City of Countryside Council met March 22.
Here is the minutes provided by the Council:
A. Call to Order – Pledge of Allegiance.
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm.
B. Roll Call
City Clerk Burdett called the Roll of those physically present as follows:
Present: Mayor McDermott, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn, City Clerk Burdett, Treasurer Stancik
Absent: Alderman Von Drasek
Also Present: City Administrator Paul, Police Chief Ford, Asst. City Administrator Peterson, City Attorney Raysa, City Engineer Fitzgerald, Deputy Clerk Carey, Finance Director Schutter, Police Board Members Burdett and Pisone, and former Mayor Robert Conrad
C. Omnibus Agenda
1. The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 8, 2017 were previously distributed to the members of the City Council. Mayor McDermott asked if there were any corrections to be made to said Minutes. There were none.
2. The Statement of Bills was submitted for payment through March 22, 2017 was $509,272.91.
I move to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of March 8, 2017 and to approve the Statement of Bills through March 22, 2017 in the amount of $509,272.91.
A motion was made by Alderman Mikolyzk, seconded by Alderman Musillami, that this matter be approved as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
D. Communications from the Public – None
E. Mayor’s Report
1. Mayor McDermott along with Tim Ryan, presented a check for $20,142.89 to Lindsey Riley of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Proceeds from the Parade will go to the JDRF. Photos of the entire City Council were taken with the oversized presentation check – followed by the official check from the City. An additional donation was made by Police Chief Ford and Officer Bisignani who collected funds from the Cops vs. Kids Basketball Game held last week. They raised $480.00 in donations from citizens of Countryside, Hodgkins and LaGrange. Chief Ford presented the check to Ms. Riley for JDRF.
2. Mayor McDermott presented a cylindrical-shaped figurine award to Tim Ryan as Chairman with the inscription – "In appreciation of our dedication to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, 2016-2017". Thanks to Tim and the large number of volunteers who gave freely of their time and effort; Tim did an outstanding job and we hope he continues in that capacity. Along with that award, Tim’s float was picked as the Top Float In The Parade – and he received the award for the Best Parade Entry. Dual awards were presented to the Heim Family and to Liz Kmet and Val Chrysokos for the Best Party Along the Route. Both parties graciously accepted their awards. The Mayor acknowledged the great community effort put forth; everyone hard work is truly appreciated.
F. City Clerk’s Report - No Report
G. Treasurer’s Report
1. Treasurer Stancik announced the receipt of the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence Award in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) – awarded for the 11th consecutive year to the City of Countryside. Hats off to Finance Director David Schutter and City Administrator Gail Paul for their combined efforts.
H. Committee and Commission Reports for Discussion, Consideration and, if so Determined, Action Upon:
1. Economic Development
a. Alderman Musillami stated that Ettleson Hyundai has submitted their plans and are moving forward; they will break ground on a new dealership in May.
2. Finance Committee
a. Treasurer Stancik sought consideration of the Police Pension contribution request in the amount of $1,009,127.00. An actuarial evaluation has been done. Mayor McDermott reminded residents that this amount will not be added to the property tax bill, like every other municipality in Cook County, thanks to the hard work of the City Council and City Staff.
A motion was made by Alderman Jasinski, seconded by Alderman Benson, that this matter be approved as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
3. Human Resources Committee – No Report
4. Infrastructure Committee
a. Mayor McDermott sought consideration to waive the formal bidding process and approve the purchase of a 2017 Ford F-350 dump truck for DPW from Freeway Ford- Sterling Truck Sales in the amount of $33,801.00.
A motion was made by Alderman Musillami, seconded by Alderman Jasinski, that this matter be approved as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
5. License Committee – No Report
6. Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals
a. City Attorney Raysa sought consideration of an Ordinance approving the 2016 City of Countryside Zoning Map as presented. There were a total of seven zoning changes as stated in the attached memo from the Zoning Administrator.
A motion was made by Alderman Finn, seconded by Alderman Musillami, that this matter be approved as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
Clerk Burdett declared that this will be known as ordinance 17-09-O.
b. Attorney Raysa sought consideration of an Ordinance approving a Final Plat of Subdivision for 5400 S. Catherine Avenue. A copy of the Final Plat was attached subdividing the parcel into Lot 1 and Lot 2.
A motion was made by Alderman Benson, seconded by Alderman Mikolyzk, that this matter be approved as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
Clerk Burdett declared that this will be known as ordinance 17-10-O.
c. Attorney Raysa sought consideration of an Ordinance granting variances for 5400 S. Catherine Avenue. There are four variations to the subject property, the first two reducing each lot width. If there is a detached garage on Lot 1, the corner side yard setback must be 20 feet and remove the asphalt alley behind the property and grade it for topsoil and grass.
A motion was made by Alderman Benson, seconded by Alderman Musillami, that this matter be approved as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
Clerk Burdett declared that this will be known as Ordinance 17-11-O.
7. Police Committee—No Report
8. Recreation Committee
a. Alderman Jasinski stated that the Community Garden is now available for all residents of Countryside who request plots. Plots are 10 x 10 feet. Please visit the website at www.Countryside-il.org or all the Clerk’s Office for more information.
b. An Easter Egg Hunt will take place on Saturday, April 15, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in Countryside Park for all children ages 0-11. The Easter Bunny and Texas Road House Mascot will pass out treats.
c. The Consolidated Election is taking place on April 4th. Be sure to come out and vote. These candidates control many local taxing bodies in the area. Check your polling place locations because some of them have changed.
9. Water Committee – No Report
10. Flagg Creek Advisory Board
a. Alderman Mikolyzk sought consideration to approve a License Agreement between the City of Countryside and Ken Malnar, Golf Instructor.
A motion was made by Alderman Jasinski, seconded by Alderman Benson, that this matter be approved as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
I. Legal Report—No Report
J. City Administrator’s Report
1. City Administrator Paul sought consideration of a recommendation to hire the Frederick Quinn Corporation, as the Construction Manager at Risk for the new City Hall/Police Station project. This is a recommendation to enter into negotiations to hire him; the actual agreement will be brought before City Council for approval.
A motion was made by Alderman Jasinski, seconded by Alderman Finn, that this matter be approved as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
2. Ms. Paul sought consideration to approve a purchase contract with Dynegy for the electric supply to the pumping station. The City went out to bid through NIMEC and Dynegy was the lowest bidder. The rate is very comparable to what the City is paying now. Utility prices are currently at a low level and it was decided to lock in that rate for three years, through 2020.
A motion was made by Alderman Finn, seconded by Alderman Mikolyzk, that this matter be approved as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
3. Ms. Paul presented the 2016 City of Countryside Annual Report in booklet form. She summarized the Cit ’s a hie e e ts. Each Committee recommendation made in support of the City Council are all documented. All decisions made by the City Council are carried out by the Departments. All major accomplishments are summarized by each Department. For the second year in a row the City has been able to abate all property taxes, providing that tax collections are consistent and slightly higher than the previous year. The City will be able to keep ore sales ta es due to Home Depot's Tax Sharing Agreement's expiration in December 2016. There are no further rebates to Home Depot.
a. The Clerk’s Office saw a much higher demand on all residential including the library reimbursement program, now including the McCook Library, as well as pool reimbursements and the cost-sharing Tree Program. Applications have increased by 25% over the last two years, thus causing the City Council to increase funds for that program in 2016.
b. There was an increase of 16% for Building Permits, however, the total value of those permits has decreased. The City is getting smaller projects, more residential projects and less large-scale commercial projects as the vacant lots are filling up. The City implemented an ad campaign with White Sox Radio. Seven car dealerships and the CBA all participated and have continued the program in 2017.
c. A façade loan program was implemented to help businesses improve their property and get low market-rate loans. The City held its first St. Patri k’s Da Parade i. The Depart e t of Pu li Works had o a ide ts or Worker’s Co p lai s for the second year in a row.
d. Three larger businesses have opened in 2016 including Floor & Decor, Chick fil-A and Chipotle. The city looks forward to more in 2017. Mayor McDermott complimented Ms. Paul on a great job well done; outstanding work done by the entire City Staff, City Council, Department of Public Works and the Police Department.
K. Staff Reports
1. Chief of Police
a. Police Chief Ford presented the 2016 Countryside Police Department Annual Report in booklet form. He described the cover, in recognition of 144 Police Officers killed in the line of duty in 2016 – the photo at the top left is from the National Memorial; the lower right-hand photo is from the Police Memorial in Springfield, Illinois. Officers continue to wear memorial armbands in honor of the slain officers.
b. The Countryside Police Department had over 11,000 contacts with citizens in 2016, handling all varieties of calls (major and minor) and for the second year in a row, there has not been one citizen complaint against the Countryside Police Department, constituting a very admirable effort by our police officers. The Police Department is usually the largest portion of the City’s budget, but o er the last three ears, due to the change in scheduling and fiscal responsibility, they saved the City over $300,000.00 in overtime. During 2016 officers had 2,747 hours of training, on average 144 hours of training per officer. The state continues to add mandatory training and the police follow the unfunded mandate. Officers are well-trained and also partner with other jurisdictions such as Hodgkins, combining training efforts to save money.
c. In February 2016, Countryside joined the Smart Team (Suburban Major Accident Reconstruction Team). Since joining them, the Traffic Accident Reconstruction Unit has been on 11 call-outs with three in Countryside. Having access to that team saves manpower while enabling officers to do a thorough investigation.
d. Five officers and two incidents were recognized by City Council for life-saving awards using the Naloxone program relating to opiate overdoses. They also received commendations and awards from other Departments. A huge portion of the booklet is geared towards Community Service, a vital mission and a continuing effort. Finally, improved technology involving camera consolidation into one system. This allows the
Department to move forward proactively. Moving into the new facility will provide the ability to expand the camera system accordingly. Thanks to the City Council for its support and cooperation. Mayor McDermott thanked the Chief for doing a great job and extends the Council's thanks to all officers for the outsdanding work they do everyday. It is greatly appreciated.
2. City Engineer
a. City Engineer Fitzgerald sought consideration of a Resolution authorizing the 2017 CDBG Application for the 2018 Street Rehabilitation Program. The City sought funding for 67th Street, Forestview Road and Parkside Avenue; all in Ward 2.
A motion was made by Alderman Musillami, seconded by Alderman Benson, that this matter be approved as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
Clerk Burdett declared that this will be known as resolution 17-06-R.
L. Business from the City Council for Discussion, Consideration and, if so Determined, Action Upon: - None
M. Adjournment
A motion was made by Alderman Mikolyzk, seconded by Alderman Benson that this meeting be adjourned. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
Mayor McDermott declared the meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.
https://www.countryside-il.org/agendas-minutes/march-22-2017-2/
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