City Council Minutes - July 23rd, 2008

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 2008

1. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, Mayor Conrad called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.  City Clerk Sweeney called the Roll of those physically present:

PRESENT: Mayor Robert Conrad, Aldermen Wayne Straza, Karen Michalczyk, John Von Drasek, Robert Pondelicek

ABSENT: Ald. Smetana, Ald. McDermott, Admin. Bailey

ALSO PRESENT:   City Clerk Sweeney, City Treasurer Jasinski,  City Attorney Peck, Asst. Admin. Peterson, Deputy Chief Novak, City Eng. Fitzgerald, Fin. Dir. Paul, PC/ZBA Members Jasinski and Gonzalez.

OMNIBUS AGENDA

2. Approval of Minutes of July 9,  2008.

3. Statement of Bills through July 23, 2008:  $232,426.68.

4. Ald. Straza moved to approve the Omnibus Agenda as presented, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

ADDITIONS TO AND/OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA

5. One addition to the Agenda was noted by Mayor Conrad.

QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE – none

MAYOR’S  REPORT

6. Mayor Conrad announced that he will be out of town from July 29 to Friday, August 1, 2008 and is appointing Ald. Karen Michalczyk as Mayor Pro Tem for that period of time. Ald. Straza moved to approve the appointment, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously– 4/0/2.

7. Mayor Conrad announced the appointment of Ronald Belmonte of Robert S. Molaro Associates as Municipal Adjudication Officer for the City of Countryside. Ald. Straza moved to approve the appointment, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously – 4/0/2.

8. Mayor Conrad stated that at the last Economic Development Committee meeting members approved the selection of a Developer’s Ad Hoc Committee which will be in existence from the present time to at least April 2009.  Committee members will  consist of Administrator Bailey, CDD Onderdonk, Treasurer Steve Jasinski, Ald. John Von Drasek and Ald. Sean McDermott.  Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve the Ad Hoc Committee members, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously – 4/0/2.

9. Mayor Conrad recognized the accomplishments of PC/ZBA members Chris Gonzalez and  James Jasinski for the successful completion of the IU web based training program for new Plan Commissioners.  Also recognized, but not in attendance tonight, is Tina Grotzke along with Chris Gonzalez, for the successful completion of the Chicago Metropolitan Area Planning Agency Seminar for new Plan Commissioners.  Kudos to all members; it shows that they care about the job they are doing for the City by furthering their education in planning matters.  Mayor Conrad congratulated them on a job well done.

10. Mayor Conrad encouraged attendance at the Local Officials’ Day 2008 at the Illinois State Fair on Saturday, August 9.  The Deadline to RSVP is August 1, 2008.  Mayor Conrad will attend. It is an enjoyable day at the Fair; it gives officials from other areas of the State a chance to get together with their counterparts.

CITY  CLERK’S  REPORT

11. City Clerk Sweeney presented the recommendation to adopt a resolution to release certain executive session minutes as listed on Schedule A and Schedule B of the memorandum dated July 21, 2008. Ald. Von Drasek moved to approve the list as presented, seconded by Ald.  Pondelicek and carried unanimously – 4/0/2.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as RESOLUTION 08-15-R.

COMMITTEE  REPORTS

12. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN MC DERMOTT, CHAIRMAN (absent)– Ald. Michalczyk presented the recommendation to approve the Countryside Commercial Corridor Development Plan/Vision as presented by Economic Research Associates (ERA).  Ald. Von Drasek moved to concur with the recommendation, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously by Roll Call vote – 4/0/2.

13. Ald. Michalczyk presented the recommendation to approve the list of six developers to be interviewed by the Ad Hoc Committee.  Ald. Von Drasek moved to concur with the recommendation, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously.

14. INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN MICHALCZYK, CHAIRMAN, presented the recommendation to approve execution of the ComEd Customer Work Agreement and $133,914 for the IDOT ITEP LaGrange Road Streetscape project. Ald. Pondelicek moved to concur, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously.

15. Ald. Michalczyk presented the recommendation to approve the City Administrator to execute the ComEd Customer Work Agreement.  Ald. Pondelicek moved to concur, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried unanimously.

16. WATER COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN STRAZA, CHAIRMAN, presented recommendations from the committee meeting held earlier this evening.  Ald. Straza presented the recommendation to accept M.E. Simpson’s contract for meter testing.  Ald. Von Drasek moved to concur, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously.

17. Ald. Straza presented the recommendation to accept M.E. Simpson’s contract for fire hydrant flow testing for $22,900.  Ald. Michalczyk moved to concur, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously.

18. Ald. Straza stated that the recommendation to accept Wright Water Systems’ contract for hydrant cleaning and painting is tabled for further discussion and review.

19. The agreement with Hodgkins for emergency water purchases is tabled at present for further discussion and review.

20. Ald. Straza presented the recommendation to advertise the Joliet Road water main replacement project.   Ald. Von Drasek moved to concur, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously.

21. RECREATION COMMITTEE – ALDERMAN VON DRASEK, CHAIRMAN, announced that the 2008 PonyTail Softball Picnic will take place on Friday, August 22 at Countryside Park before the Movie.  Each player will receive various food items.  He encouraged all residents to attend the event.  

22. Ald. Von Drasek also announced that tomorrow night is the final concert of the Summer with Maggie Speaks. Crowds have been great; it’s been a good season.

LEGAL  REPORT

23. City Attorney Peck presented the PC/ZBA recommendation to amend Section 10-5E-4 and 10-5E-6 to provide for lot area requirements and structure requirements.  At the hearing held on July 1, 2008, the PC/ZBA adopted the International Building Code for those two portions of the Zoning Code.  Ald.  Von Drasek moved to concur, with the recommendation, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried by unanimous Roll Call vote – 4/0/2.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 08-36-O.

24. Attorney Peck presented a draft ordinance with regard to adopting revised Park Rules.  Mr. Norman suggested closing of the Tot Lot and Skate Park at dusk. These rules apply to all parks in the City. Ald. Von Drasek moved to adopt the revised rules with the changes above, seconded by Ald. Straza and carried by Roll Call vote – 4/0/2.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 08-37-O.

25. Attorney Peck discussed the sales tax revenue sharing program with AutoBarn.  He spoke with Mr. Fisher and Ms. Paul regarding the numbers.  Three matters are at issue:  1) term of the agreement – 15 v. 10 years -- after reviewing figures it really doesn’t make much of a difference since the agreement cap should terminate in 8-9 years. 2) sum total of $2 million v. $2.125 million – no big difference over 15 years and Fisher will expand the site. 3)  term commencing in January 2008 retroactively v. when the addition is completed.  If Council agrees to these items, they can go forward or else continue the matter for further discussion at the Finance Committee level. Fisher would like to see something accomplished tonight.  Mayor Conrad agreed – this is a great opportunity to partner with Mr. Fisher and the AutoBarn Group for the next 15 years. Council members agreed to 15 years, $2.125 million and the retroactive date. Ald. Straza moved to approve the sales tax revenue sharing program with Mazda AutoBarn for a period of 15 years with a total cap of $2.125 million commencing retroactively as of January 1, 2008, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried by Roll Call vote – 4/0/2.  Mayor Conrad believes that Mr. Fisher will become a true partner in this venture.

Clerk Sweeney declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 08-38-O.

ADMINISTRATOR’S  REPORT

26. Asst. Admin. Peterson presented engineer’s estimate #5 and final for the 2007 Street & Alley Rehabilitation project to Central Blacktop Co. in the amount of $33,026.62. Ald. Michalczyk moved to approve payment, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously – 4/0/2.

27. Ms. Peterson presented the recommendation to amend the FGM Architectural Agreement to include services completing the rehabilitation of Hollands, City and Srejma-Michalek Parks for the sum of $45,240. Staff recommends that FGM complete the services on these three parks.  Ald. Von Drasek moved to concur with the recommendation, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously – 4/0/2.  Ald. Pondelicek stated that the total cost for renovation of these three parks is over $225,000; the money has been budgeted, work must be completed in FY 2009.

28. Ms. Peterson presented the recommendation to extend the YMCA agreement to offer T-Ball and Soccer programs during the 2008 Fall Season at Ideal School Park for $250.  Ald. Von Drasek moved to concur, seconded by Ald. Michalczyk and carried unanimously – 4/0/2.

29. Ms. Peterson sent an E-mail re: the Community Map from the Chamber of Commerce.  In the past the City has placed an ad in the brochure for $3,995; this covers the entire West Suburban area.  Ald. Michalczyk suggested that the City forego this expense during these trying economic times.  Ald. Michalczyk moved to deny the request for the ad, seconded by Ald. Von Drasek and carried unanimously – 4/0/2.

30. Financial Director Gail Paul stated that the City is scheduled to close on the Ethan Allen property tomorrow.  Mayor Conrad gave the keys to Dodge City to the Police Department.

ADJOURNMENT

31. There being no further business to discuss, Ald. Von Drasek moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ald. Pondelicek and carried unanimously. 

Mayor Conrad declared the meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

SHARON SWEENEY,  CITY CLERK

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