City Profile Programs and Services Info Resources Links
City Profile Banner
Site Map Search Home
OverviewAgendas and MinutesCity CodeCity Map
City NewsletterEmployment OpportunitiesForms and PermitsMailing List
Site AtlasClick here for VideosCity Employee Mail LoginPolice Employee Mail Login


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

 

City Profile  |  Programs and Services  |  Info Resources  |  Links

Home  |  Search  |  Site Map

The City of Countryside, Illinois
5550 East Avenue
Countryside, Illinois  60525
Phone:  (708)354-7270
Fax:  (708)354-9445
E-mail:  cityhall@countryside-il.org

Promotional Website: www.gocountryside.net
This page last modified 01.09.2008.
All information © 2008 City of Countryside

Site Use Policy

Site Design/Development by
Municipal Web Services

 

 

Copyright 2008, City of Countryside