. Burdett
OMNIBUS AGENDA
2. Approval of Minutes of May 28,
2008.
3. Statement of Bills through June 11,
2008: $578,378.78.
4. Treasurer’s Report – period ending
May 31, 2008.
5. Treasurer’s Report for the year
ended April 30, 2008.
6. Application for a one-day Special
Event License from Max Madsen Countryside Mitsubishi, 6150 LaGrange
Road, to conduct a car show on June 21, 2008 from 3-7 pm.
7. Application for a one-day Special
Event License from Brian Harmon/State Farm, 5343 LaGrange Rd., to
conduct a Customer Appreciation Day – June 27, 2008, 1-6 pm.
8.Application for a general business
license from FODEO, 6504 Joliet Road. Type: Retail. Applicant: Valarie
Moody.
9. Application for a general business
license from RAY STREMSKI, 718 Terry Lane. Type: Home Office (firearms
dealer). Applicant: Ray Stemski.
10. MEMBERSHIP: Illinois City/County
Management Assn. – Administrator - $262.93.
11. Application for a general business
license from DeKoven Group, LLC, 6734 Joliet Road. Type: Financial
Services. Applicant: Michael O’Meara.
12. Ald. Von Drasek added 6737 Willow
Springs Road, Richard Pawula, $5,000 completed project; all proper
paperwork was submitted for the outside holding bond. Ald. Michalczyk
questioned whether a license for firearms from a residence is allowed.
After discussion, this is an Internet business on a direct shipment
basis; another resident is in the same business. Atty. Peck stated that
the Code has no provision for firearms dealer; this is a home office
business license application. Ald. Straza moved to approve the Omnibus
Agenda with the addition, seconded by Ald. McDermott and carried
unanimously.
12A. Further discussion regarding
firearms dealers in the City -- Ald. Michalczyk would like this matter
discussed at the License Committee for this individual and the previous
dealer. Atty. Peck stated that this would involve a text amendment to
the City Code since the City prohibits the sale of firearms in a retail
setting. Ald. McDermott moved to rescind the previous Council vote
regarding this matter, seek a written opinion by the attorney and
continue this to the next meeting, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried
unanimously.
13. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve
the Omnibus Agenda with one addition and one deletion as stated above,
seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously.
ADDITIONS TO AND/OR DELETIONS FROM THE
AGENDA
14. Two additions to the Agenda were noted by Mayor Conrad.
QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE -none
MAYOR’S REPORT
15. Mayor Conrad announced the Best Western Grand Opening and ribbon
cutting is scheduled for Friday, June 20, 2008 from 4-7 p.m. All
residents are welcome.
16. Mayor Conrad announced a sponsorship from Liberty Newspapers
contributing $3,360 toward advertising the Concerts and Movies in the
Park. There is no monetary value; the ads will appear weekly on
Wednesdays in the paper.
17. Mayor Conrad stated that Aldermen Straza, Von Drasek and McDermott
attended the ribbon cutting at Brancato Park. He thanked them for
appearing on behalf of the City. He also thanked Ms. Peterson on doing
a nice job.
18. Mayor Conrad stated that City received information re: the WCMC
annual golf outing on August 13; please advise the Clerk’s Office if
interested in participating.
19. Mayor Conrad stated that the City received the Newsletter from the
Pleasantdale School with a photo of City Council being thanked for the
stage lighting donation.
20. Mayor Conrad stated that City Council will revisit the reimbursement
program for libraries and pools. Budget cuts were made to the program
but the City will reconsider the matter with a view toward possible
reinstatement of the program for residents.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
21. RECREATION COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN VON DRASEK, CHAIRMAN, presented the
recommendation to install surveillance cameras at Countryside Park at a
cost of $54,600 with funds coming from the Drug Forfeiture Fund, and
award the contract to Electrical Services/Contractors, Frankfort, IL The
final issue is line dedication through ATT or Comcast – not yet
confirmed. Ald. McDermott moved to approve the contract, seconded by
Ald. Straza and carried by unanimous voice vote – 5/0/1.
22. Ald. Von Drasek reported that the first Concert in the Park took
place; the weather forecast has not been helpful; he believes the crowd
will enjoy the Jimmy Buffet-like Band. Ald. Von Drasek has received
numerous compliments about the renovated Brancato Park. Ponytail
softball will begin tomorrow – it was also postponed from Monday due to
weather conditions. Ald. Von Drasek noted that Mayor Conrad’s father,
Ald. Donald Conrad, was present for the original dedication of the
park.
23. FINANCE COMMITTEE – TREASURER JASINSKI, CHAIRMAN, presented
recommendations from the committee meeting of 6-4-08:
24. To approve the Engagement Letter from Sikich, LLP for auditing
services for the year ended 4-30-08. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve,
seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously - 5/0/1.
25. To approve participation in the Certificate of Deposit Account
Registry Service (CDARS) Program through the State Bank of Countryside,
to get better interest rates. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve,
seconded by Ald. McDermott and carried unanimously – 5/0/1.
26. To approve participation in the model Natural Gas Franchise
Development project; further research will be conducted. Ald. McDermott
moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously –
5/0/1.
27. To approve an ordinance providing for a first amendment to Ordinance
07-12-O and the City of Countryside Budget for FY 07/08. Fin. Dir. Paul
stated that a few items were not budgeted (property purchase); this will
get the budget in line with actions taken by City Council; this action
can be done throughout the year or at year-end. Ald. Michalczyk moved
to approve, seconded by Ald. McDermott and carried by Roll Call vote –
5/0/1.
Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 08-26-O.
28. To participate in the WSCCI Annual Golf Classic by sponsoring the
dinner for $750 for two dinner participants, Mayor Conrad and Ald.
Straza. Ald. Straza moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and
carried unanimously – 5/0/1.
29. To terminate Crystal Maintenance Services re: the current Custodian
Services contract and enter into a contract with Alpha Building
Maintenance Services in the amount of $1,985 per month. Ald. Michalczyk
moved to approve terminating the contract with Crystal Maintenance
Services, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously – 5/0/1.
30. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve the contract with Alpha Building
Maintenance Services for $1,985 per month, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek
and carried unanimously – 5/0/1.
31. Treasurer Jasinski thanked all participants of the recent Pet
Parade; many thanks for the use of cars from one of the local
dealerships; everyone had a great time.
32. Treasurer Jasinski stated the upcoming Newsletter will contain
information concerning library services, with the help of Serafin and a
note from the Finance Department explaining some of the issues re: the
global and local economy.
33. INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN MICHALCZYK, CHAIRMAN, presented
recommendations from the committee meeting of 6-4-08:
34. To approve the Master Halco fence style at 59th St. and
LaGrange Road as part of the update on the ITEP Streetscape
Improvements. The City could not continue with the wall that was shown
on each corner due to lack of culvert support. Committee recommended
Option 1 which matches the fences. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve the
change, seconded by Ald. McDermott and carried unanimously – 5/0/1.
35. To accept the PC/ZBA recommendation re: Handicapped Parking via
Ordinance. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Straza and
carried by Roll Call vote – 5/0/1.
Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 08-27-O.
36. Ald. McDermott stated that the tentative new date for the Economic
Development Committee meeting is Monday, June 23, 2008 at 6 pm.
37. Ald. Pondelicek stated that at the recent DARE graduation, a
Certificate of Appreciation was awarded to Mayor Conrad and the City for
its support of the program. Mayor Conrad was not able to attend but
appreciates those members who did. Chief Swanson stated that the program
does appreciate the City’s support.
LEGAL REPORT
38. Attorney Peck presented the acceptance of the Plat of Dedication
from Pleasantview Fire Protection District to donate the land needed
for the ITEP landscape improvements at the northeast corner of LaGrange
Road and 57th St. (5745 LaGrange Road). The Fire Protection
District has approved and signed the document. Ald. Michalczyk moved to
accept the Plat of Dedication and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign
it on behalf of the City, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried by
voice vote – 5/0/1.
Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 08-28-O.
39. Attorney Peck presented a draft Resolution adopting the Prevailing
Wage Rate for 2008. The City is required to do so for public works
performed in the City. Ald. McDermott moved to adopt the Prevailing Wage
Rate for 2008, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried by Roll Call vote –
5/0/1.
Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as RESOLUTION 08-11-R.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
40. City Administrator Bailey presented the proposed revision to the
50/50 Tree Removal Program policy, specifically eliminating a portion
of the second paragraph. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve the change,
seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously – 5/0/1.
41. Mr. Bailey sought a motion regarding Countryside’s participation in
the Cook County Urban County CDBG grant program for federal fiscal years
2009, 2010, and 2011. Ald. Michalczyk moved to opt in to the CDBG
program from Cook County, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried
unanimously.
STAFF REPORTS
42. Police Chief Swanson presented the agreement from the Department of
Homeland Security regarding the Interoperable Communications System. He
asked that Attorney Peck review the package and bring back a
recommendation at the next Council meeting. This is a video network
system that would provide a mobile piece plus some stationary pieces for
our community – a total of three cameras and a mobile platform. It is a
standard contract; further information will be provided at a later time.
43. CDD Mr. Onderdonk stated that copies of the ERA background analysis
for the Countryside retail market have been distributed. Please review
that document in advance of the EDC meeting of June 23. Their staff
member will make a presentation at that time; members will review the
draft strategic plan and attempt to translate that information into
specific actions to advance economic development.
44. Asst. Admin. Ms. Peterson presented the invoice from McFarland
Douglas for the first installment on the Holiday Decorations – the third
year of a three-year contract for Memorial Park in the amount of
$6,037.50. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Von
Drasek and carried unanimously – 5/0/1.
ADJOURNMENT
45. There being no further business to discuss, Ald. Von Drasek moved to
adjourn, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously – 5/0/1.
Mayor Conrad declared the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
SHARON SWEENEY, CITY CLERK
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