West Cook News

City of Countryside City Council met June 28.

Here is the minutes as provided by the council:

A. Call to Order – Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Alderman Von Drasek, as Mayor Pro Tem for

tonight's meeting

B. Roll Call

City Clerk Burdett called the Roll of those physically present as follows:

Present: Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Von Drasek,

Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn, City Clerk

Burdett, Treasurer Stancik

Absent: Mayor McDermott

Also Present: City Administrator Paul, Police Chief Ford, Asst. City Administrator

Peterson, City Attorney Peck, City Engineer Fitzgerald, Finance

Director Schutter

C. Omnibus Agenda

1. The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 14, 2017 were previously distributed to the

members of the City Council. Mayor Pro Tem Von Drasek 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 June 28, 2017: $346,088.60.

I move to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of June 14, 2017 and to approve the

Statement of Bills through June 28, 2017 in the amount of $346,088.60.

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: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk,

Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn

Nay: 0

D. Communications from the Public

1. Bart Elizi, owner of Subway on 55th & Plainfield Road, asked the Council to vote against the

proposed minimum wage increase that takes effect July 1, 2017. This measure will be extremely

hurtful to small businesses in the City; his employees earn $12/hr. Other municipalities including

Hodgkins, Westchester, Western Springs, Orland Park and Lemont all opted out; it is difficult for

small businesses to compete in this atmosphere.

2. Sandy Dogan, Ledo’s Pizza, 6013 S. Kensington, echoed the sentiments of the previous speaker.

It is very difficult to compete; high school students usually quit before the two-week training

period is completed; taxes, unemployment, Workers Comp. – all go up as well. Career

employees make $15/16/ hour. Do high schoolers need a livable wage for entry-level jobs?

3. Alderman Musillami stated that seasonal workers and high schoolers do not fall under the

minimum wage requirement. Mr. Elizi stated that entry-level jobs are not meant to support a

mortgage; it is supplemental income for youngsters getting their first jobs. Consider the sugar

tax going into effect on the same day, which will increase the cost of soft drinks; today more

customers request water. The increase will be devastating to small businesses.

4. Shannon Rapp, 5533 Catherine, has a small business, taking care of seniors. She will also have to

pay sick days to part-time employees in addition to minimum wage. All other expenses such as

Workers comp, liability insurance, etc. go up; how does she make a living? Please consider the

plight of the small businesses in the City.

E. Mayor's Report

1. Mayor Pro Tem Von Drasek sought consideration of a Class CC Special Event Liquor License

application and fee waiver request submitted by the Countryside Business Association for the

CBA Carnival July 13-16, 2017.

A motion was made by Alderman Mikolyzk, seconded by Alderman Finn, that this

matter be Approved. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk,

Alderman Musillami, Alderman Finn

Nay: 0

Abstain: 1 Alderman Benson

2. Mayor Pro Tem Von Drasek sought consideration of a Raffle License application and fee waiver

request submitted by the Countryside Business Association for the CBA Carnival July 13-16, 2017.

A motion was made by Alderman Mikolyzk, seconded by Alderman Finn, that this

matter be Approved. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk,

Alderman Musillami, Alderman Finn

Nay: 0

Abstain: 1 Alderman Benson

3. Mayor Pro Tem Von Drasek sought consideration of a Raffle License application and fee waiver

request submitted by the Rotary Club of Countryside for the CBA Carnival July 13-16, 2017.

A motion was made by Alderman Benson, seconded by Alderman Finn, that this

matter be Approved. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 5 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Benson,

Alderman Musillami, Alderman Finn

Nay: 0

Abstain: 1 Alderman Mikolyzk

F. City Clerk’s Report - No Report

G. Treasurer’s Report - No Report

H. Committee and Commission Reports for Discussion, Consideration and, if so

Determined, Action Upon:

1. Economic Development

a. Alderman Musillami reported that Terry’s Bike Shop is back in their home and open to

the public after a long time. Hyundai is moving very fast with their building on LaGrange

Road.

2. Finance Committee

a. Treasurer Stancik sought consideration to waive the formal bidding process and approve

an agreement with Proven Business Systems for the purchase of Laserfiche Document

Management Software in the amount of $46,535. There were some questions at the

Finance Committee Meeting; Finance Director Schutter will address those concerns. The

primary reason for the shift to digitized paper storage is the move to the new City Hall.

Staff is being proactive in planning for the move and eventual automation of processes

and documents. In discussions with Troy Carrigan and in demoing software products,

comparing prices and speaking to other municipalities and service providers, it was

determined that the Laserfiche software solution implemented and serviced through

Proven IT provides the best alternative. It will also integrate very well with the new

software which the City will be considering in the next fiscal year budget. This is not a

budgeted item; Proven IT was the lowest cost service provider.

A motion was made by Alderman Musillami, seconded by Alderman Finn, that this

matter be Approved. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk,

Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn

Nay: 0

b. Treasurer Stancik sought consideration of a Resolution approving the annual Prevailing

Wage for 2017.

A motion was made by Alderman Benson, seconded by Alderman Finn, that this

matter be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk,

Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn

Nay: 0

Clerk Burdett declared that this will be known as Resolution 17-12-R.

3. Human Resources Committee- No Report

4. Infrastructure Committee

a. Alderman Von Drasek sought consideration of an Ordinance amending the Rental

Inspection Program. At the committee meeting amendments were made pertaining to

the definition of immediate family members living on the premises. Assistant

Administrator Ms. Peterson provided the details: if a multi-unit property is owner

-occupied and a family member is living in one of the units, that unit will still be

inspected but there will be no charge. The annual fee of $50 and inspection fee of $135

every four years will both be waived. However, if a non-related renter resides in the

same building or an adjacent building, the fee will be charged as previously determined.

Updated definitions of family members are included in the Ordinance.

A motion was made by Alderman Musillami, seconded by Alderman Benson,

that this matter be Approved. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk,

Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn

Nay: 0

Clerk Burdett declared that this will be known as Ordinance 17-19-O.

b. Alderman Von Drasek attended an Aging Care meeting this morning. He urged residents

to attend the September 17, 2017 Sports Ball for their aging parents at the Marriott in

Burr Ridge. Tickets may be obtained online; for any businesses that would like to

donate, it is a very worthy event. Aging Care is committed to keeping Seniors in their

homes as long as possible. It is a casual event; guests will be comfortable in sportsrelated

gear.

5. License Committee – No Report

6. Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals—No Report

7. Police Committee

a. Alderman Finn sought consideration to approve the hire of one probationary police

officer from the new list.

A motion was made by Alderman Jasinski, seconded by Alderman Mikolyzk,

that this matter be Approved. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk,

Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn

Nay: 0

b. Alderman Finn sought consideration to waive the formal bidding process to purchase incar

cameras and back end software from L3 in the amount of $32,000. He asked Police

Chief Ford to explain further. He stated that currently the police have used the L3 incar

cameras since 2012. The technology is becoming obsolete and the back end

software is running on a Windows 7 platform, not supported by Microsoft any longer.

The City has upgraded to Windows 10. The cameras are failing; they are a vital part of

visual evidence for any civil proceedings. This purchase would update the system to high

definition functionality; it is a sole proprietor. Alderman Finn stated that the correct

figure is $31,624.00; that does not include the server purchased through IT. Alderman

Von Drasek asked if any drug forfeiture money could be used for this purpose. Chief

Ford stated that no funds are available for this type of purchase.

A motion was made by Alderman Mikolyzk, seconded by Alderman Benson,

that this matter be Approved. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk,

Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn

Nay: 0

8. Recreation Committee

a. Alderman Jasinski stated that the City is half way through the Concert Series. Tomorrow

night is the fourth concert; he looks forward to seeing everyone in the park.

9. Water Committee

a. Alderman Benson sought consideration to waive the formal bidding process and

approve the purchase of a 2017 Ford Van from Westfield Ford in the amount of

$24,297.15 for the Water Department.

A motion was made by Alderman Musillami, seconded by Alderman Finn,

that this matter be Approved. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk,

Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn

Nay: 0

b. Alderman Benson sought consideration of a Resolution approving the renewal of a

water supply agreement with the Village of Indian Head Park.

A motion was made by Alderman Jasinski, seconded by Alderman Mikolyzk,

that this matter be Approved. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk,

Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn

Nay: 0

Clerk Burdett declared that this will be known as Resolution 17-13-R.

c. Alderman Benson sought consideration of a Resolution approving the renewal of a

water supply agreement with the LaGrange Highlands Sanitary District.

A motion was made by Alderman Jasinski, seconded by Alderman Mikolyzk,

that this matter be Approved. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk,

Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn

Nay: 0

Clerk Burdett declared that this will be known as Resolution 17-14-R.

d. Alderman Benson sought consideration of an Ordinance authorizing a water rate

increase. The water rates were increased by the City of Chicago, through Hodgkins and

to Countryside; that rate increase will be passed along to customers.

A motion was made by Alderman Musillami, seconded by Alderman Finn,

that this matter be Approved. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk,

Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn

Nay: 0

Clerk Burdett declared that this will be known as Ordinance 17-20-O.

e. Alderman Benson noted that bids on the Catherine Avenue Water Main Replacement

will be discussed in detail by City Engineer Fitzgerald later in the meeting. There has

been a substantial savings of approximately $65,000 from the engineer's estimate.

10. Flagg Creek Advisory Board—No Report

I. Legal Report—No Report

J. City Administrator’s Report

1. City Administrator Paul sought consideration of an addendum to the Dewberry Architect's

Agreement regarding relocation of the LaGrange Highlands Water Main. The water main

runs through the new City Hall site at 803 Joliet Road; that was not apparent on the survey

prior to purchasing the property. It is currently in use by LGHSD. They never received an

easement to install the water main in that location. It is imperative that this main be

relocated. In an effort to expedite this process, Ericsson Architects have agreed to use their

civil engineer to design the facility for the relocated main for $4,300. LGHSD will reimburse

the City for this expense. Staff recommends approval of the addendum to Dewberry's

agreement pending approval by LGHSD. The City attorney is drafting an agreement between

the City and LGH regarding reimbursement. The project will go out to bid as part of the site

work so that all site work is completed in the Fall, and construction may begin in Spring

2018. Alderman Musillami asked about demolition. Ms. Paul stated that bids are due in

August for all site work, including demolition.

A motion was made by Alderman Benson, seconded by Alderman Jasinski,

that this matter be Approved. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk,

Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn

Nay: 0

2. City Administrator Paul sought consideration of an event services agreement with Sports Base

Events Inc., dba One2Go for administering the inaugural Countryside Criterium Race in the

amount of $2,875.00. The Recreation Committee directed Staff to work with the CBA on a

race to take place August 5, 2017. It will be in Ward 2, off Willow Springs Road in a loop from

Lorraine Drive, to Forestview Road to Sunset Avenue and 71st St. Ultimate Pro Bikes on Joliet

Road is working with the City; they recommend using Sports Base Events to administer the

race. They bring cameras, timers, set up start and finish lines; all race results will be posted on

social media immediately. All the professionals know that this company is legitimate and holds

a well-run race. The City recommends entering into the agreement. Autobarn VolkswagenSubaru

has agreed to sponsor the event for $5K to cover the cost.

Alderman Benson stated that food vendors and entertainment for children, etc. will also be

used; it will be an "event" like a block party including a band. Buckle Down Brewery will be

there and a few CBA food vendors – Ledo’s has agreed to participate. This will be a race and

festival; the races begin at 8 am and end at 2:20 p.m. with seven categories beginning with

amateurs, a fun race for residents (cost $5); anyone completing the race will get a $5  Andy’s

gift card. The professionals will finish the race. Alderman Mikolyzk asked whether residents in

those areas are aware of this event. Ms. Paul stated that all residents in the area were

notified; parking seemed to be the major concern. The City will send another mailing out on

July 5 identifying the parking areas. Residents can park Friday evening until Saturday

afternoon; all business owners gave permission for the parking. Alderman Von Drasek is

concerned about police assistance for vehicles exiting the area. There is a 10-minute window

in between races where residents may walk across; those scheduled times will be identified.

The vendors will be near 67th & Lorraine Drive. Paramedics and an ambulance will be on scene

as well.

A motion was made by Alderman Mikolyzk, seconded by Alderman Finn,

that this matter be Approved. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk,

Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn

Nay: 0

K. Staff Reports

1. Chief of Police

a. Police Chief Ford stated that a contest is being held among several suburbs re: the Kelli

Joy O’Laughlin CUP – to collect pop tops for the Ronald McDonald House – a fantastic

cause. The contest runs through October 1, 2017; please drop your pop tops off at the

police station. The winning community will get a Trophy at the 5K Kelli O’Laughlin Race.

b. Officer DiGangi will receive an Honorable Mention for an incident that happened on

June 13 wherein he encountered an armed gunman in the area, arrested him and

recovered a.40 caliber gun. His actions saved lives for which he deserves the Honorable

Mention.

2. Assistant City Administrator

a. Ms. Peterson sought consideration of a Local Public Agency Agreement for Federal

Participation in the ITEP Program – for the streetscape project on LaGrange Road. Work

should begin in six weeks; agreements need to be approved.

A motion was made by Alderman Musillami, seconded by Alderman Jasinski,

that this matter be Approved. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk,

Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn

Nay: 0

b. Ms. Peterson sought consideration of a Resolution Committing the Local Match Funding

for the ITEP Project.

A motion was made by Alderman Musillami, seconded by Alderman Mikolyzk,

that this matter be Approved. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk,

Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn

Nay: 0

Clerk Burdett declared that this will be known as Resolution 17-15-R.

c. Ms. Peterson sought consideration of a construction Agreement Authorizing Novotny

Engineering as the Construction Engineer for the ITEP Project.

A motion was made by Alderman Mikolyzk, seconded by Alderman Finn,

that this matter be Approved. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk,

Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn

Nay: 0

3. City Engineer

a. City Engineer Fitzgerald sought consideration to award a contract for the Catherine

Avenue Water Main Replacement Project. Bids were opened yesterday; the low bidder

was Riccio Construction Corp. for $217,000.00, which is $65K below the engineer's

estimate.

A motion was made by Alderman Benson, seconded by Alderman Musillami,

that this matter be Approved. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk,

Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn

Nay: 0

L. Business from The City Council for Discussion, Consideration and, if so Determined,

Action Upon: None

M. Adjournment

A motion was made by Alderman Benson, seconded by Alderman Jasinski that

this meeting be Adjourned. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Mikolyzk,

Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn

Nay: 0

Mayor Pro Tem Von Drasek declared the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

https://www.countryside-il.org/agendas-minutes/june-28-2017/